A whole day trip for seniors
The Wild Lake (Divje jezero)
Gewerkenegg Castle
Idrija “Kamšt”
Franja Partisan Hospital – CLOSED due to storm damage
The Wild Lake (Divje jezero)
Gewerkenegg Castle
Idrija “Kamšt”
Franja Partisan Hospital – CLOSED due to storm damage
The Wild Lake (Divje jezero)
Sometimes wild, sometimes peaceful
About 1km before Idrija, there is the mysterious Wild Lake – the first Slovenian museum in nature. There’s a carpark there and information boards directing visitors to the viewpoint. It is wild is mostly when it rains heavily, when the water is blasting out of the karst spring, which is nicely seen on the lake surface. The special conditions in its surroundings make it possible for alpine plants to grow, including the Primula carniolica from the primrose family, which was supposedly first found here in the 18th century by the famous Idrijan physician Joannes Antonius Scopoli. In the cave part that the divers have explored to a depth of 160m, even the olm is supposed to live!
After the visit
Drive from Wild Lake (Divje jezero) towards Idrija, where Gewerkenegg Castle stands above the old part of the town. There are a few parking spots available at the rear entrance, and you can also walk to the castle which is 5 minutes from the central town square.
Plan your visit
Location
1km before Idrija from the direction of Ljubljana, exit for Idrijska Bela
Gewerkenegg Castle
Somewhat special among castles, full of secrets
Gewerkenegg Castle in Idrija was built in the 16th century for the needs of defence, mining administration and storage of mercury. Today it houses the Idrija Municipal Museum. The museum tells the 500-year-old story of the history of the mercury mine and the town of Idrija, giving an insight into the hard everyday life of the miners, embellished by social and cultural life and the snow-white lace their wives and daughters made in the shelter of their home for extra income.
After the visit
You feel the greatness of the Mercury Mine when you visit the Idrijan “Kamšt” (water wheel) with a tour guide. Ladies can spend about an hour visiting Idrija Lacemaking School and shopping in the stores selling Idrija Lace.
Plan your visit
The Wild Lake (Divje jezero) -> Gewerkenegg Castle
Location
Prelovčeva 9, Idrija
Opening hours
Every day except Monday: 10am–5pm
Tour time
1h 30min (guided tour) / 30min (guided tour of individual exhibit)
Idrija “Kamšt”
And yet it moves
The “Kamšt” is a water-powered pumping device used to pump cave water. Today, only one is preserved in Idrija, dating back to 1790. Its special feature is a large water drive wheel that has a 13.6m diameter and takes 13 sec to make one full circle. At the same time, approximately 300 litres of pit water was used at a depth of 283m.
After the visit
You cannot leave Idrija without trying a legendary local speciality — the Idrija ravioli, which are known far and wide, and offered on the menus of all the inns in Idrija and Cerkno. Bon appétit!
After refreshments and a rest, drive from Idrija through the river valley towards Cerkno and then to Dolenji Novaki. There is a walk of about 10 minutes from the carpark to the Pasica gorge entrance. Do not forget to wear suitable footwear (trainers, hiking shoes)!
Plan your visit
Gewerkenegg Castle -> The Idrija “Kamšt” (water wheel)
Location
Vodnikova ulica, Idrija
Opening hours
Every day except Monday: 10am–5pm
Tour time
45min
(Tour possible only when accompanied by a museum guide.)
Franja Partisan Hospital – CLOSED due to storm damage
Well, where is Franja hiding?
A hospital hidden behind the name of the doctor and manager Dr Franja Bojc Bidovec was established in World War II in the wild Pasica gorge. Between December 1943 and May 1945, it ensured care and shelter to 578 wounded of various nationalities. The hospital — the museum with a major communication value for us and the future generations — that even the 2007 flood couldn’t destroy. It is a symbol of resistance, courage and kindness in times of difficult experiences. Franja is all this and much more — since 2015 a holder of the European Heritage Label.
Plan your visit
The Idrija “Kamšt” -> Franja Partisan Hospital
Location
Dolenji Novaki pri Cerknem, Cerkno
Opening hours
From 01/04 to 30/09 every day: 9am–6pm
From 01/10 to 31/10 every day: 9am–4pm
From 01/11 to 31/03: In case of favourable weather conditions for scheduled groups.
Tour time
1h 30min
Informative price of visits per programme
The Wild Lake (Divje jezero)
Free of charge
Gewerkenegg Castle
DISCOUNT TICKETS: EUR 7.00
Idrija “Kamšt”
DISCOUNT TICKETS: EUR 3.50
Franja Partisan Hospital – CLOSED due to storm damage
DISCOUNT TICKETS: EUR 7.00
Pay for 2 tours, get the 3rd one free!
A 3rd museum site visit is free of charge upon submitting your invoice.
