Idrija Half Day Excursion: UNESCO Town including Castle and Mine Tour from Ljubljana
Mercury and lace story
A fascinating experience to discover the underground world of one of the oldest mercury mines in the world protected by UNESCO. Stroll through the halls of Idrija Castle with collections focusing on mercury mining and lace making.
Admire the beautiful, spiderweb-shaped Idrija lace and the presentation on how it is made. Try it for yourself!
Options
SIHD004, 2025.26 Morning Tour
UNESCO's Idrija @08:00: Morning Tour 2025-26
Pickup included
What's included in Idrija Half Day Excursion: UNESCO Town including Castle and Mine Tour from Ljubljana
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Rudnik Zivega Srebra Idrija
Small group approach with carefully planned time, where experienced local tour operator’s chauffeur guide will collect you at designated location for an informative hourly ride to inner part of Slovenia for your UNESCO experience. The history of mining in Idrija dates back to the 15th century when, according to a legend, a bucket maker working in a local spring spotted a small amount of liquid mercury. That happened in 1492, the year that Columbus set sail for the Americas. Only the Almadén mercury mine in Spain was bigger. Both towns were so famous that their names were used in North America for the mining towns of New Idria and New Almadén (both in California). Visitors decent into the mine with professional guide through Anthony's Shaft, dug back in 1500. They explore the underground world of the mine where they find hidden pockets of cinnabar ore and droplets of mercury, learn about the method of mining mercury, are introduced to life-size mannequins of workers over the ages and see the mid-18th century unique underground chapel Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
Gewerkenegg Castle
The old town is dominated by the Gewerkenegg Castle which in German means mine castle. It was built in the period from 1522-1533. On display in the castle is an exhibition of the five hundred-year history of the mercury mine's operation and an impressive retrospective exhibition of Idrija lace. The castle courtyard is beautifully decorated. The craft of bobbin lace-making occupies a very important place in the history of Idrija for more than 300 years ago. Cloths and napkins, curtains and bed linen, clothes and ornaments for clothes, even earrings, necklaces and gloves are all products made of Idrija lace. After a nice half day experience we will return back to Ljubljana. Drop off will be at same location as pick up.
Inclusions
- Transport
- Idrija Castle Museum entrance fee
- Mercury mine guided tour
- English speaking chauffeur guide
- Gratuities
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children below 4 years are not allowed to participate a mine tour
- At the time of booking please provide a full international mobile telephone number or accommodation telephone number where you can be reached before and on your travel date.
- We are communicating with our clients exclusively through the point of booking, in this case TripAdvisor Interface
- Not recommended for travelers with clavstrophobia
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Additional Information
All tours: 1. Departure from CITY HOTEL, Dalmatinova 15, Ljubljana 2. Are offered complimentary pick up to all accommodation types (Hotel/Hostel/App) within Ljubljana ring or with post number 1000 Ljubljana 3. Clients with hotels within pedestrian zone will be redirected to the nearest possible pick up point. 4. Complimentary pick up is offered and will be executed only: !If FULL ACCOMMODATION ADDRESS will be provided! Departure point & exact hotel pick up will be reconfirmed to you within 24-48h before the tour with reconfirmation email.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Minimum numbers apply, 4 pax per tour. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. • • Allow us 15 minutes extra pick up time, thank you. • • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, there is about 1.200m of walk, deepest point 96m below surface • Temperature in mine shaft is 13C / 55F • At entrance you will receive helmets and overalls for your protection.
