This is the tenth stage of a tour through Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The routes have been plotted and driven in 2015 by Marc Telkamp. Today's route largely runs along two rivers with rapids and mighty waterfalls, through beautiful nature reserves and along a number of historically significant locations ... And if you have not yet suffered culture or nature shock from all this impressive, then the cherry on top the cake - the Plitvice lakes - this indeed!

You can wake up wonderfully almost immediately after your departure from the hotel in Livno. First fill up the engine at a leisurely pace (rp 2), so that you no longer have to think about this ... and then get off to a pleasant start with an endlessly long winding mountain road towards Glamoč. Once you have arrived in this village, consider doing some shopping for the day: there are a number of restaurants along the way, but these are scarce. If you feel like it (and the weather is nice ????) you can do some shopping for an afternoon meal at Timex supermarket (rp 3). On the way you will pass through a number of beautiful nature reserves where you can enjoy the view during a tasty picnic.

After this stop for shopping you will soon be guided by two rivers. First of all the Unac river. This river is a sinking river (thanks to the karst rock in this region). In a number of places this river cuts deep into the ground, creating small gorges. Unfortunately, these can only be reached on foot by means of a long walk. What is just as beautiful - and can be reached by motorcycle - is one of the two lakes that are part of this river. At rp 5 you can deviate from the route to drive to Lake Prekajsko. Immediately after the rp, take the first road to the left, then turn right again at 2 junctions and you will automatically end up at the lake. One of the beautiful picnic spots is now on the screen.

If you have not bought picnic equipment, you can stop a little further along the route at Hotel Drvar (rp 6) directly on the route. But if you don't shy away from unpaved paths, you better drive on to rp 8. This break spot - Restaurant Etno Selo Dodig (Ethno Village of Dodig) - is a short distance from the route, but is more than worth it for to drive. The wooden mountain hut and restaurant are located on top of a mountain just past the village of Podovi. The restaurant and hotel offer a nice insight into local life. Everything is traditionally decorated and the menu features local dishes.

You will also find a historically special place in this area: Tito's cave. Josip Broz, better known as Tito, was a Yugoslav communist revolutionary and statesman; and held various positions from 1943 until his death in 1980. The origin of his nickname Tito has several explanations, but perhaps the nicest one is that his nickname is a contraction of Ti "you" and To "that". As a guerilla leader, he is said to have briefly distributed commands to his employees.

The cave (rp 7) along this route has been Tito's hideout in WWII, from attacks by the Germans. The original hut was destroyed in the Yugoslav War, but was later reconstructed. Today you can visit the cabin, as well as a small museum where you can gain more insight into the impact of WWII in this region.

After this walk it is time to continue your way. Today offers several interesting stops along the route, the icing on the cake almost at the end of this day.

The road meanders wonderfully through a valley along the Unac river. On the way you can stop to enjoy the view (rp 9) and not much later you descend into the valley towards the village of Martin Brod (rp 11). This place is in the heart of the Unac National Park. Gradually it becomes clear that the nature reserves, which are part of your route today, are impressively spectacular. Martin Brod is known for the many waterfalls that the village has. The village was built on a spot where the Unac and Una rivers meet. The many differences in level have created impressive waterfalls.

If this location evokes romantic feelings, it is not surprising. The origin of the name Martin Brod can of course be found in a love story: the beautiful girl Marta fell in love with a young man who lived on the other side of the river. Her parents disapproved. In the quiet of the night, Marta tried to cross the river to meet her lover. Unfortunately, she slipped and fell into the falls, never to be found again. To honor Marta and her forbidden and unfortunate love, the place was named after her: Martin Brod (Marta's ford).

If the falls have left a positive impression, the route will only become more beautiful. Today's second river, which will accompany you on the route, is the Una river towards Štrbački buk (rp 14). According to local legends, the Una River got its name when the Romans passed through this area. When they saw the river they shouted “Una”, which would refer to its unique beauty.

At Štrbački buk you will again be treated to impressive waterfalls. To give you an even better view, you can walk up to the wooden platform and admire the falls in their full glory. For travelers who have done their shopping for a picnic along the way: at Štrbački buk you have plenty of options to take a break in the middle of nature!

Travelers, who like an off-road adventure, can follow the road instead of (as suggested in the route) turning back to the main road. If you choose to follow the road, you can continue to drive on an official road past Doljani to Gorjevac, where you can continue the route. Keep an eye on your navi, because there are a number of junctions on this road where you have to make the right choice.

Once back in civilization you will pass Bihać (rp 16). This fortified city has its origins in 1260 and is considered the westernmost fortress of the Ottoman Empire. Traces of this can be found in the old town. If you take a break here at one of the marked restaurants, it certainly pays to take a short walk to admire the town.

The last part of the route is gradually coming into view. At rp 17 you can refuel one last time before we reach the end of the route.

Fortunately, the last part of this route is certainly a gem. Hopefully you have enough energy (and time) left to enjoy this too. First we cross the border between Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia.

We stay close to this border crossing for a while, because hidden in the woods, a special place can be found. At Ličko Petrovo Selo, the route leaves you to the left on a small road, back towards the border. You may be wondering why you should follow this dead end ... It soon becomes clear. Once you have followed the narrow road along the edge of the forest, you will see a parking lot, with - hidden between the bushes and trees - an old Douglas C-47 (rp 20). This dilapidated plane gives a hint to the special place you enter: Željava Airbase.

If you want to visit the dilapidated airport, you can follow the paved road past the gate to the POI (Željava Airbase). Keep in mind that it is actually a closed site. If you run into customs, stay polite. Often they will let you continue with the viewing undisturbed, albeit with the explicit (and justified) warning to stay on the beaten track. There may be land mines both outside in the site and inside the mountain (under the rubble)!

Despite all caution, it is definitely a special place to visit. Željava Airbase was once one of the largest underground military bases in Europe, located under the Plješevica mountain. It was part of a series of military installations (Objekat) built in strategic locations in the former Yugoslavia. This airport (Objekat 505) was built in the period from 1948 to 1968, under Tito's rule, with the aim of establishing, integrating and coordinating a nationwide early warning radar network, similar to NORAD in the US. The complex was designed and built to withstand a direct hit from a 20 kiloton atomic bomb, similar to the one on Nagasaki. This is also reflected in the doors, which give access to the underground hangars. Take your time to wander around in this area, take beautiful (urban exploration) photos and take in the eventful history of this place.

After visiting this historical landmark, it is time to drive to the end of your route: Plitvice lakes. While Željava Airbase was the historical highlight of your route, Plitvice lakes are definitely the natural highlight of today! The lakes and waterfalls were created by a natural deposition process over thousands of years. The flowing waters of the Korana River created dams, which in turn created 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls. One even more beautiful than the other.

Plitvice National Park has been on the Unesco World Heritage List since 1979 and is so large and impressive that you can certainly enjoy yourself for a day. That is why the end point is also at the Plitvice lakes. This way you can leisurely stroll around the park in the morning before the tourist crowds. For convenience, Hotel Bellevue is indicated as a place to stay, but also look around at all the possibilities in this area. The offer is overwhelming.

Today's route is, without a doubt, 5 stars. The ride is wonderful, the asphalt slides under your wheels with gentle curves. Along the way you can fully enjoy the ubiquitous beautiful nature (Lake Prekajsko, Unac National Park, Martin Brod, the waterfalls of Štrbački buk and Plitvice National Park). If you are interested in historical monuments, there is definitely an item on your bucket list on the menu today: Zeljava Airbase will leave unforgettable impressions on you.