Swimming in the Una: FAQ
Where to swim, water temperature, safety.
The largest accommodation community in Bihać
New photos, free dates and offers appear first on Facebook and Instagram.
Where to swim, water temperature, safety. 40 questions and answers for visitors to Bihać and the Una river.
Where can you swim in Bihać?
In Bihać itself, the best-known town bathing spots on the Una are Beton, Amerikančevo and Plandište, which locals also call Vatrogasno, all within walking distance of the centre. A little further out are Hatinac and Brvice. The Una is cold and fast in places, so get into the water gradually.
What is the main river beach in Bihać?
The best-known town bathing spot in Bihać is Beton, on the Una right in the centre and reachable on foot. Amerikančevo and Plandište are nearby. Plandište was redeveloped in 2024 and is a few minutes' walk from the centre, next to cafés.
What is the Plandište bathing area in Bihać?
Plandište, also known as Vatrogasno, is a town bathing spot on the Una a few minutes' walk from central Bihać. The town redeveloped it in a first phase of works completed in 2024. It is popular with families and groups because it is close to cafés and the centre.
Where is Hatinac swimming spot in Bihać?
Hatinac is a bathing spot on the Una about 2 km from central Bihać, reachable on foot, by bike or by car. It is known for its wide bank and for jumping into the water. Always check the depth before jumping, as the water level changes. The KRAK cultural centre is nearby.
Where is Brvice swimming spot in Bihać?
Brvice is a bathing spot on the Una about 3 km from central Bihać, reached by car or bike. It is a favourite with locals and visitors, especially for group outings and get-togethers by the river. It can get busy at summer weekends. If you want peace and quiet, come on a weekday or early in the morning.
Where can you swim with small children near Bihać?
With small children, the Japodski otoci islands near Ripač are a good choice, as the water there is calmer and shallower, as is Amerikančevo in town, which has shade. Plandište is also popular with families. Always supervise children in the water, as the Una has no permanent lifeguards. Japodski otoci is about 10 minutes' drive from the centre, and Amerikančevo is in town.
What are the Japodski otoci islands near Bihać?
Japodski otoci (the Japod Islands) are a group of small islands on the Una near Ripač, about 10 minutes' drive from central Bihać, linked by wooden footbridges. The water there is calm and shallow, so it is a good spot for families with small children. You get there by car and a short walk.
What are the "Bihać Maldives"?
Locals call the bathing spots by the Dvoslap and Troslap waterfalls in Račić the "Bihać Maldives" (Bihaćki Maldivi), about 10 km from central Bihać. They are known for turquoise water and small cascades. The area is part of Una National Park, where swimming is only allowed at marked spots and not near the waterfalls themselves.
Can you swim at Štrbački buk waterfall?
No, under Una National Park rules swimming is prohibited within 50 m upstream and downstream of the waterfalls, and walking on the tufa barriers is also forbidden. In the park you may only swim at specially marked spots and while the entrances are open. Štrbački buk is viewed from the paths and viewpoints.
How warm is the Una river in summer?
The Una is a cold mountain river, and in summer the water is usually about 16 to 22 °C, depending on the spot and the weather. Closer to the springs and in the national park the water is colder. The calmer, shallower spots in town warm up the most in July and August.
What is the water temperature of the Una by month?
As a rough guide, the Una is about 13 to 16 °C in May and September, and roughly 16 to 22 °C in June, July and August, depending on the spot. The temperature depends on the weather, the water level and the distance from the source. That is why many people prefer shorter swims and getting in gradually, even in summer.
When does the swimming season start on the Una?
The swimming season on the Una usually starts in June, once the air is warm enough, and lasts until the end of August or early September. The water is warmest in July and August. In May and September, it is mostly people who do not mind cold water who swim.
Is it safe to swim in the Una river?
Swimming in the Una is safe if you follow basic rules, but the river is cold, fast and deep in places, and there are no permanent lifeguards. Every year experts urge caution because there have been drownings, most often due to panic and overestimating one's abilities. Do not swim alone and do not jump in without checking the depth.
Is the water in the Una clean?
Yes, official tests in 2025 confirmed that the Una is clean and safe for swimming in the Bihać area. The river is known for its very clear green water, but do not drink straight from it. Clear water and a visible bottom can be deceptive, so the river is deeper in places than it looks. Always check the depth before getting in or jumping.
Are there lifeguards at the river beaches in Bihać?
The Una in Bihać generally has no permanent lifeguards, so everyone is responsible for their own safety. Always supervise children and non-swimmers, and a life jacket for children is a good idea. Avoid swimming after a heavy meal or alcohol, and do not plunge suddenly into cold water. Do not swim alone or towards the rapids.
How do you swim safely in the cold Una?
Get into the water gradually so your body can adjust to the cold, and do not jump in straight after sunbathing. Check the depth before jumping, and do not swim towards rapids or under waterfalls. Stay close to the bank and do not swim alone, especially if you are not a confident swimmer.
Is there a swimming pool in Bihać?
In Bihać and the surrounding area, pools are mostly found at some hotels and private accommodation, and in summer most people swim in the Una. Check opening times and conditions for visitors directly with the venue. Thanks to its clean water and bathing spots, the river is the main place to swim.
Can you swim in the Una at your holiday houses?
Our houses and holiday homes in Lohovo, Pritoka and Grmuša are on the Una, and many have river access or are a short walk from the water. Access and depth vary from property to property, so ask before booking. You can send an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com or via WhatsApp/Viber +387 61 591 320.
Can you swim in the Una at Lohovo?
Yes, in Lohovo, a quiet village on the Una about 10 km south of Bihać, people swim in the river in summer. The river has calmer stretches there, and Una National Park is close by. We have houses on the Una in Lohovo, from €25 to €100 per night for the whole property.
Can you swim in the Una at Pritoka?
Yes, Pritoka is a village on the Una on the edge of Bihać, a few minutes from the centre, and people swim in the river there in summer. The advantage is that you are close to town but in a quieter setting by the water. We have houses on the Una in Pritoka for families and groups.
Can you swim in the Una at Grmuša?
Yes, at Grmuša, about 20 km north-east of Bihać, the Una is wide and good for swimming in summer. Grmuša is also one of the main rafting spots, so it is livelier in summer. The Kostela and Salihovac bathing spots in the Una canyon are nearby.
What is Kostela bathing area?
Kostela is a bathing spot in the Una canyon on the road from Bihać to Bosanska Krupa, quieter and less crowded than the town spots. In 2026 the Bihać Tourist Board began improving Kostela, with a children's playground, a wooden jetty and changing rooms planned. Kostela is also the starting point of the calm rafting section to Grmuša.
Where can you swim away from the crowds near Bihać?
Quieter spots are in the Una canyon towards Bosanska Krupa, such as Kostela and Salihovac, and along the river at Lohovo. On summer weekdays and early in the morning, even the town bathing spots are less busy. For complete peace, a house on the Una with river access is the practical choice.
What is the Krušnica spring?
The Krušnica spring (Vrelo Krušnice) is the source of the Krušnica river in the municipality of Bosanska Krupa, between the villages of Gudavac and Vranjska. The Krušnica is a short river, about 6.5 km long, which flows into the Una at Bosanska Krupa. The spring is a popular excursion spot thanks to its clear water, shade and places to relax.
Can you swim at the Krušnica spring?
People do swim in the Krušnica in summer, but at the spring itself the water is very cold, so a swim is short and refreshing. There are places to relax along the river, and visitors often come for the whole day. Bosanska Krupa is about 35 km from Bihać, roughly a 40-minute drive.
How far is Bihać from Bosanska Krupa?
Bosanska Krupa is about 35 km from Bihać, a drive of around 40 minutes along the Una via Grmuša. On the way are the Kostela and Salihovac bathing spots. In Bosanska Krupa, the Krušnica spring and the small islands on the Una in the town itself are worth a visit.
What should I bring for a swim in the Una?
Bring a towel or mat, sun cream, a cap, water and water shoes, as the bottom is often rocky. Many bathing spots have few facilities, so it is a good idea to bring food too. A swimming vest is useful for children. A rubbish bag also helps, as some spots have no bins.
Do you need water shoes for swimming in the Una?
They are recommended, because the bottom of the Una is rocky at most bathing spots and slippery in places due to moss. Water shoes protect your feet and give you better footing when getting into the river. They are especially useful for children and at spots with waterfalls. Old trainers or strapped sandals also work.
Can you jump into the Una?
Jumping into the Una is popular at some spots, such as Hatinac, but the depth changes with the water level. Before every jump, check the depth and make sure there are no rocks or other swimmers below. Never jump at unfamiliar spots or near waterfalls. When jumping into the Una, always have someone stay on the bank.
Is the Una safe for non-swimmers?
Non-swimmers should only go into the Una in the shallows, with someone accompanying them and ideally wearing a life jacket. The current and depth can change suddenly just a few metres from the bank. For children who cannot swim, the calmer and shallower Japodski otoci near Ripač is a good choice.
Is entry to the river beaches in Bihać free?
The town bathing spots on the Una in Bihać, such as Beton, Amerikančevo and Plandište, are usually public and free of charge. At bathing spots inside Una National Park, for example near Račić, you may have to pay the park entrance fee. Check current park prices on the official website, npuna.com.
What is the best time of day to swim in the Una?
The best time to swim is in the afternoon, roughly between 1 pm and 5 pm, when the air is warmest and the water in shallow spots is most pleasant. Mornings are less crowded, but the water is colder. For a quiet swim in summer, avoid weekend afternoons at the town bathing spots. At the houses on the Una you can swim whenever you like, without the crowds.
Are there cafés and food near the bathing spots in Bihać?
Near the town bathing spots in the centre, especially Plandište, there are cafés and restaurants within walking distance. At more remote spots such as Kostela or Brvice there are fewer facilities, so bring water and food. Along the Una there are also restaurants serving fish. You can try trout dishes along the Una too.
Can you swim in the Una with a dog?
Dogs are not always welcome at the town bathing spots, so it is better to choose quieter places along the river away from the crowds. Special rules for pets apply in Una National Park and are published on npuna.com. Of our properties, Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) accepts dogs, and for the others please ask when you enquire. Keep an eye on your dog in the water, as the current can be strong.
Can you still swim in the Una in September?
In early September many people still swim in the Una, especially on warm days, but the water gets colder and usually drops below 18 °C. By the end of September, swimming is mostly for those who enjoy cold water. September is therefore good for walks along the river and excursions, with shorter swims.
Is swimming in the Una better than the sea?
The Una offers a different experience from the sea: fresh, clear and colder water surrounded by greenery, with no salt and no big crowds. On hot summer days it is even more refreshing than the sea. Many guests combine a stay on the Una with a trip to the Plitvice Lakes.
Is there a bathing spot with sunbeds in Bihać?
At some developed spots along the Una and at certain hotels and restaurants by the river you can use sunbeds, but what is available changes from season to season. At the town bathing spots, people usually lie on their own towels on the grass or concrete. Check on site.
Which of your houses on the Una is best for swimming?
Our houses on the Una in Lohovo, Pritoka and Grmuša are the most convenient for swimming, though river access varies from property to property. When you enquire, mention that direct access to the water is important to you and we will recommend a suitable property. You will get a reply within 12 hours.
Is it safe to swim in the Una at night?
Swimming at night is not recommended, as you cannot see the bottom, the depth or the speed of the water, and there are no lifeguards. Many drownings happen precisely when people overestimate their abilities or swim after drinking alcohol. It is safest to go to the Una during the day and in company.
Where to stay in Bihać near the river beaches?
If you want to walk to the town bathing spots Beton, Amerikančevo and Plandište, choose one of our apartments in central Bihać. If you want the river on your doorstep, choose a house on the Una in Lohovo, Pritoka or Grmuša. A whole apartment costs from €25 or 50 KM per night, and you can send an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com.
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.