Idrija's Essential Mining Heritage and Natural Wonders

Idrija’s landscape is shaped by five centuries of mercury mining, a legacy preserved within the UNESCO-listed Anthony’s Shaft and the 16th-century Gewerkenegg Castle. The town’s industrial history is complemented by the "klavže" water barriers—massive stone dams used for timber transport—and the emerald waters of Wild Lake, a karst spring of exceptional depth. This selection explores the subterranean depths of the world’s second-largest mercury mine alongside the surrounding forests that hide WWII partisan printing shops.

Anthony's Mine Shaft

Take a guided tour underground into the depths of the world's second largest mercury mine. Explore the hidden world of mining.

Grad Gewerkenegg

16th-century Renaissance castle originally built to serve as the administrative headquarters of the mercury mine and a warehouse for refined mercury.

Anthony's Shaft

The oldest preserved entrance to the mine, dating back to 1500. This underground museum showcases historical mining methods used in the world's second-largest mercury deposit.

Idrija Municipal Museum

Award-winning museum documenting five centuries of mining history and the intricate art of Idrija lace, housed within the walls of Gewerkenegg Castle.

Wild Lake

Wild Lake is a lake near Idrija in western Slovenia and a karst spring of the Vauclusian type.

Divje Jezero

A protected karst spring and lake located in a deep tectonic collapse. It is known for its emerald water and the "Vauclusian" spring type.

Slovenija Partisan Printing

A hidden World War II clandestine printing facility located in the woods. It remains preserved with its original printing presses and equipment.

Brusove klavže

Massive 18th-century stone water barriers on the Belca river, designed to create a wave for floating timber to the mercury mine.

Putrihove klavže

Stone dam built in 1767 to facilitate timber transport. These "Slovenian Pyramids" are part of the UNESCO-listed mercury heritage site.

Gozdna železnica Lauf

Remains of a forest railway system used for transporting wood from the surrounding forests to the town's mining operations.