Bihać: general questions: FAQ
Where Bihać is, what makes it special and when to come.
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Where Bihać is, what makes it special and when to come. 40 questions and answers for visitors to Bihać and the Una river.
Where is Bihać?
Bihać is in north-west Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the River Una, about ten kilometres from the Croatian border. The town sits at roughly 230 metres above sea level, between the Plješevica and Grmeč mountains. It is about 160 km from Zagreb and around 35 km from the entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Which canton is Bihać in?
Bihać is the capital of the Una-Sana Canton (Unsko-sanski kanton), one of the ten cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cantonal government, courts, university and cantonal hospital are all here, making Bihać the administrative and economic centre of the region along the Una and Sana rivers. The canton borders Croatia to the west and north.
What is the population of Bihać?
According to the 2013 census, the City of Bihać had 56,261 inhabitants, of whom around 43,000 lived in the town itself. The Federal Office of Statistics estimated the population at about 54,300 in mid-2024. Bihać is the largest town in the Una-Sana Canton, which has around 260,000 inhabitants in total.
Is Štrbački Buk waterfall part of Bihać?
Yes, Štrbački Buk lies within the City of Bihać, whose administrative area covers about 900 km² and 38 settlements. Besides the town itself, this includes villages along the Una such as Ripač, Golubić, Pritoka and Kulen Vakuf. That is why part of Una National Park, including Štrbački Buk, is on Bihać's territory.
Why visit Bihać?
People come to Bihać above all for the River Una, which flows right through the town centre and offers swimming, rafting and riverside walks. Una National Park with Štrbački Buk and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both close by, so the town makes a good base for day trips. Accommodation and food are cheaper than in most tourist spots in the region.
What is Bihać famous for?
Bihać is best known for the River Una, a clear green river with rapids, waterfalls and small travertine islands. It is also known for rafting, Una National Park and Štrbački Buk, a waterfall 24.5 metres high. In the town centre, the highlights are the Captain's Tower (Kapetanova kula) and the Fethija Mosque, formerly the Church of St Anthony.
How many days do you need in Bihać?
One day is enough for the town itself and a walk along the Una, but for Bihać and the surrounding area we recommend three to five days. That gives you time for Štrbački Buk, rafting on the Una, a trip to Plitvice Lakes and at least one lazy day by the river. You can find accommodation for short or longer stays at apartmanibihac.com.
When is the best time to visit Bihać?
The best time to visit is from May to September, when it is warm and the Una is good for rafting and swimming. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, so book accommodation early. Spring brings high water and full waterfalls, while September and October are quieter, with autumn colours along the river.
Can you swim in the River Una in summer?
Yes, in summer people swim in the Una both in Bihać itself and in nearby villages such as Pritoka and Lohovo. Even on the hottest days the water is refreshingly cold, and the current on the rapids is strong, so keep an eye on children. Houses with their own access to the Una have the calmest places to get into the water.
What is the weather like in Bihać?
Bihać has a moderate continental climate with warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Summer temperatures are usually between 25 and 35 °C, and around 1,300 mm of rain falls each year, so showers are common in spring too. In winter temperatures often drop below freezing and snow is not unusual.
Is there anything to do in Bihać in winter?
Bihać is quieter in winter, but it is still pleasant for walks along the Una, exploring the centre and relaxing over local food. The Una waterfalls and Plitvice Lakes are especially beautiful under snow, but check road conditions and park opening hours on their official websites before you go. Accommodation prices are also at their lowest in winter.
What are the main areas of Bihać?
The heart of the town is the old centre by the Una, with the Captain's Tower and the Fethija Mosque, and the streets around the main pedestrian zone. Around the centre are residential areas such as Midžić Mahala, Jezero, Ozimice, Harmani and Žegar, while Pritoka and Golubić lie by the river on the edge of town. South of town, towards Una National Park, are Lohovo and Ripač.
Where is the best place to stay in Bihać?
For a short stay without a car, the centre of Bihać is best, as you can walk everywhere. For a holiday by the water choose Pritoka or Lohovo, and for rafting choose Grmuša, about 20 km from the centre. At apartmanibihac.com we have apartments in the centre and houses on the Una in all three villages, from 25 to 100 € per night for the whole property.
What is Pritoka?
Pritoka is a village on the Una right on the edge of Bihać, a few minutes' drive from the centre. It has holiday houses with direct access to the river, while the town's shops, restaurants and sights stay close by. Pritoka is a good choice if you want to sleep by the Una and still get into town quickly in the evening.
What is Lohovo and how far is it from Bihać?
Lohovo is a quiet village on the Una south of Bihać, about 10 km from the centre, or around 15 minutes by car. The river is slower and very clear here, which makes it popular for swimming and family holidays. The entrance to Una National Park towards Ripač and Račić is also close to Lohovo.
Where is Grmuša?
Grmuša is a village on the Una north-east of Bihać, about 20 km from the town centre. It is known as one of the main rafting spots on the Una, and the base of Una Olympic Rafting, with its riverside restaurant, is here and in neighbouring Salihovac. Staying in Grmuša is ideal for groups and active holidays.
Is there a riverside walk in Bihać?
Yes, the Una runs through the centre of Bihać along a landscaped riverbank, so you can walk by the river from the old town to the City Park. Along the way there are benches, café terraces and spots with views of the rapids and little islands. It is at its best in the early evening, when the town gathers by the water.
Where can you walk along the Una outside the town centre?
Outside the centre, there are lovely walks along the Una in Pritoka, Golubić and Lohovo, where the river flows more gently between meadows and trees. Una National Park has marked trails and viewpoints at Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod. Because of leftover landmines from the war, do not leave marked trails and paths in unfamiliar areas.
What is the City Park in Bihać like?
The City Park (Gradski park) is in the centre of Bihać by the River Una and is a favourite place to relax in the shade. It has old trees, paths and benches, and it connects with the riverside promenade. It is a few minutes' walk from most apartments in the centre.
What language do they speak in Bihać?
People in Bihać speak Bosnian, and the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina are Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian, which are fully mutually intelligible. Many locals also speak German or English. At Apartmani & Vikendice we speak Bosnian, English and German, so you can contact us in English.
Do people in Bihać speak German?
Yes, German is widely heard in Bihać, because many locals have relatives in, or have worked in, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In summer the town is full of visiting diaspora, so it is usually easy to get by in German in shops, restaurants and accommodation. We speak German and English, so you can send us your enquiry in either language.
Is Bihać safe for tourists?
Bihać is generally a quiet and safe town with a low level of serious crime. As anywhere, watch your belongings in crowded places and do not leave valuables visible in your car. Outside town, stay on marked paths, as minefields still exist in some parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Are there landmines around Bihać?
Some areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina are still contaminated with landmines from the war, mostly away from towns and main roads. Tourist sites, town promenades and marked trails in the national parks are safe. Do not enter abandoned houses, uncultivated fields or woods away from marked trails, and always take mine warning signs seriously.
What currency is used in Bihać?
Bihać uses the convertible mark (KM, code BAM), which is pegged to the euro: 1 euro is worth about 1.96 KM. Euros are accepted in many places, but change is usually given in marks. Cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and petrol stations, and there are cash machines in the town centre.
Is Bihać expensive?
For most visitors from the EU, Bihać is good value, especially food, coffee and accommodation. With us, a whole apartment of up to 100 m² starts at 25 €, or 50 KM, per night, roughly what a single room in Bihać usually costs. Prices depend on the property and the season, and all are listed on apartmanibihac.com.
Are there supermarkets and pharmacies in Bihać?
Yes, Bihać has several large supermarket chains, bakeries, pharmacies and petrol stations, most of them in the centre and along the main roads into town. There are also banks with cash machines and bureaux de change in the centre. From the houses in Pritoka and Lohovo, the nearest shop is a few to around fifteen minutes' drive away.
Is there a hospital in Bihać?
Yes, Bihać has the Cantonal Hospital, the main hospital for the whole Una-Sana Canton, and a health centre (Dom zdravlja) with an emergency service. In Bosnia and Herzegovina the emergency numbers are 124 for an ambulance, 122 for the police and 123 for the fire brigade. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in the EU, so the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) is not valid here, although some countries have special agreements; check with your insurer before travelling or take out travel health insurance.
What is there to see in Bihać town centre?
In the centre of Bihać it is worth seeing the Captain's Tower, the Fethija Mosque and the türbe (mausoleum) by the old town, all within a few minutes' walk of each other. There is also the promenade along the Una, the City Park and a pedestrian zone with cafés. For museum opening hours, ask locally or at the tourist board.
How far is Bihać from Plitvice Lakes?
It is about 35 km from Bihać to the entrance of Plitvice Lakes National Park, or 35 to 40 minutes by car via the Izačić border crossing. In summer there can be queues at the border, so set off early in the morning. Many visitors choose Bihać as a base because accommodation is cheaper than right next to the park.
How far is Una National Park from Bihać?
The nearest entrance to Una National Park is about 15 minutes' drive from Bihać, towards Lohovo and Račić. Štrbački Buk takes a little longer to reach, and the last stretch is a gravel road, so drive slowly. Check tickets and opening hours on the park's official website, npuna.com.
Is Bihać good for families with children?
Yes, Bihać is a quiet town with plenty of space by the water, parks and short distances. Children enjoy the shallows along the Una, the waterfalls in Una National Park and walks by the river, and family rafting is possible for older children. For families we recommend houses with a garden in Lohovo or Pritoka.
Is Bihać good for a weekend break?
Yes, Bihać is ideal for a weekend, especially from Zagreb, Karlovac or Zadar, which are two to two and a half hours away. In two days you can stroll around the centre, visit Štrbački Buk and go rafting or swimming in the Una. For summer weekends, book your accommodation a few weeks ahead at apartmanibihac.com.
Is Bihać a good destination for couples?
Yes, Bihać suits couples well, with walks along the Una, evenings on riverside terraces and peaceful trips into nature. For something more romantic there are houses on the river or the Japodska treehouse (Japodska kućica na drvetu), while apartments in the centre suit those who want everything close at hand. Send us your dates at apartmanibihac.com or on WhatsApp +387 61 591 320; we speak English and German.
Is there any nightlife in Bihać?
Bihać has modest nightlife, mostly on terraces and in bars along the Una in the town centre. Summer is liveliest, with bars by the water and open-air terraces, and at weekends some clubs have music programmes. The town is small, so you can walk to most places from an apartment in the centre.
What is the River Una and why is it special?
The Una is a river that rises in Croatia, near Donja Suvaja, and flows through Bihać northwards until it joins the Sava near Jasenovac. It is special for its crystal-clear green water, travertine waterfalls and rapids. The upper course near Bihać is protected as Una National Park, founded in 2008.
What is the history of Bihać in brief?
Bihać is first mentioned in written records in the 13th century and was an important town of the Croatian-Hungarian Kingdom before the Ottomans captured it in 1592. It later became a frontier fortress facing the Habsburg Monarchy. The Captain's Tower, the Fethija Mosque and remains of the town walls survive from these periods.
Are there any events in Bihać in summer?
Yes, summer is the liveliest time in Bihać, with events on the River Una, concerts and sports competitions. The best known is the international Una Regatta, but dates and programmes change every year. Check current dates on the City of Bihać website or with the Una-Sana Canton tourist board.
Can I visit Bihać without a car?
In Bihać itself you do not need a car if you stay in the centre, as most sights, restaurants and shops are within walking distance. For Štrbački Buk, Plitvice or rafting you will need a car, a taxi or organised transport. Rafting operators usually offer transport to the starting point, depending on the trip.
How far is Bihać from the sea?
The nearest coast to Bihać is at Zadar, about 155 km by road, or just over two hours' drive via Plitvice and the A1 motorway. Rijeka and the Kvarner Gulf are about three hours away. That is why many visitors combine a seaside holiday in Croatia with a few days on the Una in Bihać.
Is tap water safe to drink in Bihać?
Water from the town supply in Bihać is generally considered safe to drink, and locals drink it regularly. If you are staying in a house outside town with its own spring or well, ask the owner whether the water is drinkable. Bottled water is also available in shops if you prefer.
All FAQ topics · A whole apartment in Bihać or a house on the Una from €25 per night: send an enquiry on the website or message us on WhatsApp. We speak English.