Bihać sits in the far northwest corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina, cradled by mountains and bisected by the Una River. It’s a university city with a relaxed vibe, known for its medieval fortress, riverside cafes, and — most importantly — its proximity to one of Bosnia’s newest and most spectacular national parks. Una National Park was established in 2008 and protects a pristine stretch of the Una River, including the famous Štrbači waterfall and a series of river canyons that look like something from a fantasy film. If you’re seeking outdoor adventure, wildlife, and empty roads, Bihać is your entry point. The city itself is pleasant enough, but let’s be honest: you’re here for the nature. And to see it properly, you’ll need a rental car — public transport to the park and its remote attractions is virtually non-existent.
Why Rent a Car Here?
Look, I’ll be direct: trying to explore the Bihać area without a car is a waste of your time. Una National Park covers over 200 square kilometres with attractions spread across mountainous terrain. The famous Štrbači waterfall alone requires a 40-minute hike from the nearest road — and that’s after driving as far as the road goes. Other highlights like the Uniški Bucket (a series of waterfalls), the medieval village of Ripač, and the mountain trails around the Klekovec peaks are all scattered across the region. With your own vehicle, you can do a full day trip and still be back in Bihać for dinner. Additionally, Bihać makes an excellent base for cross-border adventures — Plitvice Lakes in Croatia is about 90 minutes away, and you can even reach the coastal town of Zadar in under three hours if you want to mix mountain scenery with Adriatic beaches.
What to See & Do
Una National Park is the obvious highlight. The crown jewel is Štrbači waterfall, a towering 75-metre cascade that’s one of the tallest in Bosnia. Getting there requires walking along forest trails, but the payoff is enormous — especially in late spring when water flow is at its peak. The river itself is stunning, with its bright turquoise waters cutting through karst canyons. For something more accessible, visit the Martin Brod area, where the Una splits into multiple cascades and you can wade in natural pools during summer. In Bihać itself, spend an hour exploring the Fethija Mosque and the remains of the medieval fortress — it’s one of the oldest in Bosnia. The city also has a pleasant riverside promenade perfect for an evening walk, with cafes serving local wine and grilled meats. Adventure seekers can arrange white-water rafting on the Una River through local operators.
Driving Tips
The approach roads to Bihać from Sarajevo or Banja Luka are decent — the highway (A1) gets you close, then country roads take over. Once in the area, the main roads are asphalted and well-signposted, but the tracks leading into Una National Park can be rough: narrow, with hairpin bends and occasional gravel sections. Drive slowly and give way to oncoming traffic on those mountain passes. Fuel up in Bihać before heading into the park — there are no fuel stations inside Una National Park. The border crossing to Croatia at Martin Brod is straightforward for EU citizens, but have your passport ready. In winter (December to February), some mountain roads in the park may be closed or require chains — check locally before setting out.
Booking Tips
Car hire options in Bihać are more limited than in Sarajevo or Mostar, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. You’ll find fewer international chains and more local operators, which actually works in your favour — local companies often offer better rates and more flexible terms. Expect to pay around €25-40 per day for a compact car in peak season. If you’re planning serious off-road exploration in the park, consider a vehicle with higher ground clearance, though most major attractions are reachable with a standard car. Always confirm that your rental includes cross-border permission if you’re planning to visit Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bihać a good base for exploring Una National Park?
Yes, Bihać is the main gateway to Una National Park. With a rental car, you can reach the park’s main attractions within 20-30 minutes.
Can I drive from Bihać to Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes?
Yes! The border crossing at Oštarijska Vrata is just over an hour from Bihać. Many visitors combine both parks in a single trip.
What is driving like in the Bihać area?
Roads are generally good, though mountain roads to Una National Park can be narrow and winding. A compact car is fine, but an SUV offers more clearance for rougher tracks.