Mine Tours

Podzemlje Pece is the name given to the underground attractions of the former lead and zinc mine of Mežica, in the Meža valley in Koroška, in the north of Slovenia, close to the Austrian border. The mine worked the rock beneath the mountain of Peca for more than three centuries, and over that time miners dug an enormous network of galleries, many hundreds of kilometres in total, making it one of the largest underground mining systems in Central Europe. Mining ended in the 1990s, and part of the old workings was opened to visitors, so that people can now go down into the mountain and see the world the miners knew.

The classic tour is by train. Visitors board a small miners' train at the entrance and ride into the tunnels, with the mountain closing in around them, before getting off for a guided walk through parts of the workings. Guides explain how the ore was drilled and blasted, how the galleries were supported, how the water was handled, and what daily life was like for those who worked here, including the dangers of the job and the strong sense of community among miners. The temperature underground is constant and cool, about ten degrees all year, so you need a warm layer, and the tunnels can be damp, so sturdy shoes are advised. Tours are offered in several languages, usually including Slovenian and English, and there are age limits for young children, so check when booking. Tours operate on a schedule and groups may be given priority, so reservations are recommended, particularly in summer and for special tours.

The mine offers other, more adventurous ways to see the mountain. Underground Bike Tours take cyclists through lit tunnels, an unusual experience in this part of Europe, and Kayak Tours let visitors paddle through flooded galleries, which is something you will not find at many places in the country. Guided mining train tours and an Underground walking tour give different levels of exploration, and a more demanding route is available by arrangement for experienced visitors. For a taste of the miners' tradition, Miner's lunch with mulled wine is a meal in the old style.

The mine is located in the Meža valley, and the surrounding area has other things to do, including walking on the slopes of Peca, visiting local museums and cycling the valley. Check the website or call to confirm opening days, tour times and prices, as arrangements change with the season.

The tours suit families, groups of friends, history lovers and anyone who enjoys the idea of going underground. Reservations are wise, and a more demanding route known as the Black Hole trail is available by arrangement. Tours run in Slovenian, English and German, and the mine lies under Mount Peca.