Things to Do in Una National Park
Una National Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Complete Travel Guide
Una National Park stretches along Bosnia and Herzegovina's northwestern border with Croatia, where the Una River carves through pristine wilderness that feels remarkably untouched. The park actually encompasses some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Balkans, including the famous Štrbački Buk, where the Una River cascades over limestone terraces in a display that's genuinely breathtaking. You'll find yourself in landscapes that shift from dense forests to emerald pools, with medieval fortresses perched on cliffs overlooking the rushing waters.
What makes Una National Park particularly special is how it manages to feel both wild and accessible - you can raft through dramatic gorges in the morning and find yourself sipping coffee in a traditional Bosnian village by afternoon. The park tends to attract visitors who appreciate nature without the crowds you'd encounter at more famous European destinations, and the local communities around Bihać and Bosanska Krupa offer an authentic glimpse into Bosnian life that hasn't been overly polished for tourism.
Top Things to Do in Una National Park
White Water Rafting on Una River
The Una River offers some of Europe's most pristine rafting experiences, with rapids that range from gentle Class II to more challenging Class IV sections. You'll navigate through narrow canyons where the water runs crystal clear over limestone beds, passing waterfalls that tumble directly into the river.
Booking Tip: Rafting trips typically cost 40-60 BAM per person for half-day excursions. Book with operators in Bihać during May through September for best water levels, and look for companies that provide quality safety equipment and experienced guides.
Štrbački Buk Waterfall
This 24-meter cascade represents one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Bosnia, where the Una River plunges over travertine barriers in multiple tiers. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking trails and swimming spots in the pools below the falls.
Booking Tip: Entry to the waterfall area costs around 5 BAM. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds, especially during summer months when the site can get busy with tour groups.
Ostrozac Castle
This 16th-century Ottoman fortress sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Una River, offering panoramic views across the valley. The castle has been well-restored and houses exhibits about the region's turbulent history under various empires.
Booking Tip: Castle admission is typically 8 BAM for adults. The site is open year-round except Mondays, and guided tours in English can be arranged in advance through the Bihać tourist office for an additional fee.
Martin Brod Monastery and Waterfalls
This Serbian Orthodox monastery sits beside a series of cascading waterfalls where the Unac River meets the Una. The 14th-century monastery buildings are surrounded by some of the park's most pristine wilderness, accessible via scenic hiking trails.
Booking Tip: The monastery can be visited free of charge, though donations are appreciated. Plan for a full day trip from Bihać as the access road can be challenging - consider hiring a local guide with 4WD vehicle for around 100 BAM.
Una River Kayaking
Kayaking the Una provides a more intimate way to experience the river's beauty, allowing you to paddle through calm sections and explore hidden coves. The route from Ripač to Bihać offers stunning scenery with minimal technical difficulty.
Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost approximately 30-40 BAM per day including equipment. Best conditions are from April through October, and several operators in Bihać offer guided trips for beginners at around 70 BAM per person.
Getting There
Una National Park is most easily accessed through the city of Bihać, which sits about 30 kilometers from the Croatian border. If you're coming from Sarajevo, it's roughly a 4-hour drive via the A1 highway, while Zagreb is about 2.5 hours away. The nearest international airport is actually in Zagreb, Croatia, making it often more convenient for international visitors to fly there and drive across the border. Bus connections exist from major Bosnian cities, though having a car gives you much more flexibility to explore the park's remote areas and various entry points along the Una River.
Getting Around
A car is really essential for properly exploring Una National Park, as many of the best viewpoints and trailheads are scattered along rural roads that aren't served by public transport. The main road through the park follows the Una River valley, but you'll want to venture onto smaller roads to reach places like Martin Brod or the various waterfall viewpoints. Local taxis from Bihać can be arranged for day trips to specific sites, typically costing 50-100 BAM depending on distance and waiting time. Some hiking trails connect different areas of the park, but these are generally long-distance routes better suited for multi-day trekking rather than casual sightseeing.
Where to Stay
Bihać city center
Ripač village
Bosanska Krupa
Martin Brod area
Bosanski Petrovac
Kulen Vakuf
Food & Dining
The dining scene around Una National Park centers on traditional Bosnian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh river fish, particularly trout prepared in various local styles. You'll find excellent restaurants along the Una River that specialize in grilled fish and traditional dishes like ćevapi and burek. Bihać offers the widest selection of restaurants, from casual eateries serving hearty portions at reasonable prices to more upscale establishments featuring regional specialties. Many guesthouses and rural accommodations provide home-cooked meals that showcase local ingredients - the homemade bread, fresh dairy products, and seasonal vegetables tend to be particularly memorable. Don't miss trying the local rakija (fruit brandy) and strong Bosnian coffee, which are integral parts of the social dining experience.
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When to Visit
The optimal time for Una National Park is late spring through early fall, roughly May through September, when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities and all park facilities are fully operational. Summer months offer the warmest weather for swimming in the Una's pools, though this is also peak season with higher accommodation prices and more crowded attractions. May and September might actually be ideal - you'll encounter fewer tourists while still enjoying pleasant weather and good water levels for rafting. Winter visits are possible and can be quite beautiful with snow-covered landscapes, but many tourist services shut down and some areas become inaccessible due to road conditions.
Insider Tips
Book rafting trips directly with local operators in Bihać rather than through hotels - you'll often get better prices and more personalized service
Bring cash in Bosnian marks (BAM) as many smaller establishments and park facilities don't accept cards, and ATMs can be scarce outside Bihać
The park's most spectacular waterfalls are actually more impressive during spring snowmelt season in April and May, despite cooler weather for swimming