
Željava Air Base
Explore a colossal, abandoned Cold War airbase carved into a mountain, featuring vast underground tunnels and expansive runways.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Željava Air Base
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a colossal, abandoned Cold War airbase carved into a mountain, featuring vast underground tunnels and expansive runways.
"Absolutely amazing place, definitely will visit again and going to spend more time to explore."

🔦 Bring Powerful Flashlights
Essential for navigating dark tunnels. Your phone light won't be enough!
⚠️ Stay on Paved Paths
Dirt areas might be mined. Stick to roads and runways for safety.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Tunnels
Inside the mountain
Vast, dark, and eerie underground complex that once housed fighter jets. A true urban exploration adventure.

Expansive Runways
Exterior
Long, wide concrete runways that stretch into the landscape, offering a sense of the base's former scale.

Abandoned Structures
Various locations
Remnants of hangars, control towers, and other military buildings, frozen in time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Safety First: Mines and Darkness
History and Exploration Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring Powerful Flashlights
Essential for navigating dark tunnels. Your phone light won't be enough!
⚠️ Stay on Paved Paths
Dirt areas might be mined. Stick to roads and runways for safety.
Visiting Željava Air Base from BiH
Zeljava airbase
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The ground is uneven with debris. Boots are recommended.
🧥 Pack Warm Clothes
It's cool inside the mountain, even on warm days.
The creepy entrance of the Zeljava underground airport, the biggest in Europe which now lies abandoned
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring Powerful Flashlights
Essential for navigating dark tunnels. Your phone light won't be enough!
⚠️ Stay on Paved Paths
Dirt areas might be mined. Stick to roads and runways for safety.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The ground is uneven with debris. Boots are recommended.
🧥 Pack Warm Clothes
It's cool inside the mountain, even on warm days.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile coverage is poor. Essential for navigation.
💨 Consider a Mask
Dampness and dust can be an issue in tunnels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Željava Air Base's immense scale and eerie atmosphere, calling it a 'magnificent' and 'unique' historical site. The free entry and opportunity to explore vast underground tunnels and runways are major draws. However, the lack of adequate lighting and potential safety hazards in unmarked areas require caution and preparation.
"Amazing place. Stay on concrete roads/runways outdoors. Dirt areas CAN/MAY be mined. (Explosives) In mountain airbase is amazing. Bring powergfull lamps. Watch out for loose items hanging in ceiling. (Don't waalk underneath these).
Poor (almost none) mobile coverage (use offline maps).
The site is amazing. Read history online for more information.
Its a free thing to enter. Its chill inside - bring warm clothes and there are stones/scrap/holes on floor so its mandatory (IMHO) to bring lamps for own security.
Expect to use approx 2 hours"
Kristen Nielsen
"Absolutely amazing place, definitely will visit again and going to spend more time to explore. Very unique place and super interesting. Highly recommend to anyone."
Andy Eire
"The fact that this is still open to the public is just awesome to me. You can explore all of the inside of you wanted, but you need to bring a very bright flashlight. We didn't think of that before packing for our holiday, so we couldn't see much of the interior of the base. The exterior and edges are just as impressive however. Just the sheer size of the landing strips and entrances are mindblowing, especially after reading the history of this place. The budget for the project and the important roll this base had in 1991 is insane to think about after seeing it completely abandoned and left to rot by the croatian government. The landing strips are in pretty good condition still, you could speed over the main one at 200 if you wanted. This was one of the highlights for me this holiday, especially considering it was free!"
Niek Janssen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The airbase is located on the border of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Access is typically from the Croatian side. Many visitors drive, as public transport is limited. If coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, be aware of border crossing requirements.
Yes, it's possible to visit from BiH, but ensure you have the necessary documentation for crossing into Croatia. Some visitors have reported successfully accessing it from BiH, but it's crucial to check current border regulations.
Yes, there is parking available, often near the entrances and the souvenir shop. It's generally free or very inexpensive.
A car is highly recommended for reaching and exploring the expansive site. The runways are long and can be driven on, but be mindful of the terrain.
While it's a significant site, signage can be minimal. Using GPS and offline maps is advised.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Željava Air Base is generally free. You can explore the exterior and many of the accessible underground areas without purchasing a ticket.
The site itself is generally accessible at all times. However, the souvenir shop and any on-site facilities may have limited hours, often closing in the early afternoon.
No, the main attraction of the abandoned airbase is free to enter and explore.
While much of the base is accessible, some areas might be restricted or unsafe. Always exercise caution and avoid areas that appear unstable.
The souvenir shop typically closes around 2 PM (1400), so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to purchase items.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find vast underground tunnels, expansive runways, abandoned hangars, and remnants of military infrastructure. It's a fascinating look at a Cold War relic.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the site, depending on how much of the underground sections they wish to delve into.
Exercise extreme caution. Bring powerful flashlights, watch for loose debris, and be aware of potential hazards like unstable ceilings. Stick to marked paths.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must due to uneven terrain. Bring a flashlight and consider warm layers as it's cooler inside the mountain.
Children can visit, but exploring the tunnels might be challenging due to darkness and uneven ground. The exterior and runways are generally safe and impressive for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant on-site that serves food, but it closes around 8 PM (2000). It's advisable to check their exact hours.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring. There are no other dining options nearby.
Dining options are scarce in the immediate vicinity. The on-site restaurant is the most convenient choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The entrances to the underground tunnels, the vast runways, and the abandoned hangars offer dramatic photographic opportunities. The sheer scale is impressive.
Yes, photography is allowed. However, you'll need a powerful flashlight to illuminate your shots in the dark underground sections.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the runways and tunnels. A good flashlight is essential for interior shots.
Drone usage may be restricted due to its former military nature and proximity to borders. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Cold War History
The base was operational until the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991. During the Yugoslav Wars, it suffered damage and was subsequently abandoned. Today, it stands as a haunting monument to the Cold War era, a stark reminder of geopolitical tensions and military might. Exploring its decaying structures and vast underground network offers a unique historical perspective, allowing visitors to imagine its former glory and strategic importance.
Navigating the Base: Safety and Exploration
Given the remote location and the nature of the site, mobile phone coverage is poor, often connecting to Bosnian networks even when on the Croatian side. Therefore, downloading offline maps before your visit is essential for navigation. The air inside the tunnels can be damp and dusty, leading some to suggest bringing a mask. Finally, remember that the underground sections can be cool, so packing warm clothing is advisable, even during warmer months.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit