Una River rafting near Bihać is a guided whitewater rafting trip through Una National Park in the Una-Sana Canton of north-west Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is not a day trip from Sarajevo: Bihać lies about 330 km away by road, so most visitors travel the day before and overnight in town. Rafting bases sit roughly 5-10 km from Bihać near the Štrbački buk waterfall, and the exact meeting point is given on booking. The river is known for its clear green water, travertine barriers and a series of small drops and rapids, and routes run about 7.5 km or about 15 km from Štrbački buk to Lohovo, taking 2-2.5 hours on the water or 3.5-5 hours including transfers and equipment.
No prior experience is required for the shorter route, but participants should swim confidently and be fit enough to paddle. The 15 km Štrbački buk route is not available to children under 16, so families with younger children should choose the shorter run and confirm age limits with the operator. Helmet, life jacket and paddle are supplied by the operator. Participants bring swimwear, quick-dry clothes, water shoes, a towel, dry clothes and sun cream.
Una Kiro, a long-established operator with a camping ground next to its base outside Bihać, and Una Aquarius (una-aquarius.com) run guided Una rafting. Guides give a briefing on paddle commands and what to do after falling out of the raft, and travel with the group; ask the operator about its rescue arrangements and insurance before booking.
Prices for the Štrbački buk routes are about EUR 43-52 (84-102 KM, roughly $47-57) per person, while booking-site listings for a 5-hour Una National Park trip show about $68-76. The best season runs from March to October. Spring brings higher, faster water, summer is warmer and calmer, and operators may alter or cancel runs after heavy rain or at unsafe levels.
| Price | About EUR 43-52 (about 84-102 KM, ~$47-57) per person for the Štrbački buk routes; booking-site listings for a 5-hour Una National Park trip show about $68-76 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-2.5 hours on the water; 3.5-5 hours with transfers and equipment |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Season | March-October |
| Address | Bihać 77000, Bosnia and Herzegovina (rafting bases are 5-10 km from the town near Štrbački buk; exact meeting point is given on booking) |
Activity facts
- Where
- Bihać and Una National Park, Una-Sana Canton (north-west Bosnia, a long overnight trip from Sarajevo)
Equipment
- Swimwear and quick-dry clothes
- Water shoes
- Towel and dry clothes
- Sun cream
- Helmet, life jacket and paddle supplied by the operator
Location
Bihać 77000, Bosnia and Herzegovina (rafting bases are 5-10 km from the town near Štrbački buk; exact meeting point is given on booking)
44.8169, 15.8706 View on map
Highlights
- Rafting through Una National Park past the Štrbački buk waterfall
- Choice of a 7.5 km or a 15 km route
- Clear green water and travertine barriers along the river
- Established operators including Una Kiro and Una Aquarius
- Helmet, life jacket and paddle supplied
Tips for visiting
- Plan an overnight in Bihać; Sarajevo is about 330 km away and a same-day return is impractical.
- Book ahead in July and August and confirm the exact meeting point, which is given on booking.
- Children under 16 cannot join the 15 km Štrbački buk route, so choose the shorter run for families.
- Wear swimwear under quick-dry layers and bring dry clothes and a towel for afterwards.
- Ask the operator about its high-water or rain cancellation policy and about camera or GoPro rules.
- A rental car makes reaching the rafting bases outside town far easier than public transport.
When to visit
March to October. Spring offers higher, faster water, while summer is warmer and calmer for first-timers.
Accessibility
Rafting involves boarding an inflatable raft and paddling in moving water, so it is not suitable for most wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility. Ask the operator about individual needs.
Frequently asked questions
Can Una River rafting be done as a day trip from Sarajevo?
Not comfortably. Bihać is about 330 km from Sarajevo by road, so most visitors overnight in Bihać before rafting.
How long is the Una rafting trip?
Routes are about 7.5 km or about 15 km and take 2-2.5 hours on the water. With transfers and equipment the trip lasts 3.5-5 hours.
Is there an age limit?
The 15 km Štrbački buk route is not available to children under 16. The shorter route suits younger participants, but confirm limits with the operator.
How much does Una rafting cost?
The Štrbački buk routes cost about EUR 43-52 (84-102 KM) per person. Booking-site listings for a 5-hour trip show about $68-76.