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Idrija UNESCO Heritage

8h Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun Easy EN

Visit Idrija's mysterious underground mines and see where the impressive tradition of lace making comes from.

Nestled in western Slovenia, Idrija stands as a beacon of the nation's vibrant history and culture. As you embark on this Idrija day trip, you'll be venturing into a town that's essential for any traveler keen on diving deep into Slovenia's UNESCO heritage.

The journey will take you past the Klavze River, often dubbed “Slovenia’s pyramids” for its river engineering marvels. Within the heart of Idrija, the grandeur of the Idrija Castle awaits, housing a museum that narrates tales from bygone eras. A significant highlight of the trip is the descent into the ancient Idrija mercury mine. As one of the oldest mines in Europe, with its roots tracing back to 1490, it once stood as the world's second-largest mercury mine. Here, you'll learn about the extraction methods of mercury, the only liquid metal known to humankind.

In choosing this exclusive Idrija tour, you're not just selecting a trip but an authentic Slovenian exploration, melding knowledge, culture, and adventure into an intimate journey.

However, Idrija's story isn't solely about mining. It also celebrates the intricate art of lace crafting, an age-old tradition that has seen Idrija lace being mentioned in documents as early as 1696. As you explore, observe local women masterfully carry forward this legacy, making Idrija one of the foremost lace-making centers in Europe.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the enigmatic Wild Lake, hidden beneath cliffs close to Idrija. Known as the deepest lake in Slovenia, its profound depths measure up to 160 meters. The rich flora and fauna enveloping the lake contribute to its protected status, making it one of the cherished western Slovenia attractions.

For those interested in war history, the Partisan Hospital Franja offers a unique window into the Slovenian Partisan resistance to World War II. Closed during the winter, this underground sanctuary was instrumental in treating wounded Partisans, offering a firsthand look into the struggles and daily life of the era.

Why choose our private day trip to Idrija Unesco Heritage tour?
  • Customizable: Our itinerary is designed to be an enriching experience, but we're open to consultations to ensure your trip meets your interests.
  • Exclusive: Enjoy an intimate experience away from the tourist crowds.
  • Value for Money: Priced per van accommodating up to 8 people offers both intimacy and affordability.
  • Expertise: Use the expertise of our top-rated guides to discover hidden gems and fascinating stories about each location.


What's included?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions

Admission options:

  • Mercury Mine guided tour: 13 € per person 
  • Partisan Hospital Franja UNESCO: 7 € per person 
  • Castle Museum Gewerkenegg: 7 € per person 
  • Idrija »Kamšt«: 4 € per person 

Please note

  • Not suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
  • Infants are not allowed to sit on laps (we can provide child seats upon request).

What do I need to bring?

  • We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

Cancellation policy

  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 3 day or less before the event

Experience type

Day tour / activity

Booking in advance

Cut off: 12 hours

Duration

8 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Categories

Day Trips And Excursions Nature Outdoor Couples Family Friendly Group Friendly Senior Skip The Line Private Activity Sightseeing Attraction

Live tour guide

English

Idrija UNESCO Heritage - private day trip itinerary

  • Pick-up / Drop-off at your designated location.
  • Klavze River: Marvel at the impressive feats of engineering on the river.
  • Idrija Castle: Take a tour of the castle and its informative museum.
  • Mercury Mine: Explore the depths of this UNESCO site.
  • Lace Crafting: Discover the rich history of Idrija's lace-making heritage.
  • Wild Lake: Revel in the serene beauty of Slovenia's deepest lake.
  • Partisan Hospital Franja (closed during the winter): Explore the history of World War II in-depth.

We offer pick-up to the following places for this experience:

  • Custom pick up
  • Adora Hotel // pedestrian zone, pick up place is Levstik square
  • Allegro Hotel // Pedestrian zone, pick up place is Levstik square
  • Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa // Pedestrian zone, pick up place is French revolution square
  • Atelier hotel
  • Atticus B&B // Pickup place: STIC (Slovenian Tourist Information Center), Krekov trg 10
  • Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana
  • Celica hostel
  • Central Hotel
  • City Hotel Ljubljana
  • Cubo Hotel
  • Galleria Hotel // Pedestrian zone, pickup place is Levstik square (Levstikov trg)
  • Grand Hotel Union
  • InterContinental Hotel Ljubljana
  • Lesar Hotel // Pedestrian zone, pickup place is Levstik square
  • Lev Hotel
  • Levstik square
  • M Hotel
  • Meksiko Hotel
  • Mons Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana
  • Mrak Hotel
  • Nox Hotel
  • Park B&B Hotel Ljubljana
  • Plaza Radisson Blu Hotel Ljubljana
  • Stari Tisler Guesthouse // pick-up place is City Hotel (Dalmatinova street 15)
  • STIC (Slovenian Tourist Information Center), Krekov trg 10
  • Trg Francoske revolucije, at the obelisk
  • uHotel
  • Urban Hotel // pick-up place is Hotel Lev (Vosnjakova 5)
640,00 €
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