Bosanska Krupa is located in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the region also known as the Una Krajina
Nestled in the middle of the Una River valley, it is surrounded by the Grmeč mountain to the south and low hills of 200–300 meters to the north. The valley’s floor is covered with Tertiary sediments of limestone, marl, and clay. The Una River flows through the city, joined by its right tributary Krušnica, which encircles Hum Hill before merging into the Una. The confluence of the Krušnica and the Unadžik arm forms a significant river island at the city’s recreational area “Ada.” Bosanska Krupa lies at 44°53′6″ N, 16°9′31″ E, at an elevation of 177 meters.
Historical and Urban Development
The city developed around a rocky hill, where a medieval fortress once stood, giving Bosanska Krupa an acropolis-like layout similar to Cazin. Surrounding the fortress, neighborhoods gradually expanded, forming the modern city center with mosques and churches. The old town was predominantly on the right bank of the Una, with industrial and residential expansion occurring on the left bank after the construction of railways and roads. The city was heavily damaged during World War II and the 1992–1995 war, but today it is being rebuilt with modern infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and communication networks.
Flora, Fauna, and Demographics
The region is rich in deciduous forests, with beech, hornbeam, and oak, as well as coniferous trees on the slopes of Grmeč. The fertile valley supports agriculture, while the Una and Krušnica rivers host abundant fish species, offering opportunities for fishing tourism. Wildlife includes hares, foxes, wild boars, deer, pheasants, eagles, and various songbirds. Before the war, the municipality covered 778 km² with a population of 58,212, predominantly Bosniaks. Post-war territorial adjustments reduced the municipality to 556 km², with around 25,545 residents, bordering Dvor (Croatia) and Bosnian municipalities Krupa na Uni, Sanski Most, Bosanski Petrovac, Bihać, Cazin, and Bužim.
History
The area of present-day Bosanska Krupa has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by sites called Gradine and material remains. In the Middle Ages, it belonged to the Pset parish, and the name Krupa first appeared in the 13th century. Fortresses from this period had strategic importance, and the first known feudal lords were the Babonić family.
After the fall of medieval Bosnia in 1463, the Ottomans gradually conquered the area. The Krupa captaincy, one of the first in Bosnia, was governed by the Badnjević and later the Arnautović (Krupić) families. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the region was unstable due to conflicts with the Austrians. By the late 19th century, Krupa was a trading center, which the Austrians destroyed in 1894.
During World War II, Krupa was besieged by Ustaše and German forces. Following the wars in Yugoslavia, the town became part of the SFRY. After the 1992–1995 aggression, Krupa was liberated on September 17, 1995, and today is part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Una-Sana Canton.
Sport in Bosanska Krupa
Sport in Bosanska Krupa is organized, planned, and funded according to the USK Law on Sports. Funding for the Sports Association comes from the municipal budget and is allocated based on existing regulations, while clubs can also generate income through membership fees, donations, sponsorships, and other sources.
The municipality has 37 sports organizations (clubs and associations) active in 18 sports disciplines, including competitive, recreational, school, and para-sports. Around 2,000 registered athletes participate in competitions (1,700 men and 300 women), with an additional 3,000 recreational athletes.
Competitive programs and calendars at all levels are determined by professional sports federations (football, volleyball, basketball, martial arts, etc.). The most organized and successful sports include ball games, martial arts, school and para-sports, water sports, and extreme sports.
Mass and recreational sports programs are conducted in schools, local communities, NGOs, tourist-sport associations, and other organizations. Community and youth sports events are organized for anniversaries, holidays, memorials, and other occasions to promote and strengthen sports culture locally and beyond.
Education
In the area of the City of Bosanska Krupa, there are six educational institutions:
4 primary schools:
- Public Institution „First Primary School“
- Public Institution „Second Primary School“
- Public Institution „Primary School Jezerski“
- Public Institution „Primary School Otoka“
2 secondary schools:
- Public Institution „General Gymnasium Bosanska Krupa“
- Public Institution „Mješovita srednja škola Safet Krupić“
Experience the charm of Bosanska Krupa
To learn more about local administration, services, and community updates, visit the official website of the City of Bosanska Krupa.