Željava Air Base
About This Museum
Believe it or not, one of the largest underground military air bases in all of Europe isn't a top-secret active command center, but a sprawling, decaying ruin known as the Željava Air Base. Nicknamed 'Objekat 505' or simply 'the Bunker', its massive, blast-proof doors now hang open to the elements. Visitors today don't find polished exhibits but an immersive, raw journey into Cold War history, exploring cavernous hangars and long, dark tunnels where fighter jets were once hidden. The atmosphere is equal parts awe-inspiring and haunting.
Collection Highlights
The main 'exhibits' are the base itself: the skeletal remains of MiG fighter jets, vintage radar equipment being reclaimed by nature, and vast amounts of military ephemera left behind. Graffiti from soldiers and subsequent visitors covers the concrete walls, creating a chaotic timeline of its life and afterlife.
Visitor Information
This is very much an unofficial, adventurous site—wear sturdy boots and bring a powerful flashlight; it's dark, wet, and the terrain is rough. You'll need to find your own way as there's no formal ticketing or guided tours.
Architecture & Building
A monumental feat of Yugoslav engineering, it consists of a vast complex of reinforced concrete tunnels buried deep inside a mountain, with a massive above-ground runway connecting to five hidden entrances designed to withstand a nuclear blast.
Contact & Location
Address: Željava, Općina Plitvička Jezera, Ličko-senjska županija, Hrvatska
Website: Visit Website
