Idrija's distinctive character is reflected in two different UNESCO recognitions: its mercury heritage is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List alongside Almadén's; Idrija lace-making, together with Slovenian bobbin lacemaking, is on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At the same time, the entire area of the Municipality of Idrija is part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network because of its exceptional geological and natural features and attractions. Mining heritage, lace-making and landscapes thus offer different perspectives on the destination.

Mercury mining and the history of the town

Anthony's Main Road is the oldest preserved mine entrance in Europe and was excavated in 1500. Guided tours include underground tunnels with cinnabar ore and droplets of mercury, as well as a unique underground chapel. At the Hg Smelting Plant, the importance of mercury is explained through experiments, animations, videos and mercury-based devices. The building also houses the world's largest rotary furnace for mercury extraction.

Gewerkenegg Castle is home to the Idrija Municipal Museum. Its exhibitions explore the 500-year history of mercury mining and the town of Idrija, as well as Idrija lace. Mining history and lace-making thus come together in the museum's displays, too. The lace collection comprises more than 5,500 objects.

Surviving structures from Idrija's mercury-mining era include the Klavže water barriers. Known as the “Slovenian pyramids”, they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. The Rake Water Channel also tells the story of the technical side of mining: built in the late 16th century, it supplied water to the mine's large wooden water wheels.

Discover the landscape and nature

The Zgornja Idrijca Landscape Park has been designated a landscape park since 1993. Divje jezero was protected as a natural monument in 1967 and has been open to visitors since 1972 as Slovenia's first museum in nature. At 55 metres long, the Jezernica is Slovenia's shortest river.

The Rake Path is an easy walking trail along the left bank of the Idrijca to Divje jezero. It offers a practical route linking the riverbank with the natural monument. The Rake Water Channel is a separate feature: it is part of the history of supplying water to the mine's wheels, whereas the Rake Path is a walking trail leading to the lake.

Hiking, climbing and special places

Feldban is a marked hiking trail along the Godovič–Idrija section. You can explore it independently or with a guide. Strug Climbing Centre offers a different experience: its 50-metre-high walls are used for sport climbing.

The Honey Circle is a nine-kilometre circular trail through Gorenja Kanomlja. Along the way, it passes the Kanomlja Water Barriers, Ovčjak Waterfall and Šturmajce Homestead. The Honey Circle offers opportunities to taste honey, honey products and other local dishes.

The Slovenija Partisan Printing Shop preserves a distinct chapter of history: it is a fully preserved cultural and historical monument from the Second World War. With the assistance of a staff member, visitors can print their own leaflet there.

Lace, cuisine and travel planning

At the Idrija Lace Festival, visitors can experience bobbin lace-making firsthand every summer. Check the specific dates for the year of your trip. At the Idrija Žlikrofi Making Workshop, visitors learn how to prepare and make the filled pasta, then taste it with traditional or modern sauces. The Idrija Žlikrofi Festival takes place every year in August. It is also worth checking the dates for your planned travel year.

Idrija can be reached by car or bus. If travelling by train, you can continue by bus from Logatec; check the connections for your travel date. The Idrija Tourist Information Centre is at Prelovčeva 5 and provides information about Idrija and the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Idrija, Cerkno, Črni Vrh, Lome, Bukovo, Zakriž, Srednja Kanomlja, Vojsko.

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