FINALIST#10: The magic world of Idrijske Krnice

Idrija, the UNESCO heritage pearl is best known for the second largest mercury mine in the world, beautiful Idrija lace and traditional Idrija žlikrofi, and a little less for its beautiful and unspoiled countryside, which offers hikers and cyclists countless opportunities to discover natural sights and taste traditional delicacies. The entire area of ​​Idrija belongs to the UNESCO global geopark Idrija. Idrija is surrounded by a picturesque landscape with high hills and vast plateaus.

Do not forget to discover the rich UNESCO story of mercury in the city itself. Ever since in 1490 the tub maker soaking his tub in a creek found droplets of unusually heavy and unfamiliar shining matter, life in Idrija revolved around one thing only: mercury. The oldest Slovenian mining town that had supplied the entire world with this valuable liquid metal offers remnants of the rich mercury heritage at every step. Yet a completely new world opens when you enter the mysterious depths of Idrija underground. Mercury heritage in Idrija, together with Almadén in Spain, has global recognition: it features on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Day 1
10:00 visit of the exhibition “Written in the rocks”, which is located in the Center for Visitors of the UNESCO Global Geopark Idrija
15:00 With a local tourist guide, you will walk to the Hg Smelting Plant. You will get to know the life of miners as well as typical mining architecture. At the exhibition From Ore to Mercury Drops you will learn about the unique liquid metal and trace the development of smelting furnaces through five centuries.
18:00 Dinner with Idrija selected dish »Jožefova dilca«.

Day 2
09:30 After breakfast a local tourist guide will pick you up and you will discover The magic world of Idrijske Krnice.
After the ascent through the stretched Kanomlja valley The magic world of Idrijske Krnice trail leads you to Oblakov vrh, where you will observe the valley that formed along the Idrija fault, and then a steep slope to Idrijske Krnice and awaits you with its highest peak at Lokvarski vrh viewpoint. In Idrijske Krnice you will refresh yourself by visiting a local cheesemaker and in the Hiša Zelišč magical herb garden you will get to know the traditional miners drink geruš, drink herbal tea and recharge your energy before descending to Idrija.
You will also see the church of Sv. Florian known for the mosaic created by Father Marko Ivan Rupnik.

Contact of the Provider:
TIC Idrija
Prelovčeva ulica 5
5280 IDRIJA
T: 05 37 43 916
E: tic@visit-idrija.si
W: www.visit-idrija.si, www.geopark-idrija.si