Bohinj

Bohinj
—  Municipality  —
Lake Bohinj at Ribčev Laz
Location of the Municipality of Bohinj in Slovenia
Coordinates: 46°16′16″N 13°57′07″E
Country	Slovenia
Government
• Mayor	Franc Kramar
Area
• Total	333.7 km2 (128.8 sq mi)
Population (2002)
• Total	5,274
• Density	16/km2 (41/sq mi)
Time zone	CET (UTC+01)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+02)
Website	www.bohinj.si
Source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, census of 2002.

Bohinj (German: Wochein) is a municipality in the Upper Carniola region of northwestern Slovenia, covering the 20 km long and 5 km wide Bohinj basin of the Sava Bohinjka river within the Julian Alps, characterized by the periglacial Lake Bohinj (Slovene: Bohinjsko jezero). The municipality's administrative centre is located at Bohinjska Bistrica.

Geography

Stara Fužina, a village near Lake Bohinj

The valley consists of four regions; the Spodnja Dolina (Lower Valley), Zgornja Dolina (Upper Valley), Ukanška kotlina (Ukanc Basin), and Nomenjska kotlina (Nomenj Basin). It is bounded by Komarča on one end and Soteska, which is in fact a narrow canyon, at the other.

However, the municipality of Bohinj covers a much larger area than only the Bohinj Valley. The Lower Bohinj Mountain Range represents its southern border. The Sava river has carved a canyon between the Jelovica and Pokljuka plateaus in the east. To the north, Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain is also a part of the municipality.

Sava Bohinjka (which merges with Sava Dolinka into the Sava) begins when two rivers, the Jezernica and the Mostnica merge. The Mostnica comes from a valley called Voje, whereas the Jezrnica is a very short river that flows from Lake Bohinj. Many smaller streams flow into the lake. The largest of them, the Savica, emerges in Komarča as a large waterfall. The Savica Falls (Slap Savica) get most of the water from Črno Jezero (Black Lake) which is the largest in the Triglav Lakes Valley.

History

Lake Bohinj

Geographic circumstances have contributed to isolation of Bohinj in the past. The 5000 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 an epic poem Krst pri Savici (Christening at Savica) that 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.

Myths

There are many legends and myths relating to Bohinj. Most are short and humorous.

A statue of a chamois with the lake behind it

The origin of Bohinj

God was giving land to people and as he finished he realized that he had forgotten about a small group of people, who were silent and didn't hustle like the others. Because of their modesty and patience he felt pity for them. That is why he decided to give them the most beautiful land of them all, which he had spared for himself. It's called Bohinj, because we call God "Boh".

Other myths

• It is said that the Turks (the mighty conquerors) turned around when they had tried to invade Bohinj, because they thought it was the end of the world.

• A magic creature, Zlatorog (the Goldhorn), lives in the mountains.

• Hudičev most (Devil's Bridge) was created by the Devil. He made a deal with the people that were unable to build the bridge by themselves because it always collapsed. The deal was that, if he built the bridge for them, the first soul to cross it would be his.

The people agreed, but couldn't decide whom to send when it was finished. But one farmer sent a dog across. The Devil went mad when he realised that they had tricked him.

People

The isolation has also contributed to a development of a specific dialect that is very different from the Upper Carniolian dialect. There is also a notable difference between the dialects in the inner valleys. People live in 24 villages, the largest of them being Bohinjska Bistrica.

Tourism

A church in Bitnje

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.

External links

• Bohinj Online
• Bohinj travel guide from Wikitravel
• Slovenia travel guide
• Slovenia Explorer - Bohinj
• InfoSlovenia.be (information about Bohinj and Slovenia
• Bohinj Hotel- Park Hotel Bohinj is located on the edge of Triglav National Park in Bohinjska Bistrica.
• Tourist office Bohinj - http://www.bohinj-info.com