Bohinj or the Bohinj Basin is a…
Bohinj or the Bohinj Basin is a 20 km long and 5 km wide basin within the Julian Alps, in the Upper Carniola region of northwestern Slovenia. It is traversed by the Sava Bohinjka river. Its main feature is the periglacial Lake Bohinj. Bohinj is part of the Municipality of Bohinj, the seat of which is Bohinjska Bistrica.
Geographic circumstances have contributed to isolation of Bohinj in the past. The 5,000 inhabitants are mostly descendants of the native people of Bohinj. There are historical findings that prove the valley was populated as early as in the Bronze Age. France Prešeren, Slovenia’s leading poet, wrote the epic-lyric poem The Baptism on the Savica, which is largely fictional but depicts the time of violent baptism of pagans and battles between the Christians and pagans. Most of the story takes place in Bohinj and in Bled.
TOURISM
Bohinj began opening up for tourists years ago, with natural attractions being the biggest draw.
Bohinj has become a starting point for tourists for day trips, for walks on the trails that run throughout the valley, and for mountaineering and climbing tours. It is also associated with the nearby Bohinj Railway, which includes the Bohinj Tunnel.
In winter the valley becomes a winter sports centre for skiers, snowboarders, ice climbers, as well as ice skaters on Lake Bohinj. During the summer, Lake Bohinj is frequented by swimmers, and with the Sava Bohinjka River, kayakers and fishermen as well. Biking, trekking and climbing are also typical tourist activities in the area.
