Udbina brings together archaeological traces, church history and challenging mountain biking. This offers different ways to shape your trip: medieval traces in the town, church events in late summer, or routes with demanding climbs and descents.

Gradina and medieval history

Gradina lies on the northern edge of the hill where modern-day Udbina stands. Its elevated, easily defended position served as a lookout point over Krbavsko polje. Near the northern entrance, the lower section of a round tower and wall remains up to two metres high have survived. Gradina is considered a medieval settlement and fortress; it was probably built in response to the Ottoman threat.

The archaeological site of the Cathedral of St James lies on the eastern edge of the settlement. The cathedral was built in the Gothic style, probably in the last quarter of the 14th century. Udbina was the seat of the Diocese of Krbava from 1185 to 1460. The cemetery is also part of this history: it developed around the older church and the cathedral, and more than 600 graves have been excavated there.

Church heritage and events

The Church of Croatian Martyrs is the largest church in Udbina and a Croatian national shrine. In the wider destination of Općina Udbina, the remains of the Church of St Nicholas the Bishop are also incorporated into the Church of Croatian Martyrs.

Special Masses on the second Saturday in September and the last Saturday in August attract many visitors. Općina Udbina organises religious and cultural programmes around these occasions. The August event also includes a fair alongside the main Mass. If you plan your trip around one of these dates, check the date and programme in advance.

Mountain biking on routes with varied terrain

A mountain bike loop runs through the Međugorje Plateau and the Sarajevo Valley. Woods, groves and meadows shape the landscape; the route includes gravel and single-track sections. Challenging climbs and descents are also part of the route. The loop is therefore of particular interest if you are planning for varied surfaces and significant changes in elevation.

A second route reaches an altitude of 1,550 metres. An optional 30-minute walk to the summit of Ozeblin on Plješevica is another possibility. From there, views extend towards Lika, the Una Canyon, Velebit, Dinara and western Bosnia. The routes therefore differ in concrete ways: a loop with varied surfaces and demanding climbs, or a high-altitude route with an additional short summit hike.

Landscape in the wider destination of Općina Udbina

Krbavsko polje lies below the settlement of Udbina. The sinkholes of the Krbavica River and Murtino jezero are also located in this field. In Laudonov Gaj park forest, also within the wider destination of Općina Udbina, there are around 600 oak trees that are approximately 250 years old. The 33-hectare park forest lies in the northwest of Krbavsko polje, near the village of Šalamunić, and was designated a park forest in 1960.

For road directions, Udbina lies on the Karlovac–Plitvice Lakes–Obrovac–Zadar corridor. When choosing your destination, you can therefore take into account archaeological and church highlights, as well as challenging cycling routes and the location within the wider landscape.

Discover more destinations: Frkašić, Bunić.

View the wider travel guide: Općina Udbina.