Srebrenica - What You Should Know Before You Go

Srebrenica. A name that still carries a heavy weight in Europe. During my journey through Bosnia, I decided to visit the Memorial Center in Potočari — a place where over 8,000 men and boys were murdered in July 1995 during the genocide. Potočari is located just outside of Srebrenica. In this article, I’ll share how you can visit this site, what to expect, and why — despite its difficult history — it’s one of the most important places to see in the Balkans.

How to Get to the Srebrenica Memorial

The Memorial Center is located in Potočari, just outside the town of Srebrenica. It’s about a three-hour drive from Sarajevo. The best way to get there is by car. There are organized tours from Sarajevo as well, but public transportation is quite limited and time-consuming.

Tip: Combine your visit with a stop in Višegrad or take a scenic drive along the Drina River to balance the heaviness of the experience.

Opening Hours & Admission

The Memorial Center is open daily and free of charge. There’s a small museum with powerful images, personal stories, and video material. Before your visit, check the current opening hours on the official website or with a local tourist office.

What You’ll Find There

- The memorial cemetery, with thousands of identical white gravestones.

- The former Dutchbat UN headquarters, now transformed into a museum.

- A documentary about the events of July 1995.

- Moving personal stories, photos, and belongings of the victims.

Respectful Visitor Guidelines

- Photography is allowed, but be respectful.

- No selfies or inappropriate poses.

- Silence and modesty are appreciated here.

Why You Should Go

This is one of Europe’s most significant places to reflect on the consequences of hatred, division, and indifference. It will place your journey through Bosnia in a different, deeper perspective. By visiting, you’re also supporting the local community and helping to keep this important memory alive.

Practical Tips

- Bring cash — there are very few places to pay by card in the area.

- Plan at least two to three hours for your visit.

- Take a quiet walk or drive through the surrounding area afterward to process everything you’ve seen.

My Personal Experience

The silence on the grounds is overwhelming. The contrast between the stunning green mountains and the sorrow of the place is striking. What touched me the most was a display case filled with victims’ diaries and wristwatches — ordinary people, with ordinary lives. It was a heavy experience, but a meaningful one. This isn’t a cheerful trip, but it’s a place that stays with you. Even the road leading there makes a deep impression; the entire region is dotted with bullet-ridden houses.

If you're planning a trip to Bosnia, I highly recommend making space in your itinerary for Srebrenica. If you have any questions or would like to know how I planned my route — feel free to leave a comment!

Bonus Tip: Don’t miss the viewpoint just outside Srebrenica — the scenery is breathtaking.

Do you want more information about this article, or do you have any questions about this? Let me know in the comments, and I'll respond as soon as I can!