The Japodian Islands, or Japodian Archipelago, represent a natural and cultural treasure located near the city of Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Situated on the Una River, they are particularly notable for their heart-shaped form.
The Japodian Islands, or Japodian Archipelago, are known for their natural beauty, abundance of greenery, forests, and the river surrounding them. There are several islands, with the most famous being Veliki (Great), Mali (Small), Donji (Lower), Gornji (Upper), and Srednji (Middle) Islands. They are a popular destination for recreation and tourism, especially during the summer months. Visitors come to enjoy the natural scenery, picnicking, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Origin of the Name “Japodian Islands”
The name “Japodian” likely derives from the historical tribe known as the Japods, who inhabited this area in ancient times. The Japods were an Illyrian tribe that lived in the mountainous regions of northern Dalmatia, Lika, and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are first mentioned in ancient sources as members of the Illyrian tribe. The Japods lived in mountainous areas and were known for their warrior tradition and resistance to Roman rule. Roman sources describe Japodian warriors as tall and strong individuals, renowned for their fierceness and military skill.
Activities on the Japodian Islands
As a popular recreational area, the Japodian Islands offer various outdoor activities for visitors. Some of the activities commonly available in this area include:
Picnicking: The Japodian Islands are a popular spot for picnics. Visitors can bring their own food and picnic equipment and enjoy relaxed outdoor gatherings.
Hiking and Mountaineering: The Japodian Islands area is rich in natural beauty, allowing visitors to explore various hiking or mountaineering trails. This activity enables visitors to enjoy fresh air and beautiful landscapes.
Fishing: The Una River surrounding the islands is known for its rich fish stock, making the Japodian Islands a favorite destination for anglers. Visitors can enjoy fishing from the shore or from a boat.
Swimming: During warm summer days, many visitors come to the Japodian Islands to cool off in the Una River. Swimming spots are usually marked and safe for visitors.
Camping: Camping is possible on some of the Japodian Islands. Visitors can set up their tents or campers and spend the night in nature.
In addition to the listed activities, visitors to the Japodian Islands often enjoy photography, birdwatching, or simply relaxing to the sounds of nature. Recently, it has become possible to rent a glass dome and spend unforgettable moments in the heart of nature. More about the dome can be found HERE.
Accommodation on the Japodian Islands and Una River Cruising
Our vacation on the Japodian Islands was undoubtedly marked by a cruise along the Una River in a wooden boat.
We stayed at the Damman Villa accommodation, which included a boat (included in the nightly rate) that we used daily to explore the Japods from a different dimension. Additionally, our Villa had two outdoor terraces, one even by the Una River, where I enjoyed fresh cherries, watermelons, or a good book daily.
The most interesting experience was observing a duck taking its ducklings out for their first “walk.”
I’d like to note that you don’t have to be an expert in rowing to navigate this area. Here, the river is calm, with no waves, so rowing is a real pleasure for both beginners and amateurs like us.C heck out the video from our cruise:
In my opinion, the best part of the day was watching the sunset from the boat, reflecting on the calm waters of the Una River, creating a truly magical atmosphere.