Una National Park: emerald river, waterfalls and rafting

Why go

Una feels like a quieter, wilder cousin of Croatia's Plitvice lakes, which are only about an hour away. You can still find the main waterfall without heavy crowds outside peak summer weekends, and the river itself is the star, clear and cold, flowing past mills and meadows.

Top things to do

The park's highlight is **Štrbački buk**, a broad, layered waterfall where the Una drops over travertine steps; wooden platforms and paths let you see it from several angles. Further upstream at **Martin Brod**, the river splits into dozens of small falls and channels around an old village and a former Orthodox monastery site.

The Una is famous for **rafting**, with trips for beginners and families on calmer stretches and more challenging runs for the experienced. In **Bihać** itself, walk the riverside, see the **Captain's Tower** and the old **Fethija Mosque**, once a Gothic church, and sit at a riverside restaurant for fresh trout.

Around the park

Near Bihać, the hilltop **Ostrožac Castle** is a romantic mix of medieval walls and a nineteenth century manor, and the small cascades at **Kostela** are a pleasant stop. The waterfalls of **Plitvice Lakes National Park** across the border in Croatia make a popular day trip if your entry rules allow you to cross.

Where to stay

**Bihać** has the widest choice of hotels and guesthouses, while riverside lodges and campsites along the Una offer a peaceful nature stay, especially near rafting bases.

Practical tips

The park has entrance points with fees; check the official park information for current opening times and road access, as some roads are gravel and the park is spread out. Public transport within the park is very limited, so most visitors join organised rafting trips or arrange transport. Stay on marked paths: some rural areas in this region were affected by landmines. The water is cold even in summer. Plan your visit with the free trip planner.

Wildlife and landscape

The park covers a deep karst landscape of canyons, forests and meadows along the Una and its tributary, the Unac. Look for dippers and kingfishers on the river, butterflies in the meadows and, very rarely, brown bears and wolves in the forests. The water is so clear that you can see trout from the bridges.

Food

Riverside restaurants around Bihać and Kostela specialise in **trout**, often grilled and served with potatoes and chard. The region is also known for **Bihać cheese**, homemade pies and **uštipci**, fried dough balls with kajmak.

Other activities

Besides rafting, the Una is good for **kayaking** and **fishing** with the right permit. Cycling routes link villages along the river, and some operators run zipline, canyoning and hiking trips. In Bihać, the annual **Una Regatta** festival brings boats and music to the river in summer.

Getting there

Buses link Bihać with Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Zagreb. Allow a full day from Sarajevo, or break the trip in Jajce.