Descend into Idrija’s centuries-old mercury mine and uncover the secrets behind its UNESCO-listed lace tradition. This engaging tour by Slovenia Historic Towns ties intricate history with captivating geology.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate mobility required for walking and descending mine stairs; suitable for most adults and older children.
Wildlife
History
Mining began in Idrija in the 16th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest mercury extraction sites, integral to local culture and economy.
Conservation
The site balances tourism with preservation efforts focused on maintaining geological features and traditional crafts associated with the UNESCO-designated heritage.
Slovenia Historic Towns
Descend into Idrija’s centuries-old mercury mine and uncover the secrets behind its UNESCO-listed lace tradition. This engaging tour by Slovenia Historic Towns ties intricate history with captivating geology.
Slovenia Historic Towns is a guided-tour provider based in Šentjur, Šentjur, featured on The Adventure Collective. The organisation curates day trips and half-day experiences across Slovenian towns and regions, with itineraries that highlight local history, traditional crafts, art, and wine culture.
Tours range from short guided walks to multi-hour excursions. Example itineraries include a 6.5-hour exploration of Ravne na Koroškem visiting the Mother Factory Museum, Forma Viva sculptures and Ravne Castle, and a 1.5-hour guided walk of Piran focused on the salt masters and local seafood. Other trips combine museum visits, hands-on workshops, wine tastings, and family-friendly activities: shoemaking demonstrations in Tržič, glass photography and quill-writing in Kranj, art sessions and the Božidar Jakac Art Museum in Kostanjevica na Krki, and wine tastings in cellars such as Cvičkova klet.
Slovenia Historic Towns emphasizes authentic, place-based experiences delivered through guided interpretation, museum access and local artisan engagement. The offer includes cultural storytelling, traditional food and drink samplings, and workshops such as bread-making, basket weaving, pottery and beekeeping orientation. Many tours highlight specific local legacies and landmarks named in the itineraries, such as Prežihov Voranc’s memorial museum, turnip cave cellars in Brežice, and Ptuj’s archaeological sites.
As a featured operator on The Adventure Collective, Slovenia Historic Towns presents bookable options for travelers seeking historically anchored, craft-focused and wine-centered visits throughout Slovenia.
Tours Offered
22
Curated trips across Slovenian towns
Trip Duration
1.5–6.5 hrs
Short to half‑day experiences
Base Location
Šentjur, Šentjur
Guided tours originate here
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Published partner listing
Reserve a guided tour from Šentjur to explore historic landmarks, traditional crafts, and local wines — select from 22 curated trips.
Wear sturdy shoes
The mine tunnels are uneven and damp, so solid footwear is crucial for comfort and safety.
Bring a light jacket
Temperatures underground stay cool year-round, even on warm days above ground.
Book tours in advance
Small group sizes mean slots fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Use provided translations
Tours are available in multiple languages; choosing one enhances the informative experience.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction and stability on uneven mine floors and during outdoor strolls.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against occasional rain and keeps you warm in cool mine tunnels.
spring|fall|summer
Layered clothing
Adjust layers to stay comfortable from cool underground to warmer surface temperatures.
all
Camera
Capture the intricate lace patterns and impressive mine architecture.