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Kozara National Park
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Kozara National Park was established in 1967 and spans an area of approximately 33.75 square kilometers in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park is often referred to as the 'Green Island' because it is surrounded by the fertile plains of the Sava, Una, Sana, and Vrbas rivers. Historically, the region is famous for the 1942 Kozara Offensive during World War II, a pivotal event commemorated by a massive concrete monument on the Mrakovica peak. The landscape is characterized by dense forests of beech, fir, and pine, which support a diverse ecosystem including deer, wild boars, and various raptors. Geologically, Kozara belongs to the Dinaric Alps, with the highest point being the Lisina peak at 978 meters above sea level. Today, the park serves as both a historical memorial site and a premier destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and seasonal skiing.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top sights: Kozara National Park · Zečiji kamen · Jankovića kamen
- Nearby: Mlječanica (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 7 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 68 | 68 | 67 | 71 | 95 | 86 | 67 | 73 | 100 | 84 | 86 | 77 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Easily reachable via well-paved national roads heading towards Prijedor, this famous national park has established entry gates that smoothly channel visitors directly to the central recreational zones.
Best season
The park is a popular year-round destination; summer draws crowds for cool forest walks beneath beech and fir trees, while winter transforms the 'Green Beauty' into a localized skiing destination.
Terrain & paths
Visitors will find a highly accessible mix of smoothly paved memorial walkways, neatly maintained dirt paths, and moderately challenging hiking trails traversing the dense forests and hills.
What to bring
For general exploration, standard walking shoes are perfectly sufficient, though bringing a daypack with water, a windbreaker, and some snacks is recommended for tackling the longer peripheral trails.
Parking
There are expansive, official parking facilities available near the main monument complexes and hotel areas, usually requiring a modest fee during the peak tourist season.
Safety
The central zones are highly secure and patrolled, making it an excellent family destination; however, anyone wandering into the deeper wilderness should remain on marked paths to avoid getting lost.
Time needed
Exploring the historical monuments and walking the immediate forested paths typically occupies three to four hours, whereas dedicated hiking can easily fill an entire rewarding day.
Geography
Facts
- Year established: 1967
- Total area: 33.75 km²
- Highest peak: Lisina (978 m)
- Location: North of Prijedor
- Monument height: 33 meters
- Forest cover: Over 90% of the territory
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kozara National Park (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous monument in Kozara National Park?
The huge monument on Mrakovica, dedicated to the fallen partisans.
Are there skiing facilities in the park?
Yes, there is a small ski center with floodlit slopes for night skiing.
Is there an entry fee for the national park?
Yes, a small fee per person is charged (approx. 2 KM / 1 EUR).
What activities are offered in summer?
Hiking, mountain biking, and climbing in the adventure park are very popular.
Are there hotels or restaurants within the park?
Yes, in the Mrakovica area, there are hotels and cozy mountain restaurants.
Kozara National Park: where is it located?
Kozara National Park is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kozara National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kozara National Park, Zečiji kamen, Jankovića kamen.
Kozara National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kozara National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Kozara National Park was established in 1967 and spans an area of approximately 33.75 square kilometers in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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