Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Una National Park is one of those places that feels like it’s still flying blissfully under the radar. Think crystal-clear rivers in every shade of turquoise, thundering waterfalls, lush forest trails and tiny riverside villages where life seems to move just a little slower.
The park is named after the Una River, and honestly, it’s easy to see why this place is so special from the moment you arrive. The water here is almost impossibly clear, winding its way through dramatic canyons and past some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Balkans. From the powerful Štrbački Buk waterfall to the fairytale setting of Martin Brod, Una National Park is a dream destination for nature lovers, photographers and anyone craving a peaceful escape away from the tourist masses.
Whether you’re planning a short stop during a Bosnia road trip or want to spend a couple of days exploring the park at a slower pace, Una National Park is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting, including the best places to see, how to get around, entrance fees and my personal tips for making the most of your time in this beautiful corner of Bosnia.
- Quick facts for visiting Una National Park
- How to visit Una National Park
- The best time to visit Una National Park
- Where to stay near Una National Park
- Where to eat in Una National Park
- How to reach Una National Park
- How many days do you need to visit Una National Park?
- Top things to do in Una National Park
Quick facts for visiting Una National Park
Buy a combi ticket – If you’re planning on visiting both Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod, then ask for a combi ticket when you visit the first waterfall. We didn’t know, the first lady didn’t tell us and the second lady then told us it would be more expensive now for us since we had to buy two separate tickets.
Best tour – Go rafting or kayaking on the Una river.
Where to stay – The Cozy Chalet is the perfect place to stay when visiting Una National Park.
How to visit Una National Park
The easiest way to visit Una National Park is by car, especially if you want to explore more than just one waterfall. The park is spread out across several different areas, and the two main places you’ll probably want to visit are Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod. They’re not right next to each other, so having your own wheels will make your day a lot smoother.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
f you only have a few hours, I would focus on Štrbački Buk. It’s the most impressive sight in the park and the easiest one to include on a Bosnia road trip. But if you have a full day, I highly recommend combining Štrbački Buk with Martin Brod so you get to experience both the dramatic and the more tranquil side of Una National Park.
Right – Štrbački Buk
You can also visit Una National Park as part of an organised tour from Bihać, which is a good option if you don’t have a rental car. Some tours include transport, a guide and sometimes even rafting or kayaking on the Una River.
The best time to visit Una National Park
The best time to visit Una National Park is from May until September, when the weather is warm, the days are long and the Una River shows off those dreamy turquoise shades at their very best.
If you want to go rafting or kayaking, the summer months are definitely the most popular time to visit. June, July and August bring the warmest temperatures, making it the perfect season to spend time on the river, explore the waterfalls and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
💡 TIP – The waterfalls are also more powerful in spring and early summer, which makes places like Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod even more impressive.
Where to stay near Una National Park
The Cozy Chalet
The Cozy Chalet is the perfect place to stay when visiting Una National Park. You’re staying completely off the grid (though the WiFi and TV are excellent) in a luxury chalet in the woods. There’s an indoor and outdoor fireplace, a grill and a hot tub to soak and relax in after a day of exploring. We absolutely loved staying here!
Where to eat in Una National Park
There aren’t a huge amount of restaurants inside Una National Park itself, so it’s a good idea to plan your lunch or dinner stop a little in advance. Most places to eat are located around the nearby villages and along the Una River, which honestly only adds to the charm.
During our visit, we ate at Restaurant Aqualand, and it was such a lovely spot to take a break after exploring the park. The restaurant is located right by the water, with a peaceful riverside setting that makes you want to sit down and stay a little longer than planned. And really, after wandering around waterfalls and wooden walkways, there’s nothing better than a relaxed meal with views of the Una River.
The menu focuses on simple, hearty food, with local dishes, grilled meat and fresh fish being the kind of thing you can expect in this part of Bosnia. And they had a swing, which is always a win in our books these days!
How to reach Una National Park
The easiest way to reach Una National Park is by car, especially if you want to explore several places inside the park in one day. The park is located in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the Croatian border, and the nearest larger town is Bihać.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to visit everything at your own pace, which is definitely the best way to experience the park.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
💡 TIP – That being said, one important thing to know is that you shouldn’t blindly follow Google Maps when driving to Una National Park. During our visit, Google Maps wanted to send us to an entrance via Croatia, which would have meant crossing the border unnecessarily. Since the park sits right next to the Croatian border, navigation apps can sometimes choose a route that looks shorter on the map but isn’t actually the most practical option.
Driving distances to Una National Park
From Sarajevo – The drive to Bihać takes around 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
From Mostar – It will take you also 4.5 hours to reach Una National Park
From Jajce – The drive to Una National Park is a good 2 hours, making it the perfect next stop on your Bosnia & Herzegovina road trip.
Visiting from Croatia
If you’re traveling from Croatia, Una National Park can also be reached from places like Zagreb, Zadar or Plitvice Lakes, but keep in mind that you’ll need to cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Always check your rental car policy beforehand if you’re driving a rental car from Croatia into Bosnia, as cross-border travel sometimes requires extra paperwork or insurance.
Public Transport
Public transport to Una National Park is limited, so I wouldn’t recommend relying on buses if you want to properly explore the area. You may be able to reach Bihać by bus, but once you’re there, getting to the waterfalls and different visitor zones without a car becomes much more complicated.
How many days do you need to visit Una National Park?
You can visit the highlights of Una National Park in one day, but if you want to explore the area at a more relaxed pace, I would recommend staying at least one night!
💡 TIP – We stayed at The Cozy Chalet, which was only 30 minutes driving from Martin Brod and one of the most beautiful cabins to stay at in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
A one-day visit works especially well if you’re doing a road trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina and are short on time. You can start early from Bihać, visit Štrbački Buk first, continue towards Martin Brod and add a riverside lunch or dinner along the way.
With two days, you have enough breathing room to explore the waterfalls without rushing, stop at viewpoints, visit Kulen Vakuf and maybe even go rafting or kayaking during the warmer months.
Top things to do in Una National Park
1. Visit Štrbački Buk waterfall
Štrbački Buk is the absolute showstopper of Una National Park and the one place you simply can’t miss. This impressive waterfall is made up of several cascades tumbling down over limestone rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and the most beautiful turquoise water.
There are wooden walkways and viewing platforms that allow you to admire the waterfall from different angles, and it’s one of the best places in the park for photography. If you only have time to visit one place in Una National Park, make it Štrbački Buk.
💡 TIP – Swimming is not allowed at Štrbački Buk.
2. Explore Martin Brod
Martin Brod is another beautiful area inside Una National Park, but it has a completely different feel from Štrbački Buk. Instead of one dramatic waterfall, you’ll find a peaceful village setting with smaller cascades, old watermills and the Una River flowing through the landscape in the most scenic way.
It’s quieter, more atmospheric and perfect if you want to experience a softer, slower side of the park. Don’t rush your visit here — this is one of those places where the charm is in simply wandering around and soaking it all in.
💡 TIP – Swimming is not allowed at Martin Brod
3. Go rafting or kayaking on the Una River
If you’re visiting during the warmer months and want a bit of adventure, rafting on the Una River is one of the most popular things to do in Una National Park. The river is known for its crystal-clear water, beautiful canyon scenery and fun rapids, making it a fantastic activity for outdoor lovers.
Several local companies organise rafting trips, especially from the Bihać area, and you can choose between more relaxed routes or more adventurous sections depending on your experience level.
4. Walk along the wooden trails and viewpoints
One of the best ways to enjoy Una National Park is simply by taking your time on the walking paths and viewpoints around the waterfalls. The trails near Štrbački Buk are especially easy to follow, with wooden boardwalks leading you through the forest and along the river.
5. Visit Kulen Vakuf
Kulen Vakuf is a small riverside town surrounded by beautiful nature and mountain views. It makes a great stop while exploring Una National Park, especially if you’re driving between different parts of the park.
The town has a peaceful atmosphere and is a lovely place to stretch your legs, grab a drink or simply enjoy the scenery along the Una River.
6. Discover the old castles and viewpoints
Una National Park isn’t just about waterfalls. The area is also home to several historic ruins and viewpoints, including old medieval fortresses overlooking the river valley. These spots are perfect if you love mixing nature with a bit of history during your travels.
One of the best-known viewpoints is near Ostrovica Castle, above Kulen Vakuf, where you’ll get beautiful views over the town, the river and the surrounding hills.
7. Enjoy a riverside lunch
After a few hours of exploring, make sure to stop for a meal by the water. During our visit, we ate at Restaurant Aqualand, which was a lovely place to relax and refuel while enjoying the riverside setting.
Food options inside the park are somewhat limited, so it’s worth planning your lunch stop in advance. A relaxed meal by the Una River is the perfect way to break up your day and enjoy the slower pace of this beautiful part of Bosnia.
8. Take photos of the turquoise Una River
Honestly, half the fun of visiting Una National Park is just admiring the colour of the water. The Una River has the most incredible shades of turquoise and emerald, especially on sunny days, and it’s one of the most photogenic places in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
If you have any questions about how to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Bosnia & Herzegovina
1 Month Balkan Itinerary – Discover Bosnia, Croatia & Montenegro
Bosnia & Croatia Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Week Balkan Road Trip
Bosnia and Montenegro Itinerary: The Perfect 2 Week Balkan Road Trip
Traveling in Bosnia & Herzegovina – 10 Practical Tips
Bosnia & Herzegovina in 7 Days: The Best 1 Week Itinerary
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Visiting Una National Park – The Ultimate Guide
7 Top Things To Do in Jajce
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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