STA, 28 May 2021 - Visitors to the Alpine Lake Bohinj will no longer be able to use large inflatable devices on the lake, play loud music on the shore, wear swimsuits around the Church of St. John the Baptist or cycle along the north shore under new restrictions put in place by the Bohinj municipal council.
While bigger inflatable devices such as floating mats, castles, flamingos, palms and similar things will be banned, devices that ensure safety of the swimmers are excluded from the restrictions.
A large number of swimming devices increases the risk of transmitting invasive alien species and ruins the visual aesthetics of the lake. This is also the motive behind the interdiction of wearing a swimsuit around the Church of St. John the Baptist.
Loud music on the shore increases the noise level in the summer, it is unpleasant to visitors, disturbs the peace and the natural experience of the lake. The restriction excludes events and bars, the municipality added.
Cycling along the north shore will be restricted because it is the most sensitive part of the lake. The path is also too narrow for hikers and cyclists to meet.
To make for a smooth transition to the new restrictions, the local authorities will focus on raising awareness before they start issuing fines next year.
Some municipal council members warned that such restrictions might put tourists off, but others think that communication will be the key, as the restrictions are necessary to maintain the desired quality of tourism.
Although the lake is a part of the Triglav National Park, swimming will still be allowed, since the main goal is to make visitors respect the environment and nature.
