24 Hours in Bosanska Krupa
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Bosanska Krupa is one of the most beautiful towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fact. There, I said it. Actually, I’d put in the top three, alongside Jajce and Trebinje. That’s just my opinion, but then I am a recognised voice of credibility on the subject, so you should probably listen to me. What’s more, you should listen to me as I lay out the perfect 24 hours in Bosanska Krupa, with all manner of things to crack on with.
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Morning
Let’s not waste time here, you’ve come to Bosanska Krupa to gawp at how beautiful it is. Make the ruins of the fortress your first port of call, and get ready for the spectacular views of the Una river. The bridge traversing it is a delight, but it is the fishing houses on stilts that give the scene its glow. The fortress was initially erected in the 13th century, but time has once again proven to be unbeatable. That famous intangible aura of history is very much alive here, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t all about the views. They are pretty darn excellent, after all. The fortress also affords those lucky enough to wander its grounds a pretty stonkin’ view of the town centre, with the three religious groups of the country each represented. Delightful.
With the fortress conquered, cross the bridge and head to the other side of town, where more beauty awaits. Bosanska Krupa is home to the Zeleni Otoci (green islands, basically), one of the finest town centre parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Actually, scratch that, this is the finest town centre park in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stroll to your heart’s content, take it all in. Be happy to be surrounded by quite magnificent greenery.
Food? Coffee? Get both at Makaba, a darling restaurant outside the city in the direction of Bosanska Otoka. Handy, because that is where we are going for the afternoon.
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Afternoon
What is there to see in Bosanska Otoka? Not a huge amount, really, unless you happen to be buddies with the descendants of Džemaludin Čaušević. Džemo passed away last year, unfortunately, but the memory of his great uncle (Džemaludin Čaušević v1.0) is very much worth savouring, and those with vehicles should make the journey to Arapuša to see the house where the great man was born. Those without will have to make do with the town mosque, arguably the most picturesque in the country. Think of the ground that covers.
The Gradska Džamija sits peacefully on an island in the Una, the only riverside island mosque in Europe. You need to be a bird to get the ultimate view, but we don’t have wings. Still, any view of the mosque is stunning. There is symbolism all over the place, mainly focused on the number 153. 153 bulbs decorate the interior, and the minaret has 153 steps to its lookout. Why 153? That is the number of people who died here defending the town during the war.
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Evening
Back to Bosanska Krupa for the evening, where excellent pizza awaits at Palazzo. The pizzeria sits on an island next to the Zeleni Otoci, and you don’t need me to keep ramming home the whole ‘this place is beautiful’ thing to understand what to expect. Pizza and views, the dream. Spend your evening on BK’s small street of cafes jutting off the bridge, and see if you can find some Falcon Pivo somewhere, brewed not too far away from the city centre.
There we go, what a beautiful day.
