A boutique mix of tradition and modernity, comfort and top cuisine.
A boutique blend of tradition, modernity and comfort. With its boutique character, Jožef offers ten double rooms, one triple room and a suite, creating a sense of privacy, comfort and a peaceful stay in Idrija. Its location between Idrija’s historic core, the entrance to the mercury mine, the Idrijca River, the park and the walking trails tells the stories of the area’s mining tradition, technical heritage and life in Idrija. Taking the shape of a mining furnace, the building’s modern and environmentally friendly architectural design pays homage to the town’s technical and cultural heritage. Through its architectural elements, selected experiences and its very name, Jožef connects Idrija’s rich tradition with modernity.
Prejnuta’s varied economic life
Between 1652 and 1870, a mercury smelter operated in Prejnuta — a name derived from the German word Brennhütte — on the site where Jožef stands today. At the time, the riverbank was dotted with mine outbuildings, and several ore-burning furnaces operated nearby.
Modernisation of the Mining Area
During the tenure of Marko Vincenc Lipold, the founder of Slovenian geology, the ore processing plant was relocated to the right bank of the Idrijca River. This was a period of remarkable progress in mercury metallurgy, marked by the achievements of Czech engineers such as mining councillor Jožef Čermak and smelter master Vincenc Špirek.
Residential units grew among the farm buildings
Following the closure of the mercury mine on Prejnuta, the area was given a new purpose. Plans from 1875 attest to the construction of housing units for officials and workers, known as "prhavz" (from the German term Berghause). One of these still stands behind Hotel Jožef today as a testament to the rapid adaptation of space use to economic conditions. (Photo Library of the City Museum of Idrija).
The Čermak–Špirek furnace as Inspiration for Jožef
n 1886, engineers Čermak and Špirek began constructing innovative “overflow” furnaces. Due to the exceptional results achieved in ore roasting, they represented the greatest achievement in mercury smelting of their time on a global scale. The last of these furnaces, which inspired the architectural design of Jožef, ceased operation in 1974.
The area develops with the needs of the community
In the 1950s, mining in the Prejnuta area was gradually replaced by other industries and companies, such as Lesna industrija Idrija, Simplex and Kolektor.In 1969, construction began on a grocery store on the site of today’s Jožef. The store operated there until the decision was made to give Jožef its new form on the same location.
Concept Design for New Boutique Accommodation
The growing number of visitors to Idrija prompted plans for additional accommodation capacity. After the land was acquired, the concept design was presented and construction began on a modern accommodation facility whose architecture reflects the historical development of the area and follows the shape of the Čermak–Špirek mining furnace.
Construction of Jožef begins
Once the building permit was issued, construction began on the new boutique accommodation facility. Due to the increasing number of visitors and the scarcity of accommodation in the area, the investor was able to secure co-financing from European funds. The innovative concept design began to take shape, bringing the long-awaited accommodation capacity one step closer.
Opening of Jožef in Honour of All Distinguished Jožefs
A new boutique accommodation facility opened its doors on January 15. With its name — Jožef — the town’s new tourism addition honours the many innovators, academics, managers, doctors, writers and other important personalities who not only bore the name Jožef, but also made a significant contribution to the development of the area.
Witnesses of excellence.
Slovenia Green & Safe
The Slovenian Tourist Organization's logo, which attests to our responsible, safe, and sustainable approach to tourism.
Green Key
The leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism operation, which attests to our adherence to the International Foundation for Environmental Education FEE's strict criteria.
Green Accomodation
A symbol of environmentally friendly living with superior comfort; we contribute to environmental care with green solutions in water and energy management, cleaning, and waste management.