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Idrija

A UNESCO Story Woven from the Tradition of Lace and Mining

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Idrija boasts the second largest mercury mine in the world. It is also the birthplace of a distinct lace-making tradition, a specific culinary legacy and unique technical heritage. Discover the beauty of the Idrija countryside and visit the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Children's hands make haste with bobbins,
quietly creating Idrija Lace

Poem by Kiko, Princess Akishino of Japan, dedicated to the lace of Idrija

TOP 5 experiences

The rich cultural and technical heritage of Idrija makes for a nice challenge for history buffs. Its verdant setting and the picturesque hills surrounding Idrija are great for both outdoor activities and relaxation.

Explore more than half a millennium of mining tradition

Get to know the chequered history of the oldest mining hub in the country. Descend the Anthony Shaft like a real miner and maybe you will run into Perkmandlc, the legendary pit dwarf. Visit the renovated Hg Smeltery and marvel at the mercury extraction process from ore to liquid mercury. Visit the collections of the Idrija Municipal Museum and revisit a bygone era with a stroll through the centre of the old mining town.

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Cycling across picturesque plateaus

The Idrija hills are perfect for cyclists, as they provide a range of picturesque cycling trails offering unforgettable views, and riding is even easier with e-bikes that can be rented from local providers. The Idrija hills offer a wide range of cycling trails for every taste. Climbing the peaks of Idrija on a bike provides captivating views, while fans of downhill cycling will also find many opportunities for enjoyment.

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Idrija Selected — high-quality, homemade and interwoven with stories

Visit the TIC Idrija (Idrija Tourist Information Centre) and local providers and choose among the products awarded the Idrija Selected certificate. This certificate guarantees the verified quality of the selected delicacies and handicraft products created by nature and people in the Idrija region. Idrija also provides selected experiences that bring visitors closer to the local world, its people, and the rich culinary heritage.

More on: Idrija Selected — high-quality, homemade and interwoven with stories (open in a new window)

Green facts

Slovenia's green story is well in the making. Feel it wherever you go.

Cyclists ride along a mountain trail above a green alpine valley. Forested slopes, villages and mountain peaks stretch across the background beneath a clear blue sky.

The UNESCO Global Geopark Idrija is recognized as a geological, natural and cultural heritage site with great potential for developing sustainable geotourism.

Bees gather around a wooden beehive in a beekeeping and educational setting. Numerous bees are visible on the wooden surface, with colourful hives and beekeeping equipment in the background.

The Municipality of Idrija was named the country's most bee-friendly municipality for its efforts related to bee preservation and beekeeping.

A group of cyclists stands beside an emerald-green river in a forested gorge. A stone pathway and wooden railing run alongside the water, surrounded by lush vegetation and natural scenery.

The Divje jezero lake is under protection as a natural monument, and has been operating as the first Slovenian outdoor museum since 1972 when it was opened to visitors.

A selection of local delicacies is served on a wooden table, including cheeses, cured meats, honey, bread and other homemade products. The traditional food highlights local cuisine and rural heritage.

The Idrija Selected collective brand testifies to the high quality of products that, in using local raw materials, tell a story of the traditions, culture, and way of life of the Idrija region.

"Idrijski žlikrofi"

Foodies know that Idrija is the go-to place to get the most delicious "Idrija žlikrofi". Under European protection, this dumpling-like dish is the star of the local cuisine here. The filling is made from potatoes, bacon and aromatic herbs, while the dumplings are shaped to resemble Napoleon's bicorn hat. A favourite serving suggestion is to pair the dumplings with "bakalca", a type of sauce from made mutton and vegetables.

Try the recipe

Explore the UNESCO Global Geopark Idrija

UNESCO Idrija Global Geopark, which covers the entire area of the municipality of Idrija, provides many opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing and other sports activities in all seasons with its picturesque nature and clean waters.

Two people stand in an ornate, historical courtyard with arched windows and decorative facades.

Register of Tourist Guides

Local guides will help you discover local attractions and hidden treasures. Find a tourist guide that will present Slovenian cultural and natural heritage to you in more detail in your chosen language.

Choose a local guide

Experience a pleasant getaway and have some rest

Would you like to stay a little longer and see and experience as much as possible? Then select suitable accommodation that is ideal for you in the nearby area.

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Kendov dvorec

4.8 284 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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Farm Podobnik

4.8 201 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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Guesthouse Jeršin

4.4 267 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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Hotel Jožef

4.4 159 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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B&B Na Kluk

4.6 82 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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Hostel Idrija

4.3 97 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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House on the hill

5 34 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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Villa Tollazzi

3.8 92 Google reviews (open in a new window)
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Villa Sandra

4.9 16 Google reviews (open in a new window)

Book your adventure in Ljubljana and Central Slovenia

Take a break in the heart of Slovenia! Surrender to the busy flow of the Slovenian capital and other towns – Celje, Žalec, Novo mesto, Kamnik, etc. Enjoy the beauties of green nature, from the high mountains to idyllic hills, all just a few steps away. Choose and book your holiday today!

Price in EUR From 900,00 €

Perfect family holidays in nature. At NaturHotel Snovik, a family getaway awaits where parents’ relaxation blends with children’s curiosity and play....

Price in EUR From 900,00

Family holidays

Price in EUR From 198,00 €

Explore the hiking and cycling trails of the Tuhinj Valley, passing through picturesque hilly landscapes, and unwind in the healing thermal pools. In...

Price in EUR From 198,00

Rental of an apartment in Terme Snovik

Price in EUR From 2.023,00 €

Personalised exercise and nutrition programmes to promote healthy weight loss.

Price in EUR From 2.023,00

SlimFit – healthy weight loss programme

Price in EUR From 572,00 €

A getaway for two is a moment to pause, take a breath and make time for each other again. Surrounded by the peaceful nature of the Tuhinj Valley, the...

Price in EUR From 572,00

Romantic getaway for two

Must-see destinations nearby

Add a trip to the surrounding area to your Idrija visit. Embark on exciting outdoor activities in the Soča Valley which is touted as thrill-seeker central. Discover a mysterious underground world by descending into the Postojna Cave or visit the impressive Predjama Castle. Enjoy a taste of exquisite local wines in the quaint villages all over the hillsides of the Goriška Brda region, which is around 70 km up-country. Make sure to visit Škofja Loka, which lies some 40 km from Idrija and is another UNESCO town boasting a rich cultural heritage and wonderfully scenic surroundings.

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