Croatia · Storytelling Tours

2-Hour Željava Airbase Tour with Underground Military Tunnels

2 Hours Round trip from VP5P+28 Easy pace

View all 7 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the interior of an abandoned Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a fascinating aviation relic
02 Traverse the expansive runways and imagine the thrill pilots felt at takeoff
03 See the plane-shaped entrance carved into the hillside at Željava Airbase
04 Walk 3 kilometers through dark tunnels while uncovering the base's hidden history

Discover Željava Airbase on a concise 2-hour tour that begins at an abandoned Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a remarkable piece of aviation history open for exploration. Continue across the expansive runways, imagining the feeling of takeoff as views open toward the plane-shaped entrance in the hillside. The experience then leads into the base's dark tunnels for a 3-kilometer walk with flashlight guidance, revealing the construction, operational days, destruction, and personal stories connected to this secret underground military complex.

During our 3-kilometer walk through the dark tunnels, we will talk about the construction, operational days, and destruction of the base.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

From the Dakota Aircraft to Željava's Secret Tunnels

The tour begins in front of an abandoned Douglas C-47 Skytrain, also known as the Dakota. This excellent piece of aviation history welcomes curious visitors with open wings.
You will have the rare opportunity to climb onto the airplane and explore its interior.
We then proceed to the runways. As we drive cautiously along these endless stretches, we will try to imitate and imagine what it feels like for pilots to take off.
While crossing the runways, we begin to catch sight of a plane-shaped hole in the hill.
Upon reaching the tunnel entrance, we arrive at the highlight of the tour.
While checking the flashlights, we will go over basic information about the site and the safety rules we need to follow.
During our 3-kilometer walk through the dark tunnels, we will talk about the construction, operational days, and destruction of the base.
We will also cover personal stories and the experiences of employees, as well as relationships and conflicts.
The tour ends back at the airplane.

Where this trip takes you

Douglas C-47 Skytrain, expansive runways, plane-shaped entrance in the hillside, dark tunnels

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Strong flashlights
Guided exploration of the abandoned Douglas C-47 Skytrain, also known as the Dakota
Opportunity to climb onto the airplane and explore its interior
Drive along the runways with commentary on aviation history and the experience of pilots
Viewing the plane-shaped hole in the hill
Entrance and guided tour through the tunnels
Provision of flashlights for tunnel exploration
Commentary on the history, construction, operational days, and destruction of the base
Discussion of personal stories, employee experiences, relationships, and conflicts

What's Not Included

Meals and beverages
Transportation to and from the tour starting point
Personal expenses
Gratuities for the tour guide

Know before you go

Also known as "Klek" or "Objekat 505", this was a massive underground military complex located on the border between Croatia and BiH. Built during the Cold War, it served as a secret Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) facility designed to withstand a nuclear attack of up to 20 kt.
The complex featured a vast network of tunnels, hangars, and facilities, capable of sheltering personnel and approximately 60 fighter and reconnaissance-fighter aircraft.
With approximately $6 billion spent on its construction, it was one of the largest and most expensive military construction projects in Europe.
The airbase was operational from its completion in 1968 until the early 1990s, playing a significant role in the defense strategies of the SFRJ.
The airbase was intentionally and systematically destroyed by the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) during the outbreak of the Yugoslav Wars to prevent it from falling into the hands of opposing forces.

Logistics