Municipality of Udbina

About Udbina

Welcome to Udbina, a hidden gem in the heart of Lika a place where untouched nature, rich history, and peaceful life blend into a unique experience. This area, once a crossroads of empires and cultures, today stands as a symbol of renewal and harmony between people and nature.

Stretching across vast landscapes of mountains, forests, and fertile fields, Udbina offers a rare combination of tranquility and opportunity. Here, every hill, river, and meadow tells a story of resilience, tradition, and the deep connection between land and its people.

Whether you come to explore, to relax, or to reconnect with nature, Udbina invites you to stay, discover, and fall in love with its timeless beauty.

Location & Landscape

Nestled in central Lika, along the main Zagreb–Split route, Udbina is conveniently located between continental and coastal Croatia — about two hours from Zagreb, Split, or Rijeka, and just over an hour from Zadar or Šibenik.

Surrounded by majestic peaks such as Ozeblin (1657 m), Rudi Lisac (1608 m), and Kremen (1591 m), this region offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures — from hiking and cycling to eco and rural tourism.

Below the town lies the magnificent Krbava Field, a vast plain of over 5,000 hectares of fertile land, perfect for farming, grazing, and exploring. It’s also home to natural wonders such as the Krbavica River sinkholes and the tranquil Murtino Lake.

With its pristine nature, fresh mountain air, and unspoiled landscapes, Udbina is the ideal destination for those who seek authenticity, peace, and adventure.

History of Udbina

Udbina and the surrounding Krbava region are steeped in history, with stories spanning over a millennium. From its first mentions in 950 AD to its strategic importance in medieval Croatia, Udbina has always been a crossroads of cultures, courage, and resilience.

Once the seat of the medieval Krbava Diocese (1185–1460), and later governed by the noble Kurjaković family, this area witnessed pivotal moments in Croatian history — including the legendary Battle of Krbava Field in 1493, and centuries of resistance, renewal, and growth.

Over time, Udbina became part of various political entities, including the Military Frontier, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Kingdom of SHS, each leaving a mark on its architecture, culture, and traditions. Despite challenges, including destruction during World War II, the community’s spirit never faltered.

Today, Udbina stands as a living testament to its rich heritage, blending historic landmarks, sacred sites, and cultural traditions with modern life. From ancient hillforts to remnants of churches and cathedrals, every corner of Udbina whispers stories of resilience, faith, and the enduring bond between its people and the land.

Sacred and Cultural Heritage

Udbina is a place where history, faith, and culture converge, offering visitors a journey through centuries of tradition. From pre-Slavic hillforts to medieval churches, the area is rich with historical landmarks that reflect its spiritual and cultural evolution.

Highlights include:

Remains of the 13th-century Cathedral of St. James, a testament to the town’s medieval significance.
Numerous Catholic churches, such as St. Mark’s near Udbina, St. George’s in Podlapača, and the Church of the Croatian Martyrs built beside the foundations of St. Nicholas.
Orthodox churches, including St. John the Baptist (1701) and St. Sava (1881) in Jošan, along with other historic religious sites scattered across the municipality.

Cultural life thrives through local associations such as HKUU “Queen Katarina” and SKD “Prosvjeta”, keeping traditions alive through events, festivals, and celebrations.

Notable cultural events include:

Transfiguration Day in Mutilić (August 19), a celebration of the Serbian community.
Croatian Martyrs Day (every September, second Saturday), honoring heroes, defenders, and victims who have sacrificed for faith, country, and community throughout history.

Udbina’s sacred and cultural heritage is not just a reminder of the past — it’s a vibrant part of the present, inviting visitors to explore, reflect, and connect with the rich traditions of this unique region.

Flora and Fauna

Udbina is a paradise for nature lovers. Covering over 26,000 hectares of lush forests, both public and private, the area boasts pristine air, unspoiled water sources, and incredibly rich biodiversity.

Visitors can explore three main vegetation zones:

Montane forests of pure beech trees, perfect for peaceful hikes.
Altimontane mixed forests of beech and fir, home to a variety of wildlife.
Subalpine forests, showcasing high-altitude flora unique to the region.

Lower elevations are dotted with thermophilic oaks, and Udbina is home to rare alpine plant species, including protected and endangered varieties like the golden globeflower and Wulfen’s gentian. Foraging enthusiasts can enjoy seasonal fruits such as rose hips, hazelnuts, blackberries, raspberries, and sloes.

The fungal world is equally abundant, with edible treasures like porcini, chanterelles, morels, oyster mushrooms, black trumpets, and sun mushrooms.

Udbina is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts:

Birds: pheasants, quails, capercaillies, various raptors, and songbirds protected by international conventions.
Mammals: red deer, brown bears, roe deer, wild boars, hares, wolves, foxes, wild cats, lynx, martens, and badgers.

With such diversity, Udbina offers endless opportunities for ecotourism, wildlife watching, hiking, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a true connection with nature.

Natural Heritage & Parks

Udbina is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes that invite exploration and outdoor adventure. The area is home to several protected sites, scenic parks, and unique geological formations.

Laudon’s Grove – a 33-hectare historic park forest near Šalamunić, featuring around 600 majestic oak trees up to 250 years old. Originally designed by the famous French general Laudon, it stands as a living testament to successful reforestation and natural preservation.

Bijeli Potoci – Kamensko – a significant landscape spanning Udbina and Donji Lapac, featuring open pastures and scenic plateaus, recognized both as a protected area and a cultural monument.

Lička Plješevica Nature Park – covering 220 km² within Udbina, this park boasts breathtaking mountain terrain, rich biodiversity, and numerous opportunities for hiking, trekking, and nature photography.

Other natural highlights include:

Ornithological reserves such as Gola Plješevica and Sokolovača, home to eagles, capercaillies, and other rare birds.
Geomorphological formations like the Krbava Field sinkholes.
Botanical reserves including Vukosavica – Rudi Lisac and Mala Plješevica, showcasing unique high-altitude flora.
Significant landscapes: Trovrh – Kameni vrh, Kremen, Kozja draga, and Manita draga.

Udbina’s natural heritage offers a diverse playground for adventure, relaxation, and eco-tourism, making it an ideal destination for travelers who appreciate both history and nature.

Tourism & Activities

Udbina is a gateway to adventure, culture, and authentic experiences. Thanks to its natural treasures, excellent transport connections, and proximity to four national parks and the Adriatic coast, the region offers endless opportunities for tourists.

Rural Tourism – Explore the charm of traditional Lika life across Udbina’s villages. Visitors can enjoy local hospitality, learn about farming traditions, and stay in beautifully restored rural homes.
Hunting Tourism – With abundant wildlife and five managed hunting grounds, Udbina is a premier destination for hunting enthusiasts.
Adventure Tourism – Perfectly complementing rural tourism, adventure activities are growing in popularity. Options include mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, trekking tours, and nearby rafting on the Una River.
Transit Tourism – Udbina’s location along the D1 highway and just 17 km from the Zagreb–Split motorway makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Croatia.
Nature-Based Tourism – Ideal for hikers, cyclists, and anyone who loves the outdoors. With minimal infrastructure requirements, visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, scenic trails, and unspoiled nature.

Other opportunities include sports and recreational tourism, religious tourism, health and wellness tourism, camping, and heritage tourism, making Udbina a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

Gastronomy & Hospitality

Udbina and the surrounding Lika region are a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich and authentic culinary tradition that reflects the local culture and natural resources.

Local Delicacies include:

Lika lamb roasted on a spit – tender, flavorful, and a true regional specialty.
Lika cabbage with smoked meat and potatoes – a hearty traditional dish.
Cheeses: fresh curd, sheep cheese, and creamy butter.
Pastries and sweets: uštipci, presnac, and kuglof.
Beverages: locally produced plum brandy (šljivovica), fruit juices, and homemade jams.
Cured meats: pole, basa, and bacon.
Traditional bread baked under a peka – a must-try for visitors.

Hospitality & Restaurants

Udbina offers quality dining options and cozy cafés where visitors can enjoy local flavors:

Restaurants: Ličko Selo, Robert, Feral
Cafés: Maja, Vox, Pink Panter

Whether you are looking to savor authentic dishes, enjoy local beverages, or experience the warmth of Lika hospitality, Udbina offers a culinary journey that perfectly complements its natural beauty and rich history.

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