NorthWest Region - Krajina: The green emerald

Jajce has had more than its fair share of battles. The town changed hands several times before the independent Bosnian state was finally conquered when the Jajce fortress was the last one to fall to the Ottoman invaders in 1528.

It seemed fitting after so many civilizations had settled and fought over this place that in 1943 the AVNOJ was signed and sealed here in one of the most historical moments of Bosnia's and Yugoslavia's history.
The second session of the Anti-Fascist Council of the National Liberation of Yugoslavia on November 29 ratified that Bosnia and Herzegovina, as an equal federal unit, would enter the Democratic Federal Yugoslavia. These resolutions outlined the future democratic and federal organization of the region. The outskirts of town are blessed with an abundance of water, which is probably what made it so attractive and practical as a settlement in earlier times.

This beautiful town is surrounded by rolling green hills. It is split in two by the Vrbas, a very rough river that, just a short distance from Banja Luka, suddenly loses its waterfalls and cascades, and flows gently into town.

Banja Luka is the administrative capital of the Republika Srpska, the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and by far the largest city in the northwest. The town got connected to the world when the Roman trade route from Salona to Servitium passed through it. To protect this route (and to enjoy the healing water springs they had discovered in the area) the Romans built a fortress here, the walls of which encompassed an entire miniature town. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the Slavs took over. Once the Ottomans finally controlled the town, they gave it a distinct oriental flavor.

The Ottoman governor for Bosnia had his headquarters here for a while, building bridges and mills, and in its Ottoman glory days the town had some 40 mosques. In the course of the Ottoman centuries, Banja Luka was destroyed repeatedly by Ottoman-Austrian warfare (as well as earthquakes and plagues) until eventually the Austrian-Hungarian Empire absorbed Banja Luka peacefully in the 19th century. They rapidly modernized the town, building factories and connecting it to Vienna and other capital cities. The town expanded tremendously in the 20th century.

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 Bela 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 the Una River. The town is teeming with café’s that inevitably gravitate around the beautiful Una. It is more than worth a 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.

The Pliva River Region is located in the north-central part of the Bosnia region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The region is dominated by major rivers such as the Pliva, Vrbas, and Janje.

For many hundreds of years this region was the ultimate stronghold of the Bosnian Kingdom. The castle in Jajce was the fortress of the last Bosnian King. The three largest communities in the Pliva River Region are Sipovo, Jezero, and Jajce. Sipovo is located near the source of the Pliva River, Jezero is located near the Pliva Lakes, and Jajce is located where the Pliva River flows into the Vrbas River. This intersection is the site of a spectacular waterfall that is 28 meters in height. The Pliva River plays vital environmental and economic development roles in this region of Bosnia. It is the single most important environmental feature of this region because it provides water to sustain human and wildlife populations; it forms a natural transport corridor through the mountains; it offers the best available sites for human settlement; it supports agricultural production; it has hydro-energy resources; and it offers a range of outdoor recreation resources. The Pliva River provides the natural connection between the three towns of Jajce, Jezero, and Sipovo.

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 to the Krajina what the Neretva is to Herzegovina – life, and the life-giving forces of the Una have been revered throughout this region's history.
The following are some interesting points about the Una River from a piece done by Hasan Tijanovic from Bihac…

'In the underground aquifer systems of Grmec Mountain the 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 the 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 Grmuca Canyon carved by the 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 the 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.'

The Velika Kladusa municipality is the furthest northwest location in Bosnia and Herzegovina and sits right on the border with Croatia. The moderate continental climate and rich unspoiled forests are said to be ideal for hunting and fishing.

This was one of the wealthiest towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina during Yugoslavian days. The oldest written document about the town dates back to 1280. The remains of the ancient towns of Podzvizd, Vrnograc, Todorovo and the old part of Velika Kladusa are remnants of centuries of Western influence in the area. The rivers Glinica, Kladusnica and Grbarska are well known as quality fishing areas. At the entrance to town, from the Bihac direction, you can't miss the large thermal swimming pool in Mala Kladusa. This thermal spring is rich in minerals and open to the public.

Kozara was proclaimed a protected national forest in 1967. Situated between the rivers Una, Sava, Sana and Vrbas, these 3,375 hectares of dense forest and hilly meadows have earned the nickname 'Green Beauty of Krajina'.

Kozara is a popular hunting ground, with a large 18,000-hectare area of the park open to regulated hunting of deer, pheasants, fox, boars, wild hare, and ducks. A smaller part of the park is designated for nature lovers. Walking, hiking, biking and herb picking are among the many activities in Kozara.

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 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 the Dabar River that swells from an enormous cave, and the Blihi River that creates a beautiful waterfall by tumbling 72m. 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.
Buses from Sanski Most travel daily to Kljuc and Bihac. Local buses from nearby Prijedor operate several times per day. Banja Luka also has a Sanski Most route via Prijedor. At 05.00 and 07.00, daily buses depart for a 5.5-hour trip to Sarajevo.

The Vrbas River was home to the 2005 European Whitewater Rafting Championships. The Vrbas Canyon is an ideal place for water adventures like kayaking and rafting and for softer adventures upriver – hiking, walking, camping and fishing.

The eco-activities organized on the Vrbas are done so by an extremely dedicated group of young professionals who will give you an authentic and organic taste of the beautiful nature on and around the Vrbas River.Off the beaten track to the highlands around the canyon are excellent hiking and walking trails where one has phenomenal views of the river below. The canyon walls are home to hawks, eagles and falcons as well. The highlands are dotted with many old villages that offer a stark contrast to the beat of the Banja Luka city center. It’s a ‘must do’ trip if you are in the Banja Luka region. See also the "Tours, Activities and Other Services Section" under Banja Luka.