Divya Gagan

Nov 09, 2024

A Hidden Gem on the Bosnia-Croatia Border

Discovering Štrbački Buk: A Hidden Gem on the Bosnia-Croatia Border

If you're a nature lover and always on the hunt for hidden gems, you must add Štrbački Buk to your travel list. Nestled on the Bosnia-Croatia border, this stunning waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural wonders which could be viewed from either country.   On the Bosnia & Herzegovina side the falls is located in its Una National Park as for the Croatia side the falls is located in its Una Mamea Park.

I recently visited Štrbački Buk from the Croatian side, and I can honestly say it was worth every second. Here's everything you need to know before planning your visit!

About Štrbački Buk Waterfall

Štrbački Buk is part of the Una River, which flows along the border between Bosnia and Croatia. It’s a series of cascading waterfalls, with the main one reaching heights of 25 meters (82 feet). The water is crystal-clear, with an emerald hue that reflects the lush greenery surrounding it, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. Despite being in Bosnia, many visitors, choose to view Štrbački Buk from the Croatian side, which offers the best mesmerizing views and a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Here are some key details about the waterfall:

➸ Location: Una National Park, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Una Mamea Park, Croatia

➸ Height: 25 meters (82 feet)

➸ Water Source: Una River, renowned for its purity and clarity

➸ Activities: Visitors can enjoy walking paths, hiking trails, photography, and refreshments, and there’s even an opportunity for rafting for the adventurous(rafting only accessable from the bosnia side and only during specific times)

Entrance Fees:

During my recent visit in September 2024 to Štrbački Buk, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was no entrance fee required to access this stunning waterfall. This hidden gem remains largely unexplored, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty without the crowds often found at more popular tourist spots. There were hardly a group of 2-3 friends who were hiking in the National park   other than us. So we were all free to explore the place all for ourselves without any crowds.

How to get to Štrbački Buk

This waterfall is about 75 min from Plitvice lakes national park.

Google Maps Direction:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/g2D8WhLNByTyDETn6

Directions from Plitvice Lakes National Park:

3. Turn onto D218: When you reach Donji Lapac, look for the signs to D218.Turn left onto D218, heading towards Štrbački Buk.

4. Continue on D218: Stay on D218 for approximately 10 km (6 miles). Look out for signs directing you to Štrbački Buk and Una National Park.

5. Arrive at Štrbački Buk: The road will lead you directly to the parking area for Štrbački Buk. There will be signage indicating the entrance to the waterfall area.

Approximate Distance and Travel Time

➸ Total Distance: Approximately 70 km (43 miles).

➸ Estimated Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

2. From Bihac , Bosnia herzogovnia

Use "Štrbački Buk, UNA MAMEA Park"   as your destination.

Google Maps Location:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZysNPikpjeEKRRNg6

This waterfall is about 45minutes from Bihac city. The road to the falls is paved all the way, except the final 1.5 km which is good gravel. The directions to the waterfall are well given. Any normal car can make the last stretch as long as there is no snow, ice, or mud.

Once you arrive at the location shown on the maps, you can park your car along the side of the entrance, since there is no specific parking spot allotted so far. And from there, it is at a walkable distance. You can see a small house which is located on the way which is kind of a refreshment area as well. Walk along the road, you can hear the sound of the waterfalls from this spots itself. After a small walk of around 500 m, you will arrive at the viewpoint which you can view by sitting on a chair. This place has chairs and tables where you can sit and sip a ´cup of coffee and view the mesmerizing waterfalls. 

Why Visit Štrbački Buk?

➸ Hidden Gem: Unlike the more crowded national parks in the region, Štrbački Buk feels like a well-kept secret, offering serene views without the typical tourist hustle.

➸ Scenic Views from Croatia: The views from the Croatian side are breathtaking, allowing you to enjoy the waterfall from a unique angle.

➸ Local Charm: The opportunity to enjoy tea or coffee at the private house makes for a memorable and authentic travel experience.

➸ Perfect for Day Trips: Whether you're in Croatia or Bosnia, this waterfall is a perfect addition to your itinerary for a peaceful day surrounded by nature.

Why visit the waterfall from the Croatian side?

I viewed it from the Croatia side this is the better angle. This is because the face of the falls is slanted towards the Croatia side howevee there are proper wooden walkways and huts on the BiH side, providing a good background for photography.

Once arrive at "UNA MAMEA Park", you will see a train track, just follow it towards the roar of the falls, or walk on the landscaped stone path almost parallel to it. there are 3 viewpoints where you can see the falls, top, as described on the UNA MAMEA Park website. the best viewpoint is the one where you descend the half-broken stairs and slope right before the first train tunnel. the track down is a little precarious, and rocks are covered with moss. so make sure you wear good shoes. the view of the terraced falls, however, is impressive.

Final note: Make sure you carry your passport with you. As Croatia is inducted to Schengen since jan 2023, there is now a lot of border police in the plitvice - una road near to BiH border.

Feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions about planning a visit to Štrbački Buk! Safe travels and happy exploring! 🌿☕💧