Idrija: Mining History, Bobbin Lace and Nature

In Idrija, Anthony's Main Road leads deep underground as the oldest preserved access to a mine in Europe; it was built in 1500. During a guided tour, visitors explore underground tunnels with cinnabar ore and glittering droplets of mercury. Guests also visit a unique underground chapel.

Culture

The Hg smelting plant houses the world's largest rotary kiln for mercury extraction. Experiments, animations, videos and mercury-related equipment explain the importance and applications of mercury there. Idrija Kamšt has Europe's largest wooden water wheel, with a diameter of 13.6 m.

Gewerkenegg Castle was built in the 16th century for defence, mine administration and the storage of mercury. Today, it houses the Idrija Municipal Museum. Together with Almadén, the mining sites of Idrija form a unique testimony to mercury mining.

The Idrija Lace School has operated continuously since it was founded in 1876. Visitors can try bobbin lace-making there; the school also presents an exhibition of timeless masterpieces of lace-making.

A hiking trail now runs along part of the former Feldban railway line, where numerous remnants of the old railway can be seen. The Feldban Trail leads to a 25 m-long tunnel. The Feldban Idrija–Godovič is considered an important memorial site of military history and an integral part of Idrija's cultural landscape.

A church stands at the site where, according to legend, a cooper discovered mercury in 1490. The original wooden church was built in 1500 and later rebuilt in stone. The Church of St Anthony in Idrija dates from 1678. Joannes Antonius Scopoli, the first mine doctor in Idrija (1754–1769), worked in this building. The renovated crypt features a gallery and a memorial chapel.

Nature

Wild Lake is protected as a natural monument and has been operated as Slovenia's first open-air museum since it opened to visitors in 1972. A nearly level walking path along the historic Rake water channel leads from Idrija to Wild Lake.

The Zgornja Idrijca Landscape Park begins on the outskirts of Idrija. At the Idrijca River, Lajšt offers opportunities for swimming, relaxing and picnicking.

Culinary delights

Idrija žlikrofi carry national and European designations as a “guaranteed traditional speciality”. In a workshop, participants learn how to prepare filled dumplings and then taste them with traditional or modern sauces.

Events

The Idrija Lace Festival is a traditional festival centred around Idrija lace.

To plan your stay, you can view and compare accommodation offers in Idrija. On the respective offer page, check the exact location, type of accommodation and stated occupancy. The included services, any possible additional price components, and the booking and cancellation conditions are also important. This keeps the specific terms and conditions of each individual offer clearly separate. Also make sure that the stated occupancy matches your desired travel period and the intended number of guests. If there are several options, these fields can be checked directly side by side.

More destinations: Cerkno.

To the main travel overview: Municipality of Idrija.