Unique Lodging Experience: War Hostel Sarajevo
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“War. Huh-yeah.
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing.
Uh huh.” –James Brown
As a kid, I used to love me some James Brown. I remember repeatedly listening to his greatest hits CD front to back, with my father occasionally popping his head into my room to proclaim, “Boy, you don’t know nothing about that kind of music.”
Before even setting my first foot into The War Hostel in Sarajevo, immediately upon reservation confirmation, those lyrics mentioned above came to mind. Just as many James Brown songs carried messages that were much deeper than music, The War Hostel was founded for a much larger purpose than to simply be a place to stay for a night or two.
The unique lodging experience of staying at the War Hostel
Guests are given a look at what civilian life was like during the war from their very first knock on the hostel door. Hostel owner Arian Kurbasic greets guests fully dressed for battle, wearing combat boots, a helmet, and even a protective vest. Arian, better known as Zero One (his father’s code name during the war which he has officially adopted as his own), established the War Hostel to give visitors a realistic simulation of what life was like in war-torn Sarajevo.
This hallway feels like a scene from Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now
Filled with historic artifacts and the wealth of knowledge that Zero One is happy to share, War Hostel is not just a place to sleep, but an experience. Shortly after that first knock on the door, guests are given a brief orientation to the property inside the onsite “bunker,” which is an exact replica of an actual war bunker.
The Rooms
This small, family-run hostel has just four rooms in total. Three mixed dormitory-style rooms and one private room. Regardless of room choice; however, guests at The War Hostel will spend their nights resting on bomb shelter beds fitted with actual military blankets from the war. Foot lockers, propaganda, and the surreal ambience of Sarajevo’s past fill every room.
The Location
The location of the property is just a few blocks away from the National Library. Furthermore, it’s a mere five-to-ten-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Old Town Sarajevo and the tram lines.
Old Town Sarajevo
War Hostel Sarajevo: The Final Verdict
I can easily say that, when it comes to a truly unique lodging experience, War Hostel Sarajevo is high on the list. It truly has the feel of a family home that has opened its doors to the world. The proximity to Old Town makes the location perfect for exploration, but what makes War Hostel stand out even more are the many city tours and activities lead by the hostel owner that really give you a closer look at the history and the heart of the city.
The skeletal remains of the 1984 Winter Olympic Luge track
In the comments below, share one of your most memorable lodging experiences.
21 Comments
These seems like a very unique experience to stay in a War hostel. You really get to embrace all of the history and to embark on new horizons on your travels!
This is something I must try and I will soon
This definitely sounds like a unique lodging experience, I have never heard of this. I’d say my most unique experience was my airbnb in Cuba because we had a host who was always there, and she was like a house mother to us almost. She cooked breakfast for $5 a day and she hooked us up with a cab driver who had a van that fit me and all of my friends.
Wow thats an interesting themed hostel. I dont think I could stay here, but this would be good for people who would love to get a historical feel of how a military person slept in a bunker at those time.
This sounds like a very fascinating experience. I definitely like outside of the box ideas.
Wow this is a unique concept hotel, but those guns are not working anymore right?
It is very interesting its like a mini museum / lodging hotel.
This seems like a very interesting experience.
The war hostel looks and sounds like a really great experience.Love that it feels like a family home!
Oh wow. This hostel for sure has been a different kind of experience. Personally, I’d probably see nightmares in there so I guess this one is not for everyone. I hope you enjoyed your holiday there though. 🙂
I have never stayed in a hostel. Honestly, I have always been afraid to, but then again I have trust issues. Pics look cool. I might have to try it.
WOW!!! Very interesting! The first picture with the gun in the corner immediately captured my attention. Then I was thinking oh its like a museum, then I had to reread that you picked this place to stay! I would definitely say its good for a conversation like your above comment says its not for everyone but I loved reading about it and I’m sure at a table I would love the back story behind staying here!
Wow!! Sorry I don’t have a lodging experience to share because I don’t get out much….but let me tell you this post and the experience you had there was interesting. I don’t know if could have stayed there myself. But, I respect how much thought the family put into the location, decor, and history of war. Thank you for sharing this!
A few years ago I attended a travel expo where I had the privilege to hear a speaker who was involved with tourism and marketing in Bosnia. The description of people who are still mourning for relatives who disappeared but are rebuilding their lives with optimism for the future was very inspirational. I must confess, I have never stayed anywhere as interesting as the war hostel.
Hmm this is interesting, indeed. I am not sure how I would feel…uncomfortable at first, yes. I am happy you enjoyed your experience.
This definitely sounds like a unique experience. And for people who like this sort of thing I can imagine it would be fun. I am not sure I would be into it. I would be more interested in visiting it than staying in it. Ah well.
I have never had a lodging experience this unconventional but after reading your experience at this War Hostel, it is pretty enticing to be more open to unique places that really give you an intimate experience filled with so much history. I couldn’t help but stare at the photo of the room with the bedroom door filled with what seems to be bullet holes. Were you able to sleep well?
My first question is what led you to choose Sarajevo and my second question is why stay in a War Hostel? It appears that this was definitely an experience. It is interesting how the owner was able to take something so tragic and make it an experience. Sort of similiar to the 9-11 memorial in NYC.
When others say why…I’ve always taken the approach to say Why not. God-willing, I’d like to travel to every country in the world so Sarajevo seemed like a good base for exploring Bosnia. And, yes, it definitely was one of my more memorable travel experiences!
I hate to mention any of my lodging experiences since none of them can possibly compare to yours! Looks incredible!
Wow. This seems intense. Not sure it is for me but I am glad you had fun!
It’s definitely not for everyone, but an experience that will live with me and anyone who has the opportunity to stay there for a night or two.