Private Rooms Bohinj — Accommodation near Lake Bohinj

Bohinj is a geographical name for the area that includes the Upper and Lower Bohinj Valley, the Nomenj Valley, and the lake basin (Lake Bohinj) on the southeastern side of the Julian Alps. Several higher-lying settlements are also considered part of Bohinj, such as Koprivnik, Gorjuše, and Nemški Rovt, along with the surrounding mountains and pastures of these areas.

This is how Julius Kugy described Bohinj in his work on the Julian Alps: “A long, open valley through which the Savica, born in the rocks, flows with bright green fairy-like waters, picturesque meadows with an idyllic charm, small friendly villages greeting you from silent peace, around it mountains with breathtaking shapes, wrapped in dark spruce forests, in the heights, among the clouds, the festive throne of Triglav.”

The name Bohinj may be of local origin. Its etymology is not precisely explained, but there are several folk (often humorous) interpretations.

• The name Bohinj might derive from the word “bohati,” meaning “charcoal cooking.” During the era of ironworks in Bohinj, charcoal production was extensive, hence possibly giving the entire region its name.
• Janez Mencinger wrote in My Ascent of Triglav that the name Bohinj originates from pagan times. According to legend, exiled pagan gods found refuge in Bohinj’s remote location: "Pagan gods ... gave their new abode the name Boginj (home of the gods) out of sheer gratitude."
• Valentin Vodnik, who served in Koprivnik, humorously claimed that Bohinj must come from fleas (bolhe), as he was heavily bitten by them in a mountain hut on Goreljek.
• Another humorous story relates to a German visitor being taken to Bohinj. Finding the location so remote, he kept asking, "Wohin? Wohin?" (Where to? Where to?).
• Bohinj might have gained its name from an old type of Bohinj cheese, produced locally before the Swiss introduced them to cheese-making. Called “boh,” it smelled almost like móhant.
• There is also a tale that when God was distributing land among the people, He forgot about a small group standing quietly aside. Being so patient and modest, He took pity on them and gave them the most beautiful spot, now called Bohinj. "Bohinj comes from Bog (God), because Bohinj locals call God ‘Boh.’"

Settlements of the Municipality of Bohinj

Ribčev Laz is a settlement belonging to the Municipality of Bohinj, located on the eastern side of Bohinj and representing the central hub and most recognizable part of Bohinj. Historically, residents were primarily engaged in agriculture, though tourism has become the main source of income. During World War I, this area was a transitional zone between the front and its hinterland.

Among the main attractions are the Church of St. John the Baptist, now a cultural monument, a monument to the Four Brave Men (erected in 1978), and the Zlatorog (Goldenhorn) statue. Of particular interest is a rock face near the guesthouse “Pod skalco,” penetrated by fossilized marine shells, indicating a shallow prehistoric sea bed. Ribčev Laz has a tourist information center, shops, a post office, Hotel Bohinj, Hotel Jezero, the Na skalci holiday home, apartments, rooms, restaurants, and cafés. Many sports activities are available, including climbing at natural cliffs Pod skalco and Bellevue, renting boats, kayaks, or canoes, swimming, cycling, hiking, and more. There is also a tour boat service on Lake Bohinj (boats “Bohinj” and “Zlatorog”) and summer events. Ribčev Laz is truly special!

Lake Bohinj is the largest natural lake in Slovenia offering a variety of activities. It is situated in a glacier-carved basin and holds almost 100 million cubic meters of water—an old local joke says it's just “one bucketful,” given a big enough bucket.

The basin, which slopes steeply, lacks shallows and is scarcely partitioned. This outflow lake warms up to about 24°C (75°F) on the surface in summer and frequently freezes in winter. The water level can rise by 2–3 m after heavy rain. The water is renewed three times a year; the Savica is the main inflow, and the Sava Bohinjka is the main outflow. Over a third of the water comes from karst springs below the lake’s surface near the northern shore. Under heavy rainfall, karst waters also surface at the Govic spring on Mt. Pršivec.

Lake Bohinj is suitable for water activities throughout the year. In warmer months you can swim, boat, windsurf, kayak, canoe, fish, or dive. A scenic boat ride is available, or enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore. Occasionally in winter (though increasingly rare), the lake freezes, allowing for ice skating (but please exercise caution and note it is at your own risk!).