In Idrija, the oldest mining centre in Slovenia, the pounding of hammers and mining machinery echoed day after day for more than 500 years. The second largest mercury mine in the world helped Idrija to blossom in every aspect, from technology to science, and from trade to culture. Today the entire old town centre is on the UNESCO’s world heritage list.
The integral offer »adventure in Idrija« will enchant the visitor with its underground world of mine shafts. After a walk through the town centre you will be able to have something sweet in the coffeehouse Emilija. While drinking your coffee you will learn more about Napoleon’s secret love: Emilija from Idrija. We will continue our adventure in the Gerwegenegg castle. The castle is the seat of the Municipal museum Idrija and in the castle you can also visit the permanent exhibition of Idrija Lace, for which the town is well known. Following the cultural experience, we will have lunch at the restaurant Barbara, where you can taste traditional dishes from Idrija. After lunch we will ascend the surrounding hills, where guests will have the opportunity to learn more about life on a farm. We will drive through the village Vojsko (the highest lying village in the Primorska region) to the ecological farm Naš raj, where you can relax in the unspoiled nature and where landlady Valerija will spoil you with excellent homemade food. After that we will visit the waterfalls Gačnik and Hudournik, where, in nice weather, you have a beautiful view of Slovenia’s highest mountain Triglav and other alpine mountain tops. You will spend the night in typical old farm rooms.
The next day we will visit the Franja Partisan hospital – located not far from Idrija, in the deep Cerkno forest in the barely accessible Pasica gorge. The hospital is a symbol of the fight against fascism and a historic monument and it received the European heritage label. Those of you who want to experience nature more can enjoy the Zgornja Idrijca natural park, walk along the lake Divje jezero, or walk along the water canals – Rake. If you want, you can also bathe in the natural water pools of Idrijska Bela.
Programme of the package
Dan 1:
9.00 – reception at the coffee house Emilija (Info point)
10.00 – visit of the mercury mine shaft
12.00 – lunch at the restaurant Barbara (traditional idrijski žlikrofi)
13.00 – tour of the town centre and Gewerkenegg castle
15.00 – visit of the farm Naš raj https://kmetijanasraj.net/about/
19.00 – dinner and overnight stay on a farm
Dan 2:
8.00 – breakfast at the farm
10.00 – visit the Franja Partisan hospital
14.00 – end of the tour
15.00 – optional: getting to know natural heritage and visit the Zgornja Idrijca natural park
These excursions are available from April to October
During summer months there are several festivals in Idrija: in June the Festival of Idrija Lace http://www.festivalidrijskecipke.si/en and at the end of August, the Žlikrof Day Festival!
Contact:
Petra Žitnik – Izštekana Slovenija/Slovenia Unplugged
p.zitnik@gmail.com
T: +386 (0)40 371 200
SCOUT REPORT
SCOUTS: Andrea and Mary
July 2018 Idrija is a town of opposites and until our two day trip there, I can't say that we really knew what the area had to offer. Starting at Cafe Emilija, we met our primary guide, Petra, who was an absolute joy to be around. Her positive attitude and sense of...