Štrbački Buk waterfall in Una National Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina
English visitor guide

Bihać & the Una.
A journey worth taking.

Enter Bosnia and Herzegovina through Izačić and discover emerald water, medieval fortresses, welcoming rural estates and unforgettable outdoor adventures around Bihać.

Photo: National Park Una / Wikimedia Commons
The western gateway

Cross the border. Enter a landscape shaped by the Una.

Izačić lies on the main western approach to Bihać, close to Croatia and the European Union. It is more than a place to pass through: it is a practical starting point for exploring the Una–Sana region, where river islands, waterfalls, mountain scenery, historic towns and local hospitality are all within reach.

01 · Una National Park

Three places that reveal the soul of the Una

Waterfalls, quiet river settlements and a landscape that feels wonderfully untouched.

Štrbački Buk waterfall on the Una River Wikimedia Commons
01A · Waterfall

Štrbački Buk

The park's most dramatic waterfall is a powerful series of cascades framed by forest and travertine formations. Official park information lists its height at 24.5 metres.

Open in Google Maps →
Waterfall at Martin Brod in Una National Park Photo: Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons
01B · Village & waterfalls

Martin Brod

A small riverside village known for the Milančev Buk waterfall, old watermills, the Una–Unac confluence and the nearby Rmanj Monastery.

Open in Google Maps →
Una River valley near Kulen Vakuf Photo: Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons
01C · Riverside settlement

Kulen Vakuf

A peaceful settlement in the heart of the national park, ideal for traditional food, river views, rural stays and slower exploration.

Open in Google Maps →
Beyond the national park

History, local life and adventure

Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm opening hours and activity availability directly with each operator.

Medieval Sokolac fortress near Bihać
02 · Medieval heritage

Sokolac Fortress

A medieval hilltop fortress near Bihać, also known as Sokol or Sokol-grad. The site offers a rewarding mix of history, forest walking and wide views.

Open location →
Ostrožac Castle near Cazin
03 · Castle & sculpture park

Ostrožac Castle

A remarkable complex above the Una, combining medieval and Ottoman fortifications with the later Lothar von Berks castle and an open-air sculpture collection.

Open location →
The turquoise Una River south of Bihać, representative of the landscape around Japodian Islands Photo: Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons
04 · River retreat

Japodian Islands

A distinctive cluster of small islands on the Una, connected by wooden bridges and paths. Visitors come for nature, food, relaxation and unusual riverside accommodation.

Open location →
Traditional rural farmhouse, representative image for the Čardaklije countryside experience Representative photo: Durim Osmani / Pexels
05 · Rural tradition

Čardaklije

A traditional rural estate near Vrtoče, created around Bosnian architecture, regional food, domestic animals and family-friendly countryside experiences.

Open location →
Scenic riverside restaurant surrounded by nature, representative image for Natura Art Representative photo: Nevtuğ Yalçın / Pexels
06 · Art, food & nature

Natura Art

A riverside tourist complex that brings together nature, traditional details, watermills, dining and accommodation in the wider Bihać area.

Open location →
White-water rafting in Una National Park
07 · White-water adventure

Rafting on the Una

One of the region's signature experiences. Routes range from scenic river journeys to more demanding white-water sections and should always be booked with a qualified local operator.

Find local operators →
Wooden boat beside a turquoise river in Bosnia and Herzegovina, representative image for River Dock Representative photo: Sara / Pexels
08 · Ripač river experience

River Boats at River Dock

In Ripač, traditional Una river boats offer a relaxed way to experience the water, nearby cascades and riverside dining from a different perspective.

Open location →
Couple riding a quad bike on a green countryside trail Photo: king caplis / Pexels
09 · Four-wheel adventure

Quad Tours

Guided quad excursions combine forest tracks, open landscapes and viewpoints. Choose an established operator and respect marked routes, wildlife and private land.

Find local operators →
Kayaker paddling along a tranquil green river Photo: Andris Bergmanis / Pexels
10 · Water-level view

Kayak Safari

Kayaking reveals the Una at a slower, more personal pace—from calm turquoise sections to guided routes through livelier water, depending on conditions and experience.

Find local operators →
Cycling in Una National Park
11 · Two-wheel discovery

Cycling the Una Valley

Roads and trails around Bihać and Una National Park offer routes for leisure riders and experienced cyclists, with river scenery, villages and historic sites along the way.

Explore the area →
Tunnel entrance at the abandoned Željava Air Base
12 · Cold War history

Željava Air Base

The vast former Yugoslav underground air base beneath Plješevica is one of the region's most striking Cold War sites. Visit only with full awareness of border and mine hazards.

Read the safety note ↓
The Una River at Kostela near Kostelski Buk Photo: Haris H. / Wikimedia Commons
13 · Waterfall & riverside stay

Kostelski Buk

A well-known waterfall and riverside hotel-restaurant on the road toward Bosanska Krupa, offering Una views, dining and a convenient base for exploring the lower river.

Open location →
Entrance to the underground complex at Željava Air Base Photo: Mario Magdić / Wikimedia Commons
Before visiting Željava

A remarkable site that requires real caution

Željava straddles an international border and parts of the wider area remain dangerous. The abandoned tunnels and structures are not a managed tourist attraction.

Safety first: never leave known roads or cleared areas, never touch unknown objects, never enter restricted zones, and follow all signs and instructions from police and border authorities. A local guided visit is the sensible choice.
Good to know

Plan lightly. Travel responsibly.

Distances can look short on a map, but rural roads, weather and border traffic may affect travel time.

01 · Before departure

Check current information

Confirm opening hours, ticket prices, road access and activity availability directly with official sites or local operators before travelling.

02 · On the river

Use qualified guides

For rafting, kayaking and quad tours, use established providers, follow safety instructions and choose a route suited to your experience.

03 · In nature

Leave the Una as you found it

Stay on marked routes, take waste with you, protect wildlife and respect local homes, farmland and protected areas.

Photo credits and source notes

Selected freely licensed images are served from Wikimedia Commons: Štrbački Buk hero, Štrbački Buk card, Martin Brod by Julian Nyča, Kulen Vakuf by Julian Nyča, Una River by Julian Nyča, Sokolačka kula, Ostrožac by Martin Brož, rafting by National Park Una, cycling by National Park Una, Kostela by Haris H., and Željava by Mario Magdić. Representative free-use photos are provided by Pexels: rural farmhouse by Durim Osmani, riverside restaurant by Nevtuğ Yalçın, Bosnian river boat by Sara, quad riding by king caplis, and kayaking by Andris Bergmanis. Images marked “representative” illustrate the type of experience and do not claim to show the named private venue. Opening times, prices and commercial services can change.

Start from Izačić

One border crossing. Thirteen reasons to stay longer.

Save this guide, choose the places that match your pace and discover a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina where water, history and hospitality meet.

Open Izačić in Google Maps →