Discover the hidden St. Anna mine
In the green hills of the Karawanks, right next to the Austrian border, lies one of Slovenia’s best-kept secrets. A raw piece of history: the Šentanski Rudnik, better known as the St. Anna mine. Here, time has stood still. For centuries miners extracted mercury from the dark limestone tunnels. Today, you can descend into this fascinating underground world yourself. A visit to the St. Anna mine is an authentic experience, far from the crowds. It’s a journey back in time, to the tough lives of the miners. You’ll also witness nature’s quiet strength, as it slowly reclaims the mine.
A slice of living history underground
A tour of the St. Anna mine isn’t your average tourist trip. The experience begins at the meeting point, where you’re given a helmet and a lamp. As soon as the heavy mine door opens, you feel the cool, damp air surround you. It’s a world apart from the warm mountain air outside. The temperature here drops to a steady 10 degrees Celsius. Once inside the Antonov rov tunnel, lamps come on and a world of silence and shadows unfolds. The only things you hear are dripping water and the guide’s passionate voice.
What makes this experience so special is its authenticity. You walk through the original tunnels where, since the 16th century, generations of miners did their work. There are no special effects or constructed trails. Pure hidden history.
You’ll spot glimmering traces of red ore in the rock walls, exactly as the miners saw them centuries ago. The guide talks not just about geology and techniques, but also shares the human stories. Tales of hard work, hope for a better life, and local legends that echoed in the dark tunnels. You can literally feel the history here. The silence beneath the mountain is impressive and leaves you with deep respect for the men who toiled here day after day. The mine closed in 1902, and since then nature has slowly taken over.
Why this is a unique experience
A visit to the St. Anna mine is unlike other attractions. It’s a pure and unforgettable adventure. What makes it so special? We’ve listed the main reasons for you.
- Authentic atmosphere: This isn’t a commercial show mine. You experience the mine in its original state, which makes for a truly realistic and impressive visit.
- Personalised tours: Tours take place in small groups. This gives you plenty of time to interact with the guide and ask your questions at your own pace. The guides are local experts passionate about their heritage.
- Combination of nature and history: The mine is not only a historical monument, but also a fascinating natural phenomenon. Set in the beautiful Karawanks, it’s the perfect starting point for more adventures.
- Far from the crowds: Are you looking for an experience off the beaten track? This is the perfect choice. You’ll discover a part of the ‘real’ Slovenia, where tourism remains small-scale and personal.
- Photo moments: Equipped with a helmet and a lamp in the dark, atmospheric tunnels. This guarantees unique holiday photos as a souvenir of your underground adventure.
Practical information for your visit
Good preparation is half the battle. To help your visit to the St. Anna mine go smoothly, we’ve gathered all the practical information for you.
- Booking: Visits to the mine are only possible with a guide. It’s important to reserve your tour in advance through the Tržič Tourist Information Centre (TIC Tržič).
- Duration: The tour lasts about an hour and a half to two hours. That’s plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and listen to the guide’s stories.
- Price: Admission is about €7 per person. Check the current price when booking, as it may vary by season.
- Clothing advice: It’s constantly around 10 degrees in the mine. Bring a warm jumper or jacket. Sturdy, closed shoes are a must, as the paths can be uneven and damp.
- Language: The guide gives the tour in Slovene and English.
- Starting point: The tour starts in Podljubelj, a small village near the historic Ljubelj Pass (Loiblpass). You’ll receive the exact location when you book.
More than a mine, explore the surroundings
The St. Anna mine is set in a region bursting with natural beauty and walking opportunities. Make your visit a full day out and explore the stunning landscape. A must is the walk to Kofce, one of the region’s most popular mountain hikes. The route takes you to a cosy mountain hut with a breathtaking panorama over the Karawanks and the Julian Alps. Once at the top, reward yourself with the famous Kofce štruklji, delicious Slovenian pastry rolls. Another highlight nearby is the Dovžanova soteska. This spectacular gorge is a geological park where, along well-laid paths and bridges, you can marvel at water’s power through the ages. It’s an impressive place that showcases Slovenia’s rich landscape diversity.
A complete day trip
Want to make the most of your day? Combine your visit to the mine with the region’s other highlights. Here’s a suggestion for an unforgettable day:
- Morning: Start the day actively with a refreshing walk. Choose the climb to Kofce for great views and the best Slovenian štruklji. Looking for something easier? Explore the impressive Dovžanova soteska gorge.
- Afternoon: Time for your underground adventure. Make sure you’re at the starting point in Podljubelj in time for your reserved tour of the St. Anna mine.
- Evening: Round off your day in the charming town of Tržič. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants and savour the flavours of Slovenian cuisine.
Tips for your stay
To make your visit to this beautiful region complete, a comfortable base is essential. A great choice is Green Heart Suites in Podljubelj. This modern and atmospheric accommodation offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the ideal place to unwind after a full day of adventure. Green Heart Suites combines comfort with direct access to nature. From your suite you can step right onto the walking trails, and the St. Anna mine is just a short stroll away. It’s the perfect place for travellers who want to explore the Tržič region at a leisurely pace and enjoy warm Slovenian hospitality.
