The heart of the "Una" National Park
Kulen Vakuf is the largest place in the National Park and has been an important crossroads since ancient times. During the Roman Empire, the road that connected the Roman provinces of Dalmatia and Pannonia from Zadar passed through there.
Kasaba Džisr-i-kebir (Turkish: Great Bridge) on the river Una, as it was originally called today’s Kulen Vakuf, was founded by the construction of the mosque of Sultan Ahmed I (1603-1617). The place unofficially changed its name in the 18th century, when it was called Palanka Mahmut paše Kulenović, according to the vakif, and in the 19th century, the place got its current name Kulen Vakuf.
After the Karlovac Peace Treaty in 1699, the Bosnian Valija Halil Paša expanded and fortified this place. The city was created on an artificially created island along the left bank of the Una River, so that the Una River and its artificially dug backwater, which still exists today, flowed next to the city ramparts. In addition to strong ramparts, this city also had a combat defense belt. There were four gates and two tabias on the city ramparts. On the eastern side of the rampart was the Horića tabija, and on the western side the Ćemalović tabija. One of the main city gates was to the Una on the big bridge, and the other was next to the city mosque of Sultan Ahmed, which is still there today. Two side gates were on the east and west side of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the tabi. The Austro-Hungarian monarchy demolished the walls after the occupation in 1878.
Above the town on the left side of the Una and its tributary Ostrovica is dominated by the medieval and Ottoman fortress of the same name – Ostrovica, and on the right the remains of the Ottoman fortress Havala are still visible.
Why visit Kulen Vakuf?
If you are looking for fun, exciting and challenging outdoor adventure activities, look no further. You can experience unforgettable outdoor activities and explore.
Old towns and fortresses
In the Middle Ages, it was the most fortified town in the upper reaches of the Una River. Its development and expansion of the fortress continued during the Ottoman rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Opposite Ostrovica are the ruins of the old fortress of Havala, built in the middle of the 17th century.
Fishing
In Kulen Vakuf, there is district no. 1B, 1.5 km long, which offers all fishing enthusiasts the possibility of fly fishing. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) and grayling (Thymallus) are the most represented.
Hiking and mountaineering
If you are fond of hiking and walking, or if you enjoy easy cycling along the numerous trails within the National Park, then your stay will be fulfilled.
Gastronomy
Gastronomy and tourism have a lot in common, so the development of one without the other is almost unimaginable. To make your stay at Kulen Vakuf complete, the rich offer of food and drinks contributes to a large extent.
Sacral objects
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Kulen Vakuf was built in the period 1603-1613. in the time of Sultan Ahmed I, after whom it was named. In official Turkish documents from the 18th century, Kulen Vakuf was called Jisr-i-kebir, which translates as the Great Bridge.
