Željava air base
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Željava Air Base

4.8
·446 reviews·Željava, Croatia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Željava air base

Željava Air Base

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(446 reviews)

"Absolutely amazing place, definitely will visit again and going to spend more time to explore."

Vertical photo
TIP

🔦 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Tunnels

Underground Tunnels

Inside the mountain

Vast, dark, and eerie underground complex that once housed fighter jets. A true urban exploration adventure.

Expansive Runways

Expansive Runways

Exterior

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

Abandoned Structures

Abandoned Structures

Various locations

Remnants of hangars, control towers, and other military buildings, frozen in time.

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Planning Your Visit

Safety First: Mines and Darkness

While exploring the Željava Air Base, stick to paved roads and runways. Unmarked dirt areas may be mined. Bring powerful flashlights for the underground tunnels, as visibility is extremely poor. Mobile service is unreliable; download offline maps.

History and Exploration Tips

This abandoned Cold War-era airbase offers a unique glimpse into the past. Allocate at least 2 hours for exploration. Consider warm clothing for the cool underground temperatures and sturdy footwear due to debris on the ground.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Souvenir shop open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fyp #foryou #urbex #mig21 #urbexworld #urbexpeople #croatia #urbexcroatia #warthunder #zeljavaairbase #airbase #abandoned #exp #viral
@urbex053
49K likes • 1M views

🔦 Bring Powerful Flashlights

Essential for navigating dark tunnels. Your phone light won't be enough! Reddit

⚠️ Stay on Paved Paths

Dirt areas might be mined. Stick to roads and runways for safety. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Željava Air Base from BiH

reddit.com

Zeljava airbase

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The ground is uneven with debris. Boots are recommended. Reddit

🧥 Pack Warm Clothes

It's cool inside the mountain, even on warm days. Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

⚠️ Stay on Paved Paths

Dirt areas might be mined. Stick to roads and runways for safety. Reddit

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The ground is uneven with debris. Boots are recommended. Reddit

🧥 Pack Warm Clothes

It's cool inside the mountain, even on warm days. Reddit

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile coverage is poor. Essential for navigation. Reddit

💨 Consider a Mask

Dampness and dust can be an issue in tunnels. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(446 reviews)

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

Unique historical site
Vast underground tunnels
Impressive scale

What People Dislike

Poor lighting
Safety concerns (mines)
Limited facilities

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, often near the entrances and the souvenir shop. It's generally free or very inexpensive. TikTok

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. Reddit

While it's a significant site, signage can be minimal. Using GPS and offline maps is advised. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, the main attraction of the abandoned airbase is free to enter and explore. Reddit

While much of the base is accessible, some areas might be restricted or unsafe. Always exercise caution and avoid areas that appear unstable. Reddit

The souvenir shop typically closes around 2 PM (1400), so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to purchase items. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the site, depending on how much of the underground sections they wish to delve into. Reddit

Exercise extreme caution. Bring powerful flashlights, watch for loose debris, and be aware of potential hazards like unstable ceilings. Stick to marked paths. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Dining options are scarce in the immediate vicinity. The on-site restaurant is the most convenient choice. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entrances to the underground tunnels, the vast runways, and the abandoned hangars offer dramatic photographic opportunities. The sheer scale is impressive. TikTok

Yes, photography is allowed. However, you'll need a powerful flashlight to illuminate your shots in the dark underground sections. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the runways and tunnels. A good flashlight is essential for interior shots. TikTok

Drone usage may be restricted due to its former military nature and proximity to borders. It's best to check local regulations before flying. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Željava Air Base with children can be an adventure, but requires careful planning. While the vast runways and exterior structures are impressive and safe for kids to explore, venturing deep into the underground tunnels might be challenging. The darkness, uneven terrain, and potential hazards mean parents should closely supervise children and consider limiting their exploration to the more accessible areas. Reddit Bringing plenty of snacks and water is a good idea, as dining options are limited. The novelty of a secret, abandoned airbase can spark a child's imagination, making it a memorable stop if approached with safety as the top priority. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For road trippers and day-trippers, Željava Air Base offers a unique and free excursion. Its sheer scale and historical significance make it a worthwhile detour. The expansive runways are perfect for a quick, exhilarating drive if you have a suitable vehicle. Reddit Plan your visit to coincide with the opening hours of the souvenir shop if you're interested in memorabilia, though be aware it closes early. Reddit Given the limited dining options, packing a picnic or planning your meal stops before or after your visit is recommended. The site is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop on a longer journey through the region. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Cold War History

The Željava Air Base, also known as the Bihać Air Base, was a top-secret Yugoslav Air Force facility built between the 1950s and 1960s. Its primary purpose was to serve as a strategic underground airbase capable of sheltering and servicing fighter jets during a potential conflict. The sheer scale of the construction, carved directly into the Gola Plješevica mountain, was immense, involving thousands of workers and significant resources. It was designed to withstand nuclear attacks, making it one of the most formidable military installations of its time. Reddit

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. TikTok

Navigating the Base: Safety and Exploration

Exploring Željava Air Base requires careful preparation, especially regarding safety. The most critical warning from visitors is to stay on paved roads and runways as unmarked dirt areas may still contain landmines from the conflict. Reddit For underground exploration, a powerful flashlight is non-negotiable. The darkness inside the mountain is absolute, and even a phone light is insufficient. Reddit Visitors also strongly recommend wearing sturdy, closed-toe footwear due to the uneven terrain, debris, and potential hazards on the ground. Reddit

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. Reddit The air inside the tunnels can be damp and dusty, leading some to suggest bringing a mask. Reddit Finally, remember that the underground sections can be cool, so packing warm clothing is advisable, even during warmer months. Reddit

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