Una National Park, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина - Things to Do in Una National Park

Things to Do in Una National Park

Una National Park, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина - Complete Travel Guide

Una National Park, located in northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina along the Croatian border, is one of the country's most spectacular natural treasures. Established in 2008, this pristine wilderness encompasses the emerald-green Una River and its stunning waterfalls, including the magnificent Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod cascades. The park covers 198 square kilometers of untouched forest, crystal-clear rivers, and diverse ecosystems that support brown bears, wolves, lynx, and over 130 bird species. The Una River, known for its distinctive turquoise color due to limestone deposits, winds through deep canyons and creates a series of breathtaking waterfalls and rapids that make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park's medieval fortresses, traditional watermills, and charming villages like Kulen Vakuf and Martin Brod add cultural depth to the natural splendor, offering visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and historical exploration in one of Europe's last remaining wild frontiers.

Top Things to Do in Una National Park

White Water Rafting on Una River

Experience the thrill of navigating the Una River's pristine rapids, passing through stunning canyons and beneath towering waterfalls. The river offers various difficulty levels, from gentle family-friendly sections to challenging Class IV rapids for experienced rafters.

Booking Tip: Book with certified operators during peak season (May-September) for €25-45 per person. Look for operators that include safety equipment, professional guides, and transportation. Best conditions are in late spring when water levels are optimal.

Hiking to Štrbački Buk Waterfall

Trek through dense forests to reach the park's crown jewel, the 24-meter Štrbački Buk waterfall, where the Una River cascades over limestone cliffs in a spectacular display. The hiking trail offers multiple viewpoints and swimming opportunities in natural pools.

Booking Tip: Free access with park entrance fee (€3-5). Hire local guides for €20-30 for detailed nature interpretation. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best photography light and fewer crowds.

Kayaking and Canoeing Adventures

Paddle through the Una's calm sections and explore hidden coves, observing diverse wildlife and pristine nature from water level. The river's clear waters provide excellent visibility for spotting fish and underwater limestone formations.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment for €15-25 per day or join guided tours for €35-50. Choose operators offering different route options and safety briefings. Spring and early summer offer the most comfortable water temperatures.

Exploring Martin Brod Village and Waterfalls

Visit this picturesque village famous for its cascading waterfalls and traditional stone architecture. The Martin Brod waterfalls create natural terraces and pools perfect for swimming, while the village offers insights into traditional Bosnian rural life.

Booking Tip: Combine with accommodation in local guesthouses (€20-40 per night) for authentic experience. Village tours with locals cost €10-15. Best visited during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds from nearby cities.

Wildlife Watching and Photography

Embark on guided wildlife tours to spot the park's diverse fauna including brown bears, wolves, otters, and over 130 bird species. Early morning and dusk offer the best opportunities for wildlife sightings in this pristine ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Book specialized wildlife guides for €40-60 per group. Bring telephoto lenses and binoculars. May through September offers best weather, while autumn provides excellent photography opportunities with fewer tourists.

Getting There

Una National Park is accessible via the town of Bihać, located about 280 kilometers northwest of Sarajevo. From Sarajevo, drive via the A1 highway and regional roads (approximately 3.5 hours), or take a bus to Bihać (4-5 hours, €15-20). The nearest international airports are in Zagreb, Croatia (2.5 hours by car) and Ljubljana, Slovenia (3 hours). From Bihać, local buses and taxis can transport visitors to various park entrances, with Martin Brod being the most popular starting point.

Getting Around

Within Una National Park, transportation is primarily by foot, bicycle, or arranged transfers with local operators. Many hiking trails and viewpoints are accessible on foot from parking areas near Martin Brod and Kulen Vakuf. Local guesthouses and tour operators often provide transportation to trailheads and river access points. Renting a car in Bihać offers the most flexibility for exploring different sections of the park, though some areas require high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved forest roads.

Where to Stay

Martin Brod village guesthouses
Kulen Vakuf traditional accommodations
Bihać city center hotels
Riverside camping sites
Eco-lodges near park entrances
Farmstay accommodations in surrounding villages

Food & Dining

Dining options in Una National Park focus on traditional Bosnian cuisine featuring fresh river trout, lamb, and locally sourced ingredients. Family-run restaurants in Martin Brod and Kulen Vakuf serve authentic dishes like ćevapi, burek, and grilled fish caught from the Una River. Many guesthouses offer home-cooked meals using organic vegetables and herbs from their gardens. In nearby Bihać, you'll find more diverse dining options including international cuisine, though the park area emphasizes farm-to-table experiences that showcase the region's natural bounty and culinary traditions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Spazio Gourmet

4.5 /5
(1601 reviews) 2

Cakum-Pakum

4.7 /5
(621 reviews) 2

Sushi San

4.7 /5
(514 reviews) 2

Sushi Station Sarajevo

4.6 /5
(475 reviews)

Nello

4.8 /5
(405 reviews) 2

Da Zero Pizza

4.9 /5
(379 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Una National Park is from May through September when weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. Late spring (May-June) offers the most dramatic waterfalls due to snowmelt and spring rains, while summer (July-August) provides the warmest weather for swimming and camping. Early autumn (September) combines pleasant temperatures with stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds. Winter visits are possible but limited due to cold temperatures and reduced accessibility to some areas, though the snow-covered landscapes offer unique photographic opportunities.

Insider Tips

Visit Štrbački Buk waterfall early in the morning for the best light and to have the viewpoints to yourself before tour groups arrive
Pack waterproof bags and quick-dry clothing as you'll likely get wet from waterfall mist and water activities throughout your visit
Stay overnight in Martin Brod village to experience traditional Bosnian hospitality and enjoy home-cooked meals with locally caught trout

Explore Activities in Una National Park