International Una Regatta: Great adventure ride through the new National Park Una

With an total amount of around 500 participants, the 36th International Una Regatta was organised from 23.-26thJuly in North-West Bosnia.

Despite low temperatures, the participants of Bosnia-Herzegovina and abroad were compensated by an exciting ride through a gorgeous nature. Taking off at the idyllic village of Kulen Vakuf, the first stage ended at Štrbački Buk which is known for its breath-taking waterfalls. The evening was accomplished by performances of domestic artists, amongst these the most popular Bosnian musician Dino Merlin. A huge bonfire in the evening warmed up the tired participants.

In the course of the ride, the sun came out, and at their arrival in Bihać, the participants were welcomed by a big party on the town’s island, and could witness the annual jumps from the town-bridge, for the first time also from the newly build pedestrian bridge which was opened ad hoc for this special event.

After the tasting of Bosnian gastronomic specialities, the participants and visitors, until the early morning, celebrated together with the famous band «Mostar Sevdah Reunion». Amongst the visitors was also a number of foreign high officials, such as the director of the US-American organisation USAID, Jane Nandy, the deputy ambassador of the OSCE, Vadim Kuznjecov, as well as the deputy British ambassador Victoria Harrison. Some of the mentioned actively enjoyed the ride themselves.

The 82 km trip downstream the river Una, only a few weeks after the proclamation of the region as a National Park, finished in the pretty town Bosanska Krupa. Its inhabitants organised a big welcome party with a three-hour concert and awarded the winners, amongst others for the jolliest team, the youngest and the oldest participants and the best “bridge jump”.