Day trips from Bihać: FAQ
Ostrožac, Cazin, Krupa, Rastoke, the coast.
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Ostrožac, Cazin, Krupa, Rastoke, the coast. 40 questions and answers for visitors to Bihać and the Una river.
What are the best day trips from Bihać?
The most popular day trips from Bihać are Una National Park with Štrbački buk and Martin Brod, the Plitvice Lakes about 35 km away, Ostrožac Castle near Cazin, Sokolac fortress and the Krušnica spring near Bosanska Krupa. For a full day out you can visit Rastoke in Slunj or the sea near Zadar. Bihać makes a good base, as most of these places are less than an hour's drive away.
How far is Ostrožac Castle from Bihać?
Ostrožac Castle is roughly 17 to 20 km north of Bihać, about 25 minutes' drive in the direction of Cazin. It stands on a hill above the Una river, in the village of the same name. The trip is easy to combine with a visit to nearby Cazin.
What is there to see at Ostrožac?
At Ostrožac you will see a fortress combining medieval, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian parts, and a park with more than 150 stone sculptures from the long-running sculpture colony. The castle was remodelled by Lothar von Berks at the beginning of the 20th century, and the complex is a national monument. From the ramparts there is a view over the Una valley.
How far is Cazin from Bihać?
Cazin is about 24 km from Bihać, roughly 25 to 30 minutes' drive north. It is the second-largest town in Una-Sana Canton and the centre of the Cazinska krajina region. Ostrožac and several lakes are nearby, so the trip easily stretches to half a day.
What is there to do in Cazin?
The best-known sights in and around Cazin are Ostrožac Castle above the Una, the fortress in the town itself and the picturesque rural landscape of the Cazinska krajina region. Cazin is also a good place to try local dishes of the area. A trip from Bihać usually takes half a day. The road runs through the hilly villages of the Cazinska krajina.
How far is Bosanska Krupa from Bihać?
Bosanska Krupa is about 35 km north-east of Bihać, roughly 40 minutes' drive. The town lies on the Una and has a fortress with a view, old water mills on the river and a lovely riverside walk. From our accommodation in Grmuša, Krupa is even closer, as Grmuša lies on the same route.
Where is the Krušnica spring?
The Krušnica spring (Vrelo Krušnice) is about 6 km from Bosanska Krupa, between the villages of Gudavac and Vranjska, roughly 35 to 40 km from Bihać. It is a powerful karst spring that gives rise to the Krušnica, a short and very clear river that flows into the Una. There are places to rest and picnic by the spring, and it is a popular spot in the summer months.
Can you swim at the Krušnica spring?
The water at the Krušnica spring is very cold and clear, so a swim is short and refreshing, and staying in long is not recommended for children or people sensitive to cold. People more often swim further downstream, where the water warms up a little. Respect the rules of the protected area and do not leave litter.
How far is Sokolac fortress from Bihać?
Sokolac fortress is about 5 km south of the centre of Bihać, on the road to Una National Park and Štrbački buk, around 10 minutes' drive. On foot you can get there in about an hour. It makes a short half-day trip or a stop on the way to the national park.
How far is Kulen Vakuf from Bihać?
Kulen Vakuf is about 45 km south-east of Bihać, right on the Una, and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes. Above the village stands the old Ostrovica fortress, and nearby is Martin Brod with its waterfalls, part of Una National Park. The road runs through Ripač and Orašac along the Una valley.
What is there to see in Kulen Vakuf?
In Kulen Vakuf it is worth seeing Ostrovica fortress on the hill above the village and the Una, which is wide and calm here. From there it is a short drive to Martin Brod and its waterfalls, which belong to Una National Park. The village is quiet and good for a day trip along the river.
How far is Martin Brod from Bihać?
Martin Brod is in the southern part of Una National Park, about 50 km and roughly an hour's drive from Bihać via Kulen Vakuf. It is known for the waterfalls where the Unac flows into the Una and for the old Orthodox Rmanj Monastery nearby. Check tickets and opening hours on the official Una National Park website, npuna.com.
How far is Drvar from Bihać?
Drvar is roughly 80 km from Bihać, and the drive via Bosanski Petrovac takes about an hour and a half. The town lies on the Unac river. It is known for Tito's Cave and events from the Second World War. It is a long trip, so set off early in the morning and bring food for the journey.
What is Tito's Cave in Drvar?
Tito's Cave is a cave on a ridge above Drvar and the Unac river, about 1 km from the centre, where Josip Broz Tito had his headquarters in 1944. On 25 May 1944 the German airborne raid on Drvar began here, and Tito managed to escape. The cave is now a memorial site; check visiting conditions locally.
What is Plješevica mountain and can you hike there?
Plješevica is a mountain on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia that stretches south-east from Bihać, and its peak, Gola Plješevica, is about 1,646 m high. You can hike and cycle there, and the summits offer views over the Una valley and Lika. Part of the mountain used to be a military zone, so stick to marked trails and local guides.
What is Željava airbase near Bihać?
Željava is an abandoned underground military airbase of the former Yugoslavia, dug into Plješevica mountain right on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, not far from Bihać. The tunnels were blown up and damaged in the 1990s. The surrounding area was previously suspected of containing mines, so do not leave the beaten tracks, and we do not recommend entering the tunnels without a local guide.
How far is Rastoke from Bihać?
Rastoke in Slunj is about 50 km from Bihać, roughly an hour's drive via the Izačić border crossing. The route passes close to the Plitvice Lakes, so both places can be combined in one day. To cross into Croatia you need a passport or ID card, depending on your nationality.
What is Rastoke in Croatia?
Rastoke is an old settlement in Slunj, Croatia, where the Slunjčica river flows into the Korana over numerous waterfalls and cascades. It is known for its water mills, of which there were once more than twenty, the oldest dating from the 17th century. The site is protected and ideal for a short walk and photos.
Can I visit Plitvice and Rastoke in one day from Bihać?
Yes, Plitvice is about 35 km from Bihać and Rastoke around thirty kilometres further, so you can see both in one day. It is best to spend the morning at Plitvice and the afternoon at Rastoke. Buy Plitvice tickets in advance on the official Plitvice Lakes National Park website.
How far is Bihać from the sea?
The nearest major destination on the coast is Zadar, about 150 km from Bihać, and the drive takes roughly two to two and a half hours via Izačić and Korenica. On the way you pass Plitvice, so you can combine the sea and the lakes in one trip. A day trip to the sea is possible but long, so set off early.
Can I do a day trip to the coast from Bihać?
Yes, the sea near Zadar is about 150 km away, roughly two to two and a half hours' drive each way. In high season, expect waiting times at the border, especially at weekends. Many guests combine a few days on the Una with onward travel to the coast, and with us, accommodation on the Una costs from 25 € (50 KM) per night for a whole apartment.
How far is Banja Luka from Bihać?
Banja Luka is roughly 160 km from Bihać, and the drive takes about two and a half to three hours, usually via Bosanska Krupa and Prijedor. It is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for the Kastel fortress, the Vrbas river and the Ferhadija Mosque. A day trip is possible, but it is better to stay overnight.
How far is Sarajevo from Bihać?
Sarajevo is roughly 290 to 310 km from Bihać, depending on the route, and the drive takes about five hours, usually via Ključ, Jajce and Travnik. Because of the distance it is not suitable for a day trip. There are also bus services between Bihać and Sarajevo; check the timetable at the bus station.
How far is Zagreb from Bihać?
Zagreb is about 160 km from Bihać, and the drive takes around two and a half hours, via Izačić or Velika Kladuša. Zagreb Airport is the nearest major airport for international guests. Buses also run from Zagreb to Bihać; check the timetable with the operator.
Do I need a passport for a day trip to Croatia from Bihać?
Yes, to cross the border into Croatia you need a valid identity document, and the rules depend on your nationality: EU citizens usually only need an ID card, while others need a passport and possibly a visa. The nearest border crossing is Izačić, on the way to Plitvice. In summer, expect waiting times, especially at weekends.
What is the nearest border crossing to Croatia from Bihać?
The nearest border crossing from Bihać into Croatia is Izačić, about 15 minutes' drive from the centre, on the way to Plitvice and Slunj. Towards Zagreb, people also often cross via Velika Kladuša. You can check the situation at the border on the websites of the border services and traffic information before setting off.
How long does it take to get to Štrbački buk from Bihać?
Štrbački buk, the best-known waterfall in Una National Park, is about 30 km from Bihać, and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes, with the last section on a gravel road. The route goes via Ripač or Orašac, past Sokolac. From Lohovo it is even closer, so our houses there are handy for visiting the park.
Can I do day trips from Bihać without a car?
Partly: local buses run from Bihać to villages along the Una, and there are intercity services to Plitvice and Zadar. For Štrbački buk, Ostrožac and the Krušnica spring, however, a car is the most practical option. If you do not have a vehicle, ask us on WhatsApp/Viber +387 61 591 320 about transport or an organised trip.
What is a good trip for a rainy day around Bihać?
On a rainy day, a good option is the museum in the Captain's Tower and the old town of Bihać, a visit to Ostrožac near Cazin or a drive to Rastoke. After rain, the Una waterfalls often carry more water and look even more powerful. Rafting usually goes ahead in the rain, but not when the water level is high.
Are there boat trips on the Una river?
Yes, along the Una you can take trips in traditional boats, kayaks, canoes and on stand-up paddleboards (SUP), mostly near Račić, Ripač and Kostela. The best-known activity is rafting, which we organise with Una Olympic Rafting from Grmuša/Salihovac. Boat trips are seasonal, so check availability before you come.
How far is Grmuša from Bihać?
Grmuša is roughly 20 km north-east of Bihać, on the Una, and is one of the main starting points for rafting. Una Olympic Rafting has its base in Grmuša/Salihovac, with a restaurant by the river and mountain cabins. Bosanska Krupa is also close by, so it is a good base for trips downstream.
What is a good cycling route from Bihać?
A popular cycling route runs along the Una from Bihać towards Ripač and Kulen Vakuf, about 45 km one way, with gentle climbs. Shorter routes lead towards Lohovo and Sokolac. For more demanding riders there is the climb up Plješevica, but it is hard and longer.
How many days do I need for Bihać and the surrounding area?
For Bihać and the main day trips we recommend three to five days: a day for the town and Sokolac, a day for Una National Park, a day for Plitvice, a day for rafting and one for Ostrožac or Krušnica. If you have less time, two days are enough for the town and Štrbački buk. You can book accommodation for your whole stay by sending an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com.
Where should I stay as a base for exploring the Bihać region?
Bihać is a good base because it is central: Plitvice is about 35 km away, Ostrožac about 20 km, Štrbački buk 30 to 35 km and Bosanska Krupa about 35 km. For trips to Una National Park, Lohovo is best, and for Krupa and rafting, Grmuša. A whole apartment or house with us costs from 25 € (50 KM) per night, roughly what a single room for one person costs.
Is Velika Kladuša worth a day trip?
Velika Kladuša, about 55 km north of Bihać, is known for its old castle on the hill above the town, and Cazin with Ostrožac lies on the way. The trip is easy to combine with a drive to Zagreb, as Velika Kladuša is close to the Croatian border. Half a day is enough to look around.
Is there a lake for swimming near Bihać?
Around Bihać and Cazin there are several smaller lakes and reservoirs where people swim in summer, the best known locally being the lakes of the Cazinska krajina region. Most people, however, swim in the Una, at designated bathing spots in Bihać and the surrounding area. Check swimming conditions and safety locally.
Can I get to Slunj and Plitvice by bus from Bihać?
There are bus connections from Bihać to Plitvice and Slunj, but they are infrequent and depend on the season. Check the timetable at Bihać bus station or on the operators' websites. For a flexible day, especially with children, a car is much more practical. We are happy to help with advice on day trips on WhatsApp/Viber +387 61 591 320.
What are good day trips from Bihać for older people?
Good trips for older people involve little walking: a drive to Ostrožac, a stroll around the old town of Bihać, the riverside restaurants in Ripač and Kostela, and the viewpoint at Štrbački buk. At Plitvice there are shorter routes with a boat and a panoramic train. Go earlier in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Is Bosanski Petrovac on the way to Drvar?
Yes, Bosanski Petrovac is on the main road between Bihać and Drvar, roughly 50 to 55 km from Bihać. The road climbs out of the Una valley onto a plateau, so the drive offers lovely views. Bosanski Petrovac is a good stop for coffee or lunch on a longer trip.
What is there to see in Bosanska Krupa?
In Bosanska Krupa it is worth seeing the remains of the old fortress above the town with a view over the Una, the wooden water mills on the river and the riverside promenade with footbridges. The Krušnica spring is nearby, about 6 km from town, so both are easy to combine in half a day. The town is about 30 km from Bihać, and even closer from Grmuša.
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.