Bohinj in 2026: achievements, awards and international recognition
BOHINJ IN 2026:
achievements, awards and international recognition
For Bohinj, 2026 is a year of significant achievements, awards and opportunities to promote the destination both at home and internationally. Once again this year, Bohinj is reaffirming its reputation as a destination known for sustainable development, high-quality offerings, responsible care for the local environment, and best practices that attract the interest of both professionals and tourists.
We are therefore compiling in one place the most significant awards, accolades, professional presentations, collaborations and other milestones that have marked the year 2026, and we will continue to update this list throughout the year.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Bohinj’s ‘First Mile’ project ranks among the world’s 100 best sustainability stories
In October 2026, Bohinj was shortlisted for the international Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 with its First Mile project, which highlights the best examples of good practice in sustainable tourism from around the world.
The project brought together 20 tourism providers from the Julian Alps, who implemented practical measures to reduce water, energy consumption, waste, as well as promoting sustainable mobility. This international recognition confirms that even small changes and the cooperation of local tourism providers can make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of a destination.
Vila Muhr has been awarded the MICHELIN Key 2026
Vila Muhr in Bohinj was awarded its first MICHELIN Key in 2026, a prestigious accolade from the Michelin Guide recognising an exceptional hotel experience. It thus joined a small group of five Slovenian establishments with MICHELIN Keys. Chalet Sofija in Kranjska Gora has two keys, whilst, alongside Villa Muhr, Otočec Castle, AS Boutique Hotel and Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel each have one.
Two other Bohinj establishments feature in the MICHELIN Guide selection – Hotel Bohinj and ALPIK Chalets.
Majerca has once again been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026
The Majerca restaurant in Stara Fužina has retained its MICHELIN Bib Gourmand accolade in 2026, which recognises restaurants offering excellent culinary quality and good value for money. Under the leadership of chef Timi Rožič, who returned to his home town of Bohinj after years of gaining experience, Majerca focuses on seasonal and local ingredients, combining the flavours of the Julian Alps with contemporary culinary approaches. Majerca is one of 12 Slovenian restaurants to have been awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction in the MICHELIN Guide Slovenia 2026.
The Bohinj Cycle Route has been awarded the Patinasti svinčnik 2026 / Patina Pencil 2026 Award
The Bohinj Cycle Route has been awarded the ‘Patinasti svinčnik 2026’, a prize from the Chamber of Architecture and Spatial Planning Slovenia (ZAPS) for high-quality architectural and landscape design that has stood the test of time.
Designed in 2011 by Atelje Ostan Pavlin, the route now forms an important part of sustainable mobility in Bohinj. Through its thoughtful integration into the landscape, it connects the natural and cultural heritage and serves both locals and visitors. It was awarded the Golden Pencil for outstanding execution as early as the time of its construction.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Bohinj at a Slovenian evening at the Weltmuseum in Vienna
In September 2026, Bohinj and the Julian Alps were showcased at a Slovenian evening event at the Weltmuseum in Vienna, which brought together tourism, culture and cuisine. Bohinj was presented to an international audience as a place that strives to strike a balance between nature conservation, the quality of life for local residents and the development of tourism. Cuisine also played a significant part in the presentation: Vila Muhr and chef Davor Arnautović presented contemporary interpretations of Bohinj’s flavours, whilst the collective brand Bohinjsko/From Bohinj was also highlighted.
Bohinj as an example of good practice at the UN Tourism Village Talks
In August 2026, Bohinj was invited to present its best practice as part of the online series ‘Village Talks – Voices from the Ground’ organised by the Best Tourism Villages network of UN Tourism. As one of three selected case studies, it presented its approach to integrating tourism, agriculture and local supply, as well as cooperation between local producers, public institutions, hospitality providers and other stakeholders. The event was attended by over 130 participants, and UN Tourism highlighted the Bohinj case as one of several approaches to developing resilient and inclusive rural tourism.
KEY MILESTONES
An open, cycling (shared-use) path between Bled and Bohinj
In July 2026, a newcycling (shared-use) path between Bled and Bohinjska Bistrica was officially opened, marking one of the most significant milestones in the field of sustainable mobility in the Julian Alps. The link, approximately 20 kilometres long, together with the existing cycle path to Lake Bohinj, provides an almost 28-kilometre uninterrupted route between Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. This new development improves road safety and enhances opportunities for sustainable everyday mobility for local residents, whilst enabling visitors to explore Bled, Bohinj and the Sava Bohinjka valley in a more environmentally friendly way.
