UNA NATIONAL PARK · WHITE-WATER RAFTING
Begin beneath the thunder of Štrbački Buk and follow the emerald Una through rapids, forested canyon and quieter pools deep inside the national park.
At Štrbački Buk, the Una changes character.
Water gathers above a natural barrier of limestone and travertine before breaking over a series of cascades, falling 24.5 metres into the deep green river below. From the viewpoints, it is a remarkable sight. From a raft beneath the falls, it becomes the beginning of a journey.
After meeting the river team and completing a detailed safety briefing, the descent begins below the main waterfall. The first section carries the greatest energy: fast water, waves and technical rapids enclosed by forest and limestone walls.
Further downstream, the rhythm begins to change. The river opens into clear pools and calmer passages, creating time to look beyond the boat—to springs emerging from the canyon, small beaches at the water’s edge and the extraordinary shades of green that have made the Una famous.
The journey continues towards Lohovo, covering approximately 15 kilometres through Una National Park. Depending on the season, river level and the group, it can feel energetic and demanding or more playful and accessible.
This is more than a rafting run. It is a way of entering the landscape and allowing the river to reveal it from within.
Before entering the raft, there is time to experience the waterfall from the national park’s viewpoints. At 24.5 metres, Štrbački Buk is the highest and most dramatic waterfall complex in Una National Park—a powerful introduction to the river and the landscape through which the journey will continue.
The raft does not descend the main Štrbački Buk waterfall. The experience begins safely below it, where the guides prepare the boats, fit the equipment and explain paddling commands, emergency procedures and the behaviour expected on the river.
The upper part of the descent contains the route’s strongest rapids and most dynamic water. The crew must work together, responding clearly to the guide’s instructions as the raft moves between waves, currents and natural obstacles. The precise difficulty changes significantly with the water level.
Beyond the adrenaline, this is an exceptionally beautiful river journey. Forested slopes rise on both sides, springs emerge through limestone and the transparent water shifts between deep emerald, turquoise and pale green as the light changes.
As the descent continues, the Una begins to soften. Calmer sections may allow time for swimming, resting on a small beach or simply floating beside the raft when the guide confirms that conditions are suitable.
The journey ends in the wider river landscape around Lohovo. After leaving the water, there is time to change, warm up and continue with a riverside meal—turning several hours of rafting into a complete day shaped around the Una.
| Location | Una National Park, near Bihać |
| Main waterfall | Štrbački Buk, 24.5 m |
| Typical rafting route | Štrbački Buk – Loskun – Lohovo |
| Route length | Approximately 15 km |
| Time on the river | Usually around 3–4 hours, depending on conditions |
| Total experience | Usually 6–8 hours with transfers, preparation, stops and lunch |
| River character | Dynamic rapids followed by calmer pools and flowing sections |
| Difficulty | Active; varies considerably with water level |
| Previous experience | Not always required, subject to conditions and guide assessment |
| Group format | Private or small-group raft |
| Standard season | Usually spring to early autumn |
| Wider park season | Rafting may operate from March to October, subject to conditions |
| Starting point | Below the main Štrbački Buk waterfall |
| Finishing area | Lohovo |
The route, duration and difficulty remain approximate because the Una changes throughout the season. Higher water creates a faster and more powerful descent, while lower summer levels usually reveal a calmer and more technical river.
For active travellers who want to experience the Una from the water—not only admire it from the riverbank.
Participants should:
Previous rafting experience is not necessarily required when the water level and selected section are suitable for beginners.
The complete Štrbački Buk descent may not be appropriate for young children, non-swimmers, guests with certain medical conditions or anyone uncomfortable in powerful white water. Minimum age and participation requirements must be confirmed with the rafting operator after assessing current conditions.
A gentler section of the Una can be selected for families and travellers who want the river experience without the strongest rapids.
The complete experience begins below Štrbački Buk and follows approximately 15 kilometres of the Una through the national park towards Lohovo. It combines the river’s most dynamic section with canyon scenery, quieter pools and time to rest beside the water. The day can end with a local lunch near the river or an additional visit within the national park.
Best for: active travellers, older families and first-time rafters who are ready for a genuine white-water experience and meet the operator’s requirements.
A softer route is selected downstream, away from the strongest section beneath Štrbački Buk. The focus shifts from powerful rapids towards easier paddling, swimming, river scenery and a more relaxed pace. The exact route is chosen according to the group and current water conditions.
Best for: families, cautious beginners and travellers who want to be on the Una without committing to its most dynamic descent.
This flexibility allows Borova to match the river to the traveller. We do not promise the same rafting section to every group regardless of age, confidence or water level.
The Una can look calm from the bank while carrying strong currents beneath the surface.
Its speed, depth and technical difficulty change with rainfall, snowmelt and seasonal water levels. A route that is suitable for beginners in one period may require considerably more experience in another.
Every descent must be led by a qualified local rafting skipper and begin with a full safety briefing. Participants are required to wear the provided helmet and life jacket throughout the rafting section and use a wetsuit when conditions require it.
The guide or operator may:
Participants must follow all paddling and emergency instructions immediately. Alcohol must not be consumed before rafting.
Swimming, jumping and leaving the raft are permitted only when the guide explicitly confirms that the location and conditions are safe.
No particular rapid, swimming stop or water level can be guaranteed.
The responsible local partner confirms the final itinerary, guide, price, inclusions and booking terms before you reserve.
Final inclusions would depend on the personalised itinerary and selected local operator.
Helmets, life jackets, paddles and technical river equipment should be supplied by the rafting operator. Phones, cameras, jewellery and other valuables should not be carried in the raft unless the operator provides suitable protection and confirms that it is safe to do so.
Tell us who is travelling, your previous rafting experience and how comfortable your group feels in white water. We'll match you with the right section of the river—from the complete descent beneath Štrbački Buk to a gentler journey shaped around families and first-time rafters.
Plan this experience →
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