A weekend by the Una: rafting, camping, and waterfalls
Una is a river that makes even seasoned travellers pause. Clear water with a hint of turquoise, deep green banks, stone villages, and a flow that changes mood from calm pools to playful rapids. A weekend here is enough to raft, swim, and camp beside the water while visiting the famous falls at Štrbački buk and Martin Brod.
Snapshot
- Best base: Bihać and Kulen Vakuf
- Ideal months: May to September
- Good for: first time rafters, families, photographers, swimmers
- Typical drive: Sarajevo to Bihać about five hours, Zagreb to Bihać about two and a half hours
- Map tip: open the map and filter by Riverside and Region Una
Day one: arrive, set up, and meet the river
Aim to reach Bihać by early afternoon. Pick a riverside camp within a short drive of town so you can set up, breathe, and still have time for the water. Look for a pitch near shade if you arrive in summer. Confirm electricity and the amp rating if you need to charge a fridge or laptop.
Walk to the bank for your first swim. The current is gentle in many bends, but test the water near the edge before stepping in. Evening is for simple food. Many camps have grills or a small restaurant. If you prefer town, Bihać has riverside places where trout and fresh bread are the standard order. Ask your host where locals go. That advice is always better than a list you found online.
Day two morning: rafting on the Una
Book rafting the day before with a camp or a licensed centre. Beginners usually run a section with class two and class three rapids which feels exciting but remains manageable with a guide. Expect about three to four hours on the water including safety briefing and transport to the start point.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a quick drying towel
- Water shoes or trainers that can get wet
- Sunscreen and a strap for your sunglasses
- A dry set of clothes for after the trip
Money and timing - Most centres include helmet, life jacket, paddle, and transport
- Prices vary by section and length, expect a broad range that fits most budgets
- Morning departures mean softer light and fewer crowds at the falls later
Safety - Listen to the guide and practice the commands on land • Keep your feet up if you fall in so they do not catch on rocks • Do not bring valuables on the boat unless they fit in a sealed dry bag
Day two afternoon: Štrbački buk and late light
After rafting, head toward Štrbački buk inside Una National Park. Entry is ticketed at main gates. Wooden walkways lead to several viewpoints where you can feel the spray and hear the river thunder through the terraces. Late afternoon light is kind to cameras and crowds thin toward evening.
If you have time, continue to Martin Brod farther south. The path loops through small cascades and quiet pools under trees. It is a softer scene than Štrbački buk and a good contrast to the energy of rafting.
Tip for photos
- Bring a small tripod for slow shutter shots of the water
- Keep a microfibre cloth in your pocket to clear spray from the lens
Day three: easy paddle, hike, or a lazy morning
If you have the energy, rent sit on top kayaks for a calm stretch near Bihać and drift for an hour or two. Families can pick short sections where the current is gentle. Another option is a riverbank hike from Kulen Vakuf with short detours to lookouts. If the weekend has been full, stay put at camp, swim, read, and make a late breakfast. It is fine to do less when the setting is this good.
Where to camp on the Una
Pick according to the kind of weekend you want.
Rafting base
- Pitches plus simple wooden cabins
- On site restaurant and tour desk
• Lively in spring and midsummer
Family riverside - Level grass, shade, play area, and a clear entry point to the water
- Power at the pitch, black and grey disposal, and Wi Fi near reception
- Quieter evenings, longer stays
Small camp with cabins
- Mix of tent and van pitches and a few bungalows
- Handy if you want one night in a bed after rafting
- Often run by families who cook on request
Look for icons on listing cards that confirm electricity and its amp rating, water points, disposal stations, pet policy, and maximum vehicle length. If your motorhome is long, check access and turning space with the host before arrival.
Practicalities
Park and access
- Main access to camps is paved, with short gravel sections near the riverbank
- Bihać is the usual supply stop for fuel and groceries
- If coming from Croatia, the Izačić crossing is close to town
National park
- Entry fees apply at main gates for Štrbački buk and Martin Brod
- Keep your ticket handy for internal checkpoints
- Drones are restricted and require permission
Budget thoughts
- Campsites are affordable by European standards and many include power for a small extra fee
- Rafting prices vary with distance and package
- Eating at camp is the best value, riverside restaurants in town remain fair
Safety and good practice
- Swim only where locals do and never near drops or rapids
- In spring after heavy rain currents are strong, choose calmer bends for a dip
- Use disposal points for black and grey water and keep soaps away from the river
- Stay on marked paths in wild areas, avoid unmarked clearings and old tracks
- Carry some cash since small camps and shops often prefer it
Packing that pays off here
- Water shoes make entry and exit on stony banks easy
- A quick drying towel is useful after swims and rafting
- Light long sleeves protect from sun during mid day
- A headlamp is a friend on dark river nights
- A small dry bag keeps phones and keys safe on the water
Sample weekend plan
Friday
- Arrive in Bihać, shop for basics, check in at a riverside camp
- Evening swim and simple dinner at camp or in town
Saturday
- Morning rafting with a licensed centre
- Late lunch, drive to Štrbački buk for golden hour
- Return to camp for a barbecue or a quiet meal
Sunday
- Easy kayak or short hike near Kulen Vakuf
- Coffee and burek in town
- Pack up and drive home or onward to Plitvice or Central Bosnia
What to do next
Open the map and filter by Riverside and Region Una. Shortlist two or three camps that fit your style, then check availability for the weekend you want. If rafting is the focus, book the trip before you confirm the camp so timings align.