Štrbački buk waterfall: FAQ
The Una’s largest waterfall: route, viewpoints, swimming.
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The Una’s largest waterfall: route, viewpoints, swimming. 40 questions and answers for visitors to Bihać and the Una river.
Where is Štrbački buk waterfall?
Štrbački buk is a waterfall on the Una River in Una National Park, south of Bihać, between Orašac and Kulen Vakuf. It sits right on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, which follows the river here. It is the largest and best-known waterfall on the Una.
How high is Štrbački buk waterfall?
According to Una National Park, Štrbački buk is 24.5 metres high and the tallest waterfall in the park. The water drops over several tufa steps. The falls are several dozen metres wide, which makes them especially impressive when the water is high in spring.
How far is Štrbački buk from Bihać?
Štrbački buk is roughly 30 to 35 km from Bihać centre, depending on whether you go via Orašac or Gorjevac. The drive usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, as the last part of the road is gravel. If you stay in Lohovo, the drive to Orašac is shorter.
How do I get to Štrbački buk from Bihać?
The most common route runs south from Bihać via Ripač and Lohovo to Orašac, where you turn off towards entrance 3, Ćelije, and Štrbački buk. From Orašac it is about 8 km to the waterfall, partly on tarmac and partly on gravel. The other route goes via the Gorjevac entrance on the road towards Bosanski Petrovac, with a longer gravel stretch of about 14 km.
Is the road to Štrbački buk a gravel road?
Yes, the last part of the road to Štrbački buk is still partly gravel. Via Orašac and the Ćelije entrance it is about 8 km of narrow road, and from the Gorjevac entrance about 14 km of gravel with a 30 km/h speed limit. It is passable in an ordinary car, but drive slowly and watch out for oncoming traffic.
Can I drive to Štrbački buk in a normal car?
Yes, you can reach Štrbački buk in an ordinary car; you do not need a 4×4. The gravel is mostly well maintained but has potholes in places, so drive slowly, especially after rain. The roads are narrow, so in some spots you will need to pull over to let oncoming vehicles pass.
Which route to Štrbački buk is better, via Orašac or via Gorjevac?
Most visitors go via Orašac and the Ćelije entrance because the gravel section is shorter, about 8 km. The route via Gorjevac has around 14 km of gravel, even though sat-navs sometimes suggest it as the shorter option. If in doubt, follow the brown tourist signs for Una National Park.
Is there parking at Štrbački buk?
Yes, there is a car park at the end of the access road, and a short path leads from there to the waterfall. In July and August, especially at weekends, the car park can fill up quickly. Come in the morning to find a space more easily and avoid the crowds at the viewpoints. From the car park it is only a few minutes' walk to the viewpoints.
Can you get to Štrbački buk by coach?
Large coaches cannot use the road from Orašac to Štrbački buk because it is too narrow, so only cars, motorbikes and minibuses with up to 35 seats are allowed. Organised groups usually switch to smaller vehicles in Orašac, and this transfer is paid separately. The park helps arrange transport for larger groups.
Is there an entrance fee for Štrbački buk?
Yes, Štrbački buk is in Una National Park and you need a ticket to visit. A single ticket is valid for a full day in the Štrbački buk – Lohovo zone, and children under 7 go free. Prices change, so check the current price list on the official website, npuna.com.
Where do I buy a ticket for Štrbački buk?
Tickets are sold at the entrance to the zone, for example at entrance 3, Ćelije, on the road from Orašac, or at the Gorjevac entrance. Visitors report that payment there is mostly in cash in convertible marks, so bring KM with you. Any changes will be announced on npuna.com.
Can you swim at Štrbački buk?
Swimming in the waterfall itself and in its immediate vicinity is not allowed. Park rules forbid swimming within 50 metres upstream or downstream of waterfalls and walking on tufa barriers. Inside the park you may only swim in the Una at designated spots and while the entrances are open.
Where can I swim near Štrbački buk?
In the Štrbački buk zone you may only swim at spots the park has marked for swimming, not by the waterfall itself. On the way to the falls there are riverside spots where people swim in summer, but follow the park's signs. You have more freedom to swim in Lohovo and Pritoka, where many houses on apartmanibihac.com have their own access to the Una.
Are there viewpoints at Štrbački buk?
Yes, a wooden boardwalk runs alongside the waterfall with several viewpoints and platforms that show Štrbački buk from different angles. The best view of the full width of the falls is from the lower platforms, while from above you can see the Una tumbling over the tufa steps. Walk slowly on the boardwalk, as the planks are often wet.
What is the best time of day to visit Štrbački buk?
The best time is the morning, when there are fewer people and the light is softer for photos. In summer most visitors and tour groups arrive around midday and in the afternoon. For some peace and quiet, leave Bihać so that you reach the waterfall before 10 am. If you are coming from Plitvice, plan your day so you arrive before noon or late in the afternoon.
What is the best time of year to visit Štrbački buk?
In spring, especially April and May, the waterfall is at its most powerful and loudest because of the high water. In summer the water is at its clearest and most emerald and the surroundings are at their liveliest, although that is also when it is busiest. In autumn the forest around the falls turns golden and there are fewer people.
Is Štrbački buk worth visiting in winter?
Štrbački buk has a special atmosphere in winter, with mist and sometimes snow, and very few visitors. The problem is the access road, which can be harder to drive in winter because of the gravel and snow. Before setting off, check road conditions and the announcements on npuna.com.
How long do you need at Štrbački buk?
An hour or two is enough to walk around the viewpoints and relax by the waterfall. Including the drive from Bihać and back, allow half a day. If you combine it with Kulen Vakuf and Martin Brod, it becomes a full-day trip. If you also plan to swim at the designated spots, add another hour or two.
Is Štrbački buk on the border with Croatia?
Yes, Štrbački buk is right on the border, as the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia follows the Una here. The visitor zone with tickets and boardwalks is on the Bosnian side, in Una National Park. Do not cross the border on foot over the river, as it is not an official border crossing.
Can you see Štrbački buk from Croatia?
On the Croatian side there are local tracks and spots with a view of the waterfall, but it is not a managed visitor area like the one in Una National Park. The main boardwalks, viewpoints, parking and ticket sales are on the Bosnian bank. For the full experience, it is best to visit the falls from Bihać.
Can you combine rafting with a visit to Štrbački buk?
Yes, rafting on the Una often starts below Štrbački buk, on the stretch towards Lohovo, and is run by licensed agencies. This stretch has rapids and passes through a canyon, so operators usually do not recommend it for children under 12. For our guests we organise rafting on a calmer stretch, finishing in Grmuša, with Una Olympic Rafting.
Is rafting at Štrbački buk difficult?
The stretch below Štrbački buk is considered more demanding than the calmer parts of the Una, with rapids of medium difficulty. Agencies usually recommend it for adults and children from about 12 years, with a skipper and equipment. For families with younger children there are easier stretches elsewhere on the Una.
What should I bring on a trip to Štrbački buk?
Bring comfortable shoes with good grip, as the paths and planks by the water are slippery, and cash in convertible marks for the ticket. In summer you will need water, a hat and sun cream, plus swimwear if you plan to swim at the designated spots. Also bring a rubbish bag, as you take your litter out of the park with you.
Is there anywhere to eat at Štrbački buk?
The park's official website mentions Restaurant Buk by the waterfall, and in summer small food stalls usually operate near the car park. Opening hours are not fixed, especially outside the season, so do not count on them being open. It is safest to bring water and something to eat, and head back towards Orašac, Kulen Vakuf or Bihać for a proper meal.
Can you have a barbecue at Štrbački buk?
Yes, but only at the designated picnic area by Štrbački buk, where there are fixed barbecues. Outside these spots, lighting fires in Una National Park is forbidden. If you want a barbecue by the river without restrictions, a riverside cottage on the Una is a better option. Bring your own firewood and supplies, and leave the spot clean afterwards.
Are there toilets at Štrbački buk?
Yes, there are toilets at Štrbački buk, but according to the park's price list their use is charged separately and is not included in the ticket. It is worth having some cash in convertible marks (KM) with you. Check the current price list on npuna.com.
Is Štrbački buk suitable for children?
Yes, Štrbački buk is family-friendly, as it is only a short walk from the car park to the waterfall and the boardwalks have railings. Keep children close on the wooden paths and by the water, as the edges are slippery. Children under 7 get in free.
Is Štrbački buk accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Some of the viewpoints can be reached without steep climbs, but the paths are not fully suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. There are planks, steps and uneven sections, especially towards the lower platforms. For small children a baby carrier is more practical than a pushchair. If you are travelling with someone with reduced mobility, contact the park via npuna.com before your visit.
Can I take my dog to Štrbački buk?
Dogs are allowed in Una National Park only on a lead, but under park rules they are not permitted on the boardwalks at Štrbački buk. That means you can enter the zone with your dog, but not walk the wooden paths to the waterfall. Check the rules on npuna.com before your visit.
Can I fly a drone over Štrbački buk?
Drones may not be used in Una National Park without prior permission from the park management. This also applies to Štrbački buk, which is busy in summer. To request permission, contact the park via the details on npuna.com. Drones flown without a permit may be confiscated, and commercial filming is also forbidden.
How far is Štrbački buk from the Plitvice Lakes?
You can visit the Plitvice Lakes and Štrbački buk on the same day, but it makes for a tiring day. From Plitvice to Bihać is a 35 to 40-minute drive via the Izačić crossing, and from Bihać to Štrbački buk another 45 minutes to an hour. A more relaxed plan is two days with an overnight stay in Bihać, for example at one of the properties on apartmanibihac.com.
How can I see Štrbački buk and Martin Brod in one day?
Visit Štrbački buk in the morning, then drive back to Orašac and continue via Kulen Vakuf to Martin Brod, about 45 minutes' drive. In Kulen Vakuf you can stop at the old Ostrovica fortress, and in Martin Brod see Milančev buk and Rmanj Monastery. In the evening you return to Bihać, about 50 km and roughly an hour's drive.
Why is the waterfall called Štrbački buk?
The waterfall is named after the nearby village of Štrbci, and 'buk' is the local word for a waterfall or strong rapid. That is why there are several 'buks' on the Una, such as Milančev buk and Kostelski buk. Štrbački buk is the largest and best known of them.
Is Štrbački buk a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Štrbački buk is not on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since 2019 the tufa waterfalls at Martin Brod have been on Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tentative List, and Una National Park has launched an initiative to extend the nomination to Štrbački buk. The outcome of this initiative is not yet known.
Were there watermills at Štrbački buk?
Yes, in the early 20th century watermills operated beside Štrbački buk. An old mill can still be seen along the boardwalk by the waterfall. Mills like these were common all along the Una, and some have been restored in Martin Brod. They were once used by people from the surrounding villages to grind grain.
How wide is Štrbački buk waterfall?
Štrbački buk is several dozen metres wide, with sources quoting anything from around 40 to almost 60 metres, depending on what is measured. When the water is high, it pours over almost the entire width of the tufa steps. That is why the falls look most impressive in spring.
Is it dangerous to drive to Štrbački buk?
The drive is not dangerous if you go slowly and carefully, but the road is narrow, gravel and potholed in places. On some stretches two cars can barely pass each other, and there are bear warning signs along the way. Avoid driving in the dark if you do not know the road.
Is there mobile phone signal at Štrbački buk?
Mobile signal on the access road and at the waterfall can be weak or drop out, and near the border your phone may connect to a Croatian network. Download an offline map for navigation before you set off. If you are using roaming, watch out for network switching.
Where should I stay to visit Štrbački buk?
The most practical places to stay are Bihać or Lohovo on the Una, from where the road to Orašac and Štrbački buk is shorter. On apartmanibihac.com a whole apartment costs from €25, or 50 KM, per night, roughly the price of a single room in Bihać. You can also send an enquiry via WhatsApp/Viber on +387 61 591 320.
Is Štrbački buk worth visiting?
Yes, Štrbački buk is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the main attraction of Una National Park. The combination of a tall tufa waterfall, emerald water and well-built viewpoints draws visitors from across the region. If you are in Bihać or at Plitvice, it is worth setting aside half a day for it.
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.