This morning, the Novi dan N1 team was in Bihać and part of the team visited the Japod Islands, about 15 kilometers from the city center. Nataša Krezović, the N1 reporter, presented this unique setting from a different perspective – a boat ride between the islands.
She spoke with Almina Suljić about nature, visitor programmes, and the place’s history and its connection to the Japydes. This ancient Illyrian tribe lived in this area about 2,000 years ago.
Everything Began with a Heart Symbol
One of the most recognizable symbols of the Japod Islands is a heart you can spot when viewing the area from above. As Suljić shared, this very heart became the inspiration for the entire story.
“Completely spontaneously, you can spot it in a single photo. With a little rotation and editing, this heart becomes noticeable, and that’s where the inspiration for all of this emerged. Everything started from that one idea,” Suljić said.
The boat sails past several islands and various amenities – accommodation domes, tree houses, museums, restaurants, river bars, campsites, and bungalows.
“We are currently right next to the domes, which are one of our most interesting types of accommodation and, as I mentioned, the most in-demand,” she said.
The Story About the Japod Islands and Life 2,000 Years Ago
The name of the Japod Islands is no coincidence. Suljić emphasized that this place is not only a natural attraction but also represents a blend of the region’s cultural heritage.
“I would say that the Japod Islands are not just a natural attraction, but a blend of cultural heritage as well. For people to get the full experience, we try to show them how our ancestors lived 2,000 years ago — namely, the Japydes, an ancient Illyrian tribe that inhabited this area,” Suljić said.
She also mentioned that the Japydes used nature for everyday life and to defend themselves from enemies.
“I think a lot can be learned from the sculptures and all the ways we try to teach people about how life was lived 2,000 years ago. They used nature for their daily needs and for defense, because the Japydes were a truly fierce people,” she said.
Three Museums Dedicated to Japydic Culture
In the Bihać area and the broader region of this part of Croatia, there are archaeological sites of Japydic culture. Modeled after them, three smaller museums were built on the Japod Islands.
“Modeled after those sites, we built three smaller museums here where we try to show people everything that could once be seen,” stated Suljić.
This is a new feature introduced this year, and visitors, she noted, are very interested in learning more.
“People are very interested, especially because it’s a new service we opened at the start of the year. I often hear people say, ‘This wasn’t here before,’ so they stop by. I’ve noticed they show the most interest in the sewing workshop,” she said.
“It is important to use what nature gives us, but also to protect it.”
The story of the life of the Japydes is also connected to today’s human aspiration to live in harmony with nature.
“That is how we are trying to live today, in the contemporary age — in harmony with nature. We should use what nature gives us, but also protect it,” Suljić said.
To her, the Japod Islands radiate a special energy that visitors can best sense when spending time near the Una River.
“I think anyone who comes here needs to be connected to nature and truly feel everything offered here. As I like to say, these islands radiate a special energy that people must feel,” she said.
Some Choose Kayaking, Others Just the Roar of the River
On one of the islands, there are campsites, bungalows, and a campfire area. During their stay, in addition to accommodation, guests can use kayaks, SUP boards, and other services.
However, not everyone comes to the Japod Islands for these activities.
“I would say it depends on the person. I’ve met people who say, ‘We came here to disconnect from the world and do nothing. We will spend the whole day here beside Una, listening to the roar of this waterfall right behind us.’ While others start using all available activities from early morning to make the most of everything offered to them,” Suljić said.
According to her, people primarily come for the feeling Una creates, while the people they meet here often tie them to this place.
Speaking about cooperation with the Una National Park and other local tourism operators, Suljić emphasized the importance of offering guests a rich program and maintaining good collaboration with everyone connected to tourism.
After sailing around the Japod Islands, the N1 reporter concluded that this place offers plenty of activities, but also the opportunity to stand still, listen to the rushing river, and enjoy nature.
“We visited the Japod Islands. We are still here, though we’ll have to return to the shore at some point. But I hope we managed to show at least a part of what you can do here — or not do, because it’s simply beautiful to come, listen to the sound of the river, look at the sky and nature, and feel this spirit,” Krezović said, N1 writes.
