In Croatia, there is an old military base with a bunker built to help people survive in the event of a nuclear bomb explosion.
The large tunnel area leading into the Zeljava military base. (Photo: GEO).
Located at the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Zeljava Bunker is one of the largest military complexes in Europe. It was built by the former Yugoslavia in 1957 to withstand and protect people in the event of a nuclear bomb explosion.
Currently, the Zeljava bunker and airport are abandoned and considered dangerous due to the presence of landmines. However, some tourists still take the risk to explore this site in search of thrills.
Defending Against Nuclear Bombs
This airbase was constructed under the code name Objektav 505 or Klek. It is situated deep within the Gornja Plješevica mountains.
Many sources indicate that this military site was one of the most expensive infrastructures in the former Yugoslavia.
The small tunnel leading to the offices within the Zeljava military base. (Image cut from a clip).
According to Total Croatia News, the estimated cost of constructing this military base was around 6 billion dollars. It housed advanced technology and the most powerful weapons of its time.
This military base features 5 runways and 3 kilometers of tunnels. Its structure was specifically designed to protect against nuclear bombs during the Cold War.
Croatian media revealed that the Zeljava bunker has enough space to accommodate nearly 120 aircraft and their crews, as well as provide sufficient electricity, water, fuel, food, and medical supplies.
The exterior of the Zeljava military base. (Photo: GEO).
As a result, it allowed the military to survive for months in the event of a nuclear disaster. However, the exterior of Zeljava was nearly completely destroyed after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in 1992, and it was abandoned during the Serbian-Croatian War.
A New Tourist Destination?
Although most of the external buildings have been destroyed, the underground facility Klek remains largely intact. Some areas inside are in very poor condition, posing a risk of collapse at any moment.
The abandoned Douglas C-47 aircraft in the Zeljava military base. (Photo: GEO).
However, the thrill-seeking interest seems to have driven many explorers, with an increasing number of tourists eager to discover this unique location steeped in history.
One of the most interesting attractions at Zeljava is the old Douglas C-47, a plane widely used during World War II. According to a report by Total Croatia News, a company currently offers guided day tours to explore the old airbase for a fee of 75 euros per person.
Tourists will get to experience and immerse themselves in a small part of Croatia’s history.
