Krajina means frontier. Kraj literally means end. It was this end of the Ottoman front that was for centuries the frontier land against the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The Croatian Krajina, just over the border to the west, was at one time crucial to the Ottoman conquest and was used by the Ottomans as a defense line. As the empire began to decline the frontier slipped back into Bosnia and the entire northwest part of the country became known as Bosanska Krajina, or Bosnian Frontier.
What is most striking about Krajina is the beautiful interconnected rivers and the lush, green countryside. The sheer quantity of crystal-clear rivers in this region is phenomenal. Vrbas, Una, Sana, Sanica and Unac rivers are only a few of the pure water sources that flow into Sava River. Bosnian Krajina's greatest tourist attractions all revolve around its natural resources. Just about anywhere in Krajina one can find beautiful places to hike, walk, bike, fish, hunt or just enjoy a day in the great outdoors.
Bihac
The area was settled from at least Illyrian and Roman times, but the town itself was first mentioned in 1260, in a document of King Bel IV.
It were these far northwest frontier lands that drew the line between the Ottomans and the Austro-Hungarians. Bihac is a charming little town centered on the banks of Una River. The town is teeming with café’s that inevitably gravitate around the beautiful Una. It is more than worth to visit to Bihac or any of the towns that live off these emerald waters.
It is a great place for a stop over if you're on your way down to the Croatian coast or have visited the Plitvice National Park just across the border. Or better yet, to really experience the magic of this body of water – go stay for a few days, walk along the banks, raft down its amazing falls, or simply sit and listen to the wise tales water always tells.
Sanski Most
One of the first tourist villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina was built in the upper Sanica between Kljuc and Sanski Most. In the summer months, the area around this 'City of Flowers' springs to life.
Hundreds of people sit around in Banja (Spa) Ilidza, famous for its healing waters. It has a large picnic area, an outdoor swimming pool and a mud pool.
Also close to Sanski Most is the source of Dabar River that flows from an enormous cave, and Bliha River that creates a beautiful waterfall falling down from an altitude of 72 m. In town itself the Hamza-begova Mosque, dated 1557., is worth a visit. It was built on the place where Sultan Mehmed Fatih first prayed after conquering the town in 1463.
Una River
This river, by many the most beautiful river in the entire country, is cherished by each community that has formed along her 207 kilometers.
The Una is for Krajina what Neretva is for Herzegovina - life, and the life-giving forces of Una have been revered throughout this region's history.
The following are some interesting points about Una River from a piece done by Hasan Tijanovic from Bihac…
'In the underground aquifer systems of Grmec Mountain Una River basin is home to the Proteus newt. Over one hundred and seventy types of medicinal herbs grow along her banks. Twenty eight kinds of fish make their home in Una, the largest being the huchen which grows to over 30 kg. Anglers can vie for the rich supply of trout, grayling, chub and carp found throughout the entire length of the river.
Chamois seek refuge in Grmuski Canyon carved by Una's constant flow and small crayfish can be seen darting along the crystal clear sand basin. The sometimes steep corridors are not always conducive to navigating her beautiful waters yet one of the most frequent motifs of Una are the small boats with anglers and the ever-increasing number of rafters and kayakers. This river has created a harmony with man, fish, birds, willows, bridges and old mills rarely seen today.'
Bosanska Krupa
Bosanska Krupa, named after a 13th century girl named Krupana, is a small town on the banks of Una and Krusnica rivers. The area is well known for its characteristic watermills and the fishing houses built on stilts.
The town center was built around the ruins of a town called Psata at the end of the 19th century. The most attractive parts of town are the rivers and the source of Krusnica. It's a heaven for anglers and walkers. In Krupa, fishing is second only to rafting and canoeing. Large carp and trout can be found in both rivers, but Krusnica River seems to be the place for bigger catches.
Krusnica Spring is home to a diverse world of fish with carp, trout, greyling, pike and chub. The local fishing association can guide visiting anglers to the hot spots and arrange for a license.
There was once an artist colony here and many works are displayed in the town’s Gallery. Most of the paintings capture the old-style bridges and the unique little islands with natural beaches in the middle of the river. These islands are ideal for camping and bonfires. Even on the hottest days the river makes the evenings cool and sometimes chilly. Of the rafting routes 22 km go through Krupa in Una Canyon to Ostrozac. Fishing competitions are also held in this part of the canyon.
Cazin
About 26km from Bihac, in a quiet valley surrounded by a picturesque hilly landscape, lies Cazin. Its old town, or carsija, is its heart and it has a beautiful little brook cutting it through the middle.
Although small in size, Cazin has played a significant role in the country's history. Since the 14th century it has been a strategic point for the foreign powers that lusted after the land of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The medieval remains of Ostrozac, Pecigrad, Radetina Kula, Stijena and Trzac dominate the town. The most beautiful and impressive is Ostrozac Castle. Built in a neo-gothic style, Ostrozac is one of the main attractions in Una Sana Canton.
