Ripač: Old Town, Stilt Village and Una Waterfall

These highlights offer different perspectives on the town: a fortified old town, a prehistoric stilt village and a natural attraction. There are also restaurants in town. This gives you a way to assess whether Ripač matches the priorities for your stay.

Old Town and Defensive Wall

Ripač Old Town was first mentioned in historical sources in 1408. It stood on an island in the Una. Its layout included a large, three-storey, square tower surrounded by a square defensive wall. The island setting, tower and wall together represent the architectural side of the town’s history. The old town is therefore a clearly defined highlight for travellers interested in historic settlements.

Stilt Village and Archaeological Finds

The prehistoric stilt village in Ripač covered almost 3,000 m². More than 2,500 piles were discovered there, arranged in rectangular groups, with narrow passages for boats and waterways in between. The area gives an indication of the village’s extent, while the groups and passages make its internal layout easier to picture. This means the settlement can be described not only by its area but also by its arrangement.

The settlement near Ripač was investigated and is one of five stilt villages identified along the Una. This number refers to the settlements along the Una, not to five sites in Ripač. In addition, remains of Roman buildings and urns were found in Ripač. Alongside the stilt village, described in detail, Roman building remains and urns are also among the town’s archaeological features. The finds reveal different periods: from the prehistoric settlement and Roman traces to the old town first mentioned in 1408.

Ripač Waterfall on the Una

Ripač Waterfall is one of the Una’s travertine-forming waterfalls, cascades and falls. This offers a different focus from the old town and archaeological finds: here, the landscape along the Una takes centre stage, rather than the history of settlement patterns. If you would like to balance cultural and natural attractions during your stay, Ripač offers both perspectives.

Restaurants in Ripač

Sojenica Restaurant is in the centre of Ripač, by the Bihać–Ključ highway and the Una. It serves ćevapi and fresh trout. There is parking in front of the restaurant, and a children’s playground beside the terrace. If you plan to eat there, check its current opening arrangements and facilities before you travel.

A report from April 2024 also mentions lunch served in boats beneath the Ripač waterfalls at River Dock. If this offer is important for your plans, check in advance whether it is still available.

Discover more destinations: Ostrožac, Izačić, Bosanska Otoka, Stari Majdan, Cazin, Bosanski Petrovac, Oštrelj, Risovac

For the overview of the wider region: Una-Sana Canton.