Bihać
The city on the Una

A little closer toBihać.

A city shaped by the emerald Una — medieval heritage, riverside life, spectacular waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful untouched nature in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

56,000Population
Una (212 km)River
1260Founded
April – OctoberBest Time
Banja Luka International AirportNearest Airport
Bosnia & HerzegovinaA different perspective.
About Bihać

The city on the Una

Bihać is the largest city of northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina and the administrative, cultural, and economic center of the Una-Sana region.
Located directly on the banks of the crystal-clear Una River, Bihać is surrounded by forests, hills, mountains, waterfalls, and some of the country's most impressive natural landscapes. The river runs through the heart of the city and has shaped its history, identity, and everyday life for centuries.
Bihać combines medieval heritage, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, lively riverside cafés, and easy access to spectacular nature.
Today, it is best known as the gateway to Una National Park, making it one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's leading destinations for rafting, hiking, kayaking, and nature tourism. Many of the city's main historical attractions can also be explored during a single walk through its compact center. visitbihac.com

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The places that stay with you

Icons. Stories. Hidden corners.

Discover the landmarks that make Bihać one of a kind.

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BihaćA collection of discoveries

Illustrated explorer · positions are not geographic

Fethija Mosque
Religious Sites

Fethija Mosque

Fethija Mosque is one of the most distinctive religious buildings in the city of Bihać, with a remarkably rich and layered history.…

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Sokolac Fortress
Castles & Fortresses

Sokolac Fortress

Stari grad Sokolac is located on the left bank of the Una and is one of the most important medieval sites in…

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Bihać City Island and the “Girl from the Una”
Natural Attractions

Bihać City Island and the “Girl from the Una”

The city island is located in the very center of Bihać, on the Una River, and is one of the most picturesque…

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Rmanj Monastery
Religious Sites

Rmanj Monastery

Rmanj Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery in Martin Brod, in the picturesque area where the Unac flows into the Una, within…

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Old Town Ostrovica
Old Towns, Streets & Squares

Old Town Ostrovica

Stari grad Ostrovica is a large fortification on a steep hill above the left bank of the Una River near the settlement…

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Captain’s Tower
Landmark

Captain’s Tower

Kapetanova kula is one of the oldest and most recognizable buildings in Bihać, located right on the bank of the Una River.…

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AVNOJ Museum
Museums & Galleries

AVNOJ Museum

The AVNOJ Museum was founded in 1952 as a memorial museum and today is one of the most important historical sites in…

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Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Religious Sites

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most recognizable historical buildings in the Una River valley, in Kulen Vakuf. It was built…

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What To See & Do

Top sights in Bihać

From medieval towers and historic mosques to turquoise rivers and powerful waterfalls — Bihać combines cultural heritage with some of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most spectacular scenery.

Una National Park

Una National Park is the natural highlight of the Bihać region and one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most impressive protected areas. The park is famous for the exceptionally clear Una River, deep canyons, forests, waterfalls, traditional villages, and rich wildlife. Its two best-known attractions are Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod, both easily reached from Bihać. Štrbački Buk is the largest waterfall within the national park, with cascades reaching approximately 22 metres in height. Martin Brod offers a completely different landscape, with numerous smaller waterfalls, watermills, traditional houses, and the historic Rmanj Monastery. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bicycle, or from the water through rafting and kayaking tours.

Captain's Tower

The Captain's Tower — Kapetanova kula is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks in the center of Bihać. Its exact construction date remains uncertain, although it is considered one of the city's oldest surviving buildings and formed part of Bihać's historic defensive system. Local legends even connect the tower with Hungarian-Croatian King Béla IV and the events that preceded Bihać receiving the status of a free royal town. Today, the tower houses part of the Museum of the Una-Sana Canton, where visitors can discover archaeological and historical objects connected with Bihać and the wider region.

Fethija Mosque

Fethija Mosque is one of Bihać's most distinctive monuments and an unusual example of the city's multicultural history. The building was originally a medieval Catholic church dedicated to St. Anthony. Following the Ottoman conquest of Bihać in 1592, it was converted into a mosque and became known as Fethija, a name associated with conquest. Its Gothic architectural elements remain clearly visible today, making it one of the most interesting religious buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located in the center of Bihać, it stands as a reminder of the different historical periods that shaped the city.

Štrbački Buk

Štrbački Buk is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Bihać. Located inside Una National Park, the waterfall consists of powerful cascades flowing over natural travertine barriers surrounded by dense forest. The largest section reaches approximately 22 metres in height, creating an impressive combination of turquoise water, white rapids, and untouched greenery. Viewing platforms and walking trails allow visitors to experience the waterfall from several perspectives, while the wider area is also popular for rafting.

Bihać
History

More than 750 years of history

Bihać was first mentioned in written documents on February 26, 1260, in a charter issued by the Hungarian-Croatian King Béla IV.
Only two years later, in 1262, Bihać received the status of a free royal town, giving it important rights related to trade and craftsmanship and helping the settlement develop into a significant commercial center. Bihać
During the Middle Ages, Bihać was an important fortified town positioned on major routes between Central Europe, Croatia, Bosnia, and the Adriatic region. Historical records indicate that the medieval city was surrounded by defensive walls and towers.
The Ottoman Empire captured Bihać in 1592, beginning a new period in the city's development. Churches, fortifications, mosques, residential areas, and other structures gradually shaped the multicultural appearance of the town.
One of the most interesting reminders of this transformation is the Fethija Mosque, originally constructed as the medieval Church of St. Anthony before being converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest. Bihać
After the Austro-Hungarian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878, Bihać underwent another period of modernization. New administrative buildings, roads, schools, and European architectural influences appeared throughout the city.
During the Second World War, Bihać also played an important political role and hosted the first session of AVNOJ in 1942.
Today, the city combines this layered history with a strong connection to the Una River and the natural landscapes surrounding it.

Practical Guide

Outdoor, food, nightlife & stay

Everything you need to plan the perfect Bihać trip.

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Outdoor Activities

Bihać is one of the best destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina for outdoor activities. The Una River provides excellent conditions for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming, while Una National Park offers hiking and cycling routes through forests, canyons, riverside landscapes, and traditional villages. Rafting is particularly popular on the upper Una, where clear water, rapids, waterfalls, and untouched scenery create one of the country's signature adventure experiences. The famous Una Regatta brings rafting crews and visitors together each year for a multi-day journey along the river and is one of the best-known tourism events associated with Bihać. Štrbački Buk, Martin Brod, Kulen Vakuf, and the surrounding countryside are excellent choices for day trips from the city.

What & Where to Eat

Bihać's cuisine combines traditional Bosnian dishes with the flavours of the Krajina region. Local restaurants serve ćevapi, grilled meat, burek, homemade soups, stuffed vegetables, slow-cooked dishes, and freshly baked bread. Thanks to the Una River, fresh trout is one of the region's specialties and can be found at many riverside restaurants. Traditional Bosnian coffee and homemade desserts are a perfect way to finish a meal, especially on one of the terraces overlooking the river. During the warmer months, eating beside the Una while listening to the flowing water is an essential part of the Bihać experience.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Bihać has a relaxed but lively nightlife scene centered around the river and city center. During spring and summer, riverside cafés, restaurants, terraces, and bars stay busy well into the evening. The city also hosts concerts, cultural programs, outdoor events, and seasonal festivals, while major events such as the Una Regatta and Bihaćko ljeto bring additional energy to the city. Visitors looking for a quieter evening can simply walk along the Una, find a riverside café, and enjoy the illuminated bridges and city views. rn

Where to Stay

Bihać offers accommodation for almost every type of traveller — from modern hotels and boutique properties to guesthouses, apartments, hostels, riverside cabins, and campsites. Staying in the city center is ideal for visitors who want restaurants, cafés, historical sights, and river walks within easy reach. Travellers primarily visiting Una National Park can also choose accommodation closer to Kulen Vakuf, Lohovo, Martin Brod, or other settlements along the Una. Whether you're coming for rafting, sightseeing, a weekend city break, or several days exploring northwestern Bosnia, Bihać makes an excellent base for discovering the entire Una region.

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