Idrija, the town known for its mercury

The town of Idrija extends across the entire basin, encircled by steep slopes. The town was born after mercury was discovered here in the 15th century. It began to flourish after 1580, when the mine was taken over by the Austrian Emperor.

For centuries the mine gave the purest mercury in the world. Today when the mine is gradually being shut down, a part of it has been arranged for tourist visits. An interesting museum has been set up in Gewerkenegg Castle, which was built in 1533 to serve the needs of the mine administration. It was also used as a warehouse.

The towns greatest natural attraction is Divje jezero (Wild Lake), a clear, deep lake lying below the 100 meter-high rock walls of Zadloga and Idrijski Log. Divje jezero is a museum in nature since 1972, and marks the beginning of the Zgornja Idrijca regional park.

From here the main road runs in the direction of Godovič and Logatec. Another road branching off at Godovič leads across Črni vrh and Col to the Vipava Valley.

The entire region is an extensive forest covered pre alpine world of deep, narrow valleys and extremely steep slopes. It is dotted with hamlets, and isolated mountain farms can be found below its very peaks and ridges.

The town whose flourishing was closely related to the mercury mine, is today witnessing the mines shutdown and making accelerated steps towards a new future in tourism.

We are done digging for mercury, so we are going to the next town, see you there...

From Idrija back to the Basin River Soca