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Stories from Slovenia

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 sights

Wherever you go in Slovenia, you will be amazed at all of the country's natural and cultural treasures. Want to find out about the must-see places in Idrija?

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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.

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Green facts

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

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

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

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.

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 our 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.

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.

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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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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.5

Hostel Idrija

7 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.1

Apartmaji Gostišče Jeršin

31 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.6

Hotel Jožef

38 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.9

Kendov dvorec

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Gostišče Pr' ribcah, Zoran Jež

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.6

Prenočišča Na Kluk

14 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.8

Villa Tollazzi

11 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Hiška na Griču

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Apartma Alpski vrt

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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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Idrija in detail

For more information please visit Idrija's website.

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