Kayaking, cycling and hiking: FAQ
Active holidays around Bihać.
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Active holidays around Bihać. 40 questions and answers for visitors to Bihać and the Una river.
Can you go kayaking on the Una near Bihać?
Yes, you can kayak and canoe on the Una near Bihać, with tours offered by local rafting agencies. The calmer stretches of the river suit beginners, while sections with rapids are for more experienced paddlers. Beginners are usually advised to take a guided tour with an instructor.
Is kayaking on the Una suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you choose a calmer part of the river and a guided tour, where the instructor explains the basics of paddling before you set off. The rapids and waterfalls in Una National Park are not for beginners on their own. Ask the operator which section suits your experience and age. A life jacket is worn for the whole trip.
What is a kayak safari on the Una?
A kayak safari is a guided kayak tour down the Una, usually through calmer and scenic parts of the river, with breaks for swimming and resting. Such tours are offered by agencies from Bihać and the surrounding area, and according to their descriptions they suit a range of ages. Check the duration and section directly with the operator.
What is the difference between rafting and kayaking on the Una?
In rafting you paddle in a larger inflatable boat with a group and a licensed skipper who steers through the rapids. In a kayak you paddle alone or in pairs and steer the boat yourself, which takes more skill. That is why beginners are usually advised to raft the faster sections and kayak the calmer parts of the river.
Can you rent a canoe or kayak in Bihać?
Canoes and kayaks in Bihać can usually be hired through local rafting agencies and some campsites on the Una, most often with a guide. Not everyone offers unguided rental, and it also depends on the section and water level. If you are staying with us, get in touch and we will help you find an operator.
Can you go stand-up paddleboarding on the Una?
You can SUP on calm parts of the Una without rapids, for example the slower stretches through Bihać and further downstream. The water is cold and fast in places, so a life jacket is advisable. SUP is not safe on rapids or near waterfalls.
Do you need a life jacket for kayaking or SUP on the Una?
Yes, a life jacket is always recommended and is compulsory on organised tours. The Una is a cold mountain river with changing speed and depth, and there are no permanent lifeguards. On sections with rapids a helmet is worn too. For children, choose a properly sized life jacket that fastens securely and cannot slip over the head.
Is Bihać good for cycling?
Yes, the area around Bihać is good for cycling, with local roads along the Una, gravel tracks and forest paths. Popular rides follow the river towards Lohovo and Račić, and there are routes through Una National Park to Štrbački buk. For mountain biking there are also tougher routes on the slopes of Plješevica.
Are there cycling trails in Una National Park?
Yes, Una National Park has marked cycling trails, mostly on gravel and forest roads, for example around Martin Brod and the Unac river. The trails vary in length and difficulty, and many are suitable for mountain bikes. Check trail maps and descriptions on the park's official website, npuna.com, or at the information centre.
Can you cycle from Bihać to Štrbački buk?
Yes, it is one of the more popular rides from Bihać, mixing tarmac and gravel through forests and villages. The route needs a decent level of fitness, as there are climbs and long stretches without shops. There is an entrance fee for Una National Park, so check the price on the park's official website, npuna.com.
Where can I rent a bike in Bihać?
Bikes in Bihać can usually be hired through some accommodation providers, campsites and travel agencies, and what is on offer changes from season to season. The best place to ask is the Tourist Information Centre in Bihać. If you are staying with us, ask and we will tell you where bikes are currently available.
What is the best mountain for hiking near Bihać?
The best-known mountain near Bihać is Plješevica, which runs along the border with Croatia. Its northern summit, Gola Plješevica, is 1,646 m high and lies between Bihać and Korenica. From the ridge there are views over the Bihać plain, the Una valley and towards the Plitvice Lakes.
How high is Plješevica mountain?
The highest peak of Plješevica is Ozeblin at 1,657 m, in the southern part of the range between Udbina and Donji Lapac. The summit closest to Bihać is Gola Plješevica at 1,646 m. The mountain stretches south from Bihać along the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Climbing Gola Plješevica takes good fitness and a full day.
Is it safe to hike on Plješevica?
People do hike on Plješevica, but you must stick to marked trails, as parts of the mountain were affected by the war and leftover landmines may still be present. Do not leave well-trodden paths and do not enter areas with warning signs. It is safest to go with local hikers or a guide.
Are there landmines around Bihać?
In some parts of the Bihać area, especially remote mountain and forest areas, leftover landmines from the war may still be present. The town, the river, villages, main roads and marked tourist trails are safe for visitors. Away from marked routes, stay on well-trodden paths and respect warning signs.
What is Željava airbase and can you visit it?
Željava is an abandoned underground military airbase in the northern part of Plješevica, on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, once the largest of its kind in former Yugoslavia. It is not far from Bihać and attracts visitors, but the site is abandoned and not maintained. If you visit, do not enter the tunnels without a guide and do not leave the main tracks.
What are some easy walks around Bihać?
For easy walks, try the riverside promenade along the Una through central Bihać and the paths around Štrbački buk in Una National Park. Quiet walks by the river are also possible in Lohovo and Pritoka, where we have houses on the Una. These walks are suitable for families with children.
Can you go paragliding near Bihać?
Paragliding is occasionally organised in Una-Sana Canton, but Bihać has no permanent, widely known tandem flight offer. If you are interested, ask at the Tourist Information Centre in Bihać or contact local paragliding clubs for current dates. The nearest known tandem flights are on the Croatian side, around Plitvice.
Can you go horse riding near Bihać?
Horse riding around Bihać is offered by some farms and tourist businesses, but the offer is not permanent and changes from year to year. It is best to ask at the Tourist Information Centre in Bihać or your host. If you are staying with us, ask and we will check what is currently available.
Are there campsites on the Una near Bihać?
Yes, there are several campsites on the Una near Bihać, often next to rafting bases, where you can pitch a tent or park a campervan. Many also offer activities such as rafting and kayaking. If you prefer a house to a tent, we have holiday houses on the Una in Lohovo, Pritoka and Grmuša.
Is wild camping allowed along the Una?
In Una National Park, camping is only allowed at designated sites, and outside the park you must respect private property and local rules. The safest option is an official campsite or accommodation. Check the camping rules for the park on its official website, npuna.com.
What is there to do in Bihać for an active holiday?
Bihać is a good base for an active holiday: rafting and kayaking on the Una, cycling, hiking on Plješevica, swimming in the river and exploring Una National Park. The Plitvice Lakes are also close for a day trip, about 35 km away. You can book accommodation on the Una or in the centre at apartmanibihac.com.
How many days do you need for an active holiday in Bihać?
Three to five days is a good plan for an active holiday in Bihać. That gives you time for rafting, a visit to Štrbački buk and Martin Brod, some cycling and a day trip to the Plitvice Lakes. For a longer stay, the houses on the Una are a practical choice.
What is there to see in Una National Park?
The highlights are the Štrbački buk waterfall, Martin Brod with the Milančev buk waterfall, and Kulen Vakuf with the old Ostrovica fortress. The park also offers hiking and cycling trails, rafting, kayaking and fishing. The entrance near Bihać is about 15 minutes' drive, towards Lohovo and Račić.
What activities are there for children in Bihać?
Good options for children are calmer rafting on the Kostela to Grmuša section, swimming at shallower spots on the Una, walks by the river and a visit to Štrbački buk. Children can also cycle on quiet roads along the river. Always supervise children when swimming, as the Una has no permanent lifeguards.
When is the best time for an active holiday in Bihać?
The best time is from May to September, when the days are warm and the rafting and swimming season is open. Spring and early autumn are also pleasant for hiking and cycling, as it is less hot. Spring brings the strongest rapids on the Una.
Can you have an active holiday in Bihać outside summer?
Yes, hiking, cycling and walks along the Una are possible in spring and autumn, and rafting usually runs from March or April to October. In winter there are fewer activities, but walks and excursions are still possible. Our apartments in the centre and houses on the Una are available all year round.
Where can you go running in Bihać?
The riverside promenade along the Una through central Bihać and the roads by the river towards Pritoka and Lohovo are good for a morning run. The terrain is mostly flat, and part of the route runs right beside the river. In summer it is best to run early in the morning or in the evening. For longer runs, the road to Lohovo follows the river for several kilometres, but it does carry traffic.
Where can you swim after activities in Bihać?
The nearest spots are the town bathing areas on the Una in central Bihać, and outside town Hatinac, Brvice, the Japodski otoci islands near Ripač, and Dvoslap and Troslap near Račić are popular. We have houses with river access in Lohovo, Pritoka and Grmuša. The Una is cold, so it is best to get into the water gradually.
What are the best viewpoints around Bihać?
There are fine views from the viewpoint above Štrbački buk, from the slopes of Plješevica over the Bihać plain, and from the hillsides above the Una valley towards Lohovo and Račić. Above the town there are also remains of old fortifications overlooking Bihać. The light is usually best early in the morning or late afternoon.
Are there guided tours in Bihać and the surrounding area?
Yes, local travel agencies offer guided tours of Una National Park, rafting, kayaking and trips to Plitvice. For hiking, especially on Plješevica, a guide or local mountaineering club is recommended. You can get information at the Tourist Information Centre in Bihać. If you are staying with us, we will arrange guided rafting with Una Olympic Rafting.
Can you snorkel or dive in the Una river?
The Una is very clear, so in summer you can look at the underwater world with a mask at some calm swimming spots. Scuba diving, and any diving in protected parts of the national park, is subject to special rules. Check the rules on the park's official website, npuna.com, before trying this.
Is the Una suitable for open-water swimming?
In summer the Una is fine for swimming and shorter swims at designated and calmer spots, but it is cold, and fast and deep in places. Longer swims with the current or through rapids are not advisable without experience and someone accompanying you. There are no permanent lifeguards, so never swim alone.
Where to stay in Bihać for an active holiday?
For an active holiday our houses on the Una in Lohovo, Pritoka and Grmuša are practical, close to the river, rafting bases and Una National Park. If you prefer the town, we also have apartments in central Bihać. A whole apartment, up to 100 m², costs from €25 or 50 KM per night, about what a single room usually costs in Bihać. You can send an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com.
Is there space for bikes and gear at your houses on the Una?
Storage for bikes and gear varies from property to property, so for the houses on the Una please ask when you enquire and say how many bikes or what kind of gear you are bringing. Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) in Bihać has bike storage. Send your enquiry on apartmanibihac.com or via WhatsApp/Viber +387 61 591 320.
Can you combine several activities in one day near Bihać?
Yes, for example rafting in the morning and a visit to Štrbački buk or a swim in the Una in the afternoon. Rafting usually takes half a day, which leaves time for something lighter. If you are staying with us, we can arrange rafting with Una Olympic Rafting to fit your plans.
Can you go fishing as part of an active holiday in Bihać?
Yes, the Una is known for trout and grayling fishing, and Una National Park has special fly-fishing zones. You need a permit, which for the park can be bought at information centres, including the Tourist Information Centre in Bihać. Check the rules and seasons on the park's official website, npuna.com.
Is Bihać good for an active family holiday?
Yes, there are calm swimming spots, easy walks, family rafting and Una National Park nearby. Distances are short, so there are no long drives with children. For families we recommend the houses on the Una with a garden, and you can send an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com.
What should I pack for an active holiday in Bihać?
Pack comfortable sports shoes, water shoes, swimwear, sun cream, a cap, a light windproof jacket and spare clothes. For hiking you also need sturdy boots, water and a map or app with marked trails. If you plan to fish, do not forget your ID, as you need it with your permit.
Do you speak English and German?
Yes, you can arrange your stay with us in Bosnian, English and German. We will help with accommodation and organising rafting, and recommend local operators for other activities. Contact us on WhatsApp/Viber +387 61 591 320 or by email at apartmaniubihacu@gmail.com. We reply to enquiries on apartmanibihac.com within 12 hours.
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.