HOTEL HISTORY SINCE 1890
HERITAGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL HISTORY FROM LONG AGO TILL TODAY.
REMARKABLE 130 YEARS OF TRADITION!
Hotel Bohinj welcome letter
With winter in full retreat, spring awakens to blossoming buzz in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Nature stretches from her annual slumber as thawing riverbeds teem with vigor and new life. History, ever stoic, stands silent witness to environmental rebirth.
Here, the old is cherished by the new. Traditions are not abandoned to time, rather, they are celebrated and renewed. One such haven exists today, whose very nature cultivates the authentic experiences and unique impressions of a bygone era.
Nestled along the mountain stream, sits the hotel with the longest running tradition in Bohinj: Sunrose 7. Built in 1890, this independently-owned and operated Boutique-hideaway bore witness to the construction of Europe’s largest railway system; a lifeline connection between Vienna and Venice which tunnels through the neighboring mountainside.
By the opening of the tunnel in 1906, the Sunrose 7 became the most distinguished lodging in the area. Attracting high-profile visitors from around the region, its prestigious guest list includes members of the Empire’s Royal Family, along with a multitude of societal VIP’s.
Now, more than a century later, you can still bask in the incredible views of this exquisite location. Indulge yourself with local flavors and royal treatments as you experience a total digital detox. Invigorate your spirit as you sip hand-crafted coffee, bank side, beneath our 125 year-old Chestnut grove.
Exploring the nearby alpine meadows, hikers will find themselves surrounded by one of the oldest, and most beautiful, botanical gardens in the world. For the more adventurous, pressing further on along the mountain ridge takes you to the famous valley of the Seven Triglav Lakes. The heart of Triglav National Park is revealed; Triglav Mountain, Slovenia’s 2,864 meter-high crowning jewel.
So come. We invite you to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind in the sleepy corner of our mountain home. And while we cannot completely turn back time, we can certainly make it stand still.
Welcome!
Bohinj Hotel detailed history
A full in-depth history of our Slovenia Boutique Hotel accommodation near Lake Bohinj is covered on our hotel blog post.
TIMELINE
POSTCARD FROM 1890.
1890
Janez Markeš, a successful businessman and local wood merchant, who also owns a mill and the first electric plant, builds and opens the Hotel.
ORIGINAL GROVE PLANTING PLAN FROM 1901.
1902
Lifeline connection between Vienna and Trieste (and Venice) with Railway Tunnel is being built, the Chestnut grove along newly built road leading to town is planted. 120 years later, these trees still cast a beautiful shade.
1906
The hotel flourishes and is becoming famous. Especially when the Bohinj Railroad Tunnel is finally opened, and members of the Royal Family pay a visit in July.
1909
The Grand Hotel Triglav (today Bohinj ECO Hotel stands in its place) is founded as a public limited company. Bohinjska Bistrica is quickly becoming a premium tourist destination.
1915
The First World War hits Bohinj hard. Tourism is practically anihalated, as the area becomes the leading supply line for the infamous Battles of the Isonzo. The hotel owner’s sons in law die in first days of war. By the end of the war the owner has died as well leaving the hotel in his wife’s hands.
1920
After the WWI the remnants of tourism in Bohinj are utterly shattered when the Treaty of Rappalo was signed, extending the isolation of Bohinj. Food is scarce, jobs non-existent and life is hard.
1931
Markeš’ wife remarries and runs the hotel with her new partner. Hotel business is slow, but the restaurant is doing well.
1938
Café & Lounge Kavarna pod kostanji with it’s central location in front of the Town scale, Cecconi Park and on the riverside, becomes the best in town. It is especially popular with so called furmani (men who rode/steered horses with wagons) delivering goods to town.
1945
After WWII the new regime nationalises the Hotel and throws out the owners.
1967
The hotel is renamed as “Gostilna Črna Prst”, for the prominent mountain under which it nestles, and because it has become mainly a restaurant.
2018
Cold and windy morning February 21st, starting pitch no.1 of the Sword of Damocles notorious ice climb, the winning bid to acquire the Hotel is emailed to the agency.
All contracts are signed and ownership is transferred. Architectural drawings were completed by May 30th.
The building permit is obtained for the Hotel to be enlarged, with a contemporary wing to be added to the heritage building.
With November rain the construction commences.
2019
After only 9 months and 9 days, the operating permit is issued and Sunrose 7 Heritage Boutique Hotel begins operation at the end of year.
2020
Sunrose 7 receives its first award and becomes Travelife Gold Certified member.
2020
Sunrose 7 starts regular operation and already in the first months receives a new medal, the Slovenia Green Accommodation award.
2021
During the Corona Covid-19 fall-to-spring closure, we’ve hand-built a new on-site Wellness Zlata vila.
2023
A blitz 3-week project in the spring got us a brand new biodynamic pool in the garden!