About Una National Park
Una National Park, established in 2008, protects a 220-square-kilometre stretch of the Una River and its tributaries in the far northwest of Bosnia, near the Croatian border. The Una — whose name simply means 'the one' in ancient Illyrian — is widely considered one of Europe's most beautiful rivers, famous for its remarkable turquoise-green colour, crystal clarity, and an almost continuous succession of rapids, cascades, and waterfalls over its entire course. The park's crown jewel is the magnificent Štrbački Buk waterfall, a 24-metre-high, 30-metre-wide curtain of emerald water that roars over a travertine shelf into a deep plunge pool below. But the Una offers waterfalls at almost every turn — the park protects over 30 named waterfalls, including the accessible Troslap and Suvaja cascades. Rafting on the Una is top-notch, with rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV depending on water levels. The peak rafting season is May and June when snowmelt swells the river, but summer offers gentler floats through impressive canyon scenery. The Una River is also renowned for its trout fishing, particularly the endemic Una trout (Hucho hucho), which can reach impressive sizes. The park is laced with hiking and cycling trails, wooden footbridges crossing the river at scenic points, and purpose-built viewing platforms at the major waterfalls. The historic town of Bihać, just outside the park boundary, offers accommodation, restaurants, and supplies. Unlike many better-known European national parks, Una remains uncrowded even in peak summer — you can often have a waterfall entirely to yourself if you visit on a weekday. The park's proximity to Plitvice Lakes in Croatia (just 40 km) makes it a perfect add-on for nature lovers exploring the Dinaric Arc.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
May–September (rafting best May–June with high water levels). July and August are ideal for swimming in the emerald pools and gentler rafting. April brings maximum waterfall flow from snowmelt but colder water. September offers warmer air temperatures, fewer visitors, and the river still has good volume. October is beautiful for hiking and photography as the forest colours change. The Una River temperature peaks at about 18°C in August — refreshing but not warm. Winter visits are possible but cold (0–5°C); most outdoor activities are limited.
🍽 Food & Drink
Dining in the Bihać region focuses on river fish and hearty Bosnian mountain food. The best option is to pack a picnic with supplies from Bihać market (fresh bread, local cheeses like sir iz mijeha, cured meats, seasonal fruit). For restaurant dining, Restoran Una ($$, mains 7–12 EUR) in Bihać serves excellent grilled trout (8 EUR), river fish stew (riblji paprikaš, 6 EUR), and ćevapi (4 EUR). Restoran Stari Grad ($$, mains 6–10 EUR) in Bihać's old town offers traditional Bosnian dishes in a historic setting. At Štrbački Buk, the mountain hut serves simple grilled meats, beer, and cold drinks (mains 4–7 EUR). For the best experience, book a rafting trip that includes a riverside lunch of grilled fish and vegetables. Local wineries from the wider Una-Sana region offer some decent Graševina wine. Try domaća rakija from local plums or pears — offered at most mountain huts.
🚗 Getting There & Around
By car: Una National Park is 25 km south of Bihać and 300 km from Sarajevo (4 hours via Jajce–Bihać road). From Zagreb (Croatia), it is 150 km (2 hours) via the E71 and E661. The park entrance near Štrbački Buk is well signposted. Parking at Štrbački Buk is 2 EUR per car. From Bihać, follow the signs for Kulen Vakuf — the park main entrance is 15 minutes beyond the town. By bus: Buses run from Zagreb to Bihać (3 hours, 15–20 EUR, 3 daily) and from Sarajevo to Bihać (5 hours, 20–25 EUR, 2 daily). From Bihać, a taxi to the park entrance costs 15–20 EUR. By tour: Rafting companies in Bihać provide transport from their offices to the river (included in rafting packages). A rental car is strongly recommended for flexibility.
🏨 Best Hotels in Una National Park
Una National Park near Una National Park are concentrated in Bihać. Hotel Rebić (3-star, 40–70 EUR/night) is the most comfortable option in Bihać, with a pool and restaurant. Hotel Una (3-star, 45–65 EUR/night) is located right on the river, with views and a garden — book a room with a river view (60 EUR). Guesthouse Kulen Vakuf (30–50 EUR/night) offers cosy rooms in the village closest to Štrbački Buk — the most convenient base for the park. Etno Selo Una (40–60 EUR/night) is a charming collection of traditional wooden houses on the riverbank, 10 km from the main falls — highly recommended for atmosphere. Camping is available at several spots along the Una (5–10 EUR per tent/night). Hostel Bihać (10–15 EUR dorm, 25–35 EUR private) is budget-friendly. Book ahead in July and August.
🍽 Where to Eat in Una National Park
Una National Park near Una are best in Bihać. Restoran Una ($$, mains 7–12 EUR) specialises in fresh river fish — the pastrva na žaru (grilled trout, 8 EUR) and riblji paprikaš (fish stew, 6 EUR) are excellent. Restoran Stari Grad ($$, mains 6–10 EUR) serves traditional Bosnian fare including bosanski lonac (5 EUR) and grilled meat platters (10 EUR for two). The mountain hut at Štrbački Buk ($, mains 4–7 EUR) offers grilled sausages, pljeskavica (Balkan burger, 4 EUR), and cold drinks with a waterfall view — it is basic but unbeatable for location. For a quick bite, Pekara Bihać in the town centre sells burek (1.50 EUR) and fresh somun. Pizzeria Nacionalni (pizzas 4–6 EUR) offers Italian alternatives. For picnics, the Bihać market (Tržnica) sells fresh produce daily until 17:00.
🎯 Things to Do in Una National Park
Una National Park at Una National Park is all about water adventures. The top activity is rafting on the Una River — half-day trips (3–4 hours, 25–40 EUR per person) run from May to September through Class II–IV rapids, including a stop at Štrbački Buk. Rafting companies in Bihać (Una Rafting, Bihać Rafting) include transport, guide, and equipment. For non-rafters, hike the trail to Štrbački Buk — a 10-minute walk from the viewpoint or a 2-hour hike from the park entrance along the river. Other waterfalls are accessible via marked trails: Suvaja (30-min walk from the road) and Troslap (1-hour hike). Swimming in the Una's emerald pools is permitted at designated spots — the pools below Štrbački Buk are the most popular (life jacket recommended, current is strong). Cycling trails follow the Una valley — bring your own bike or rent in Bihać (15 EUR/day). Fishing for Una trout requires a permit from the park office (10 EUR/day) and catch-and-release is encouraged. Birdwatching is excellent — herons, kingfishers, and golden orioles are common. For a unique perspective, book a multi-day rafting trip that includes camping on the riverbank (from 80 EUR per person, 2 days). The Una River Canyon is superb for photography in early morning light.
💡 Insider Tips: Visit on a weekday — Štrbački Buk can have moderate crowds on summer weekends. The best time for photography at Štrbački Buk is between 09:00 and 11:00 when the sun illuminates the falls head-on. Wear water shoes — the rocks at swimming spots are slippery. The Una trout is protected; fishing permits are strictly enforced. The nearest ATM and petrol station are in Kulen Vakuf (5 km from Štrbački Buk) or Bihać. Mobile signal is patchy within the canyon. Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes are active near the river at dusk. Combine your visit with Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia (40 km west, 1 hour drive) — they make a phenomenal dual nature itinerary. Rafting companies provide wetsuits in spring (May–June water is 12–14°C); in summer a swimsuit and T-shirt suffice. The water is drinkable from the river's side springs but not from the Una itself.