Slovenia: MTB - From Mine Tunnels to Mountain Trails
Today we continued with the CHERA Hiking Koroška Weekend. After a long and rather lively night, we met again for breakfast before the mountain bikers headed to the Information Centre in Mežica. There, we handed ourselves over to a local guide and exchanged our own bikes for those specially prepared for one of Koroška's most unique experiences: cycling through the underground world beneath Mount Peca.
The old lead and zinc mine beneath is one of the most remarkable attractions in the region. Mining in the area dates back centuries, and over time miners created more than 1000 kilometres of tunnels inside the mountain. Today, a small part of this vast underground labyrinth has been transformed into a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience the mine in a completely different way.
After a short transfer to the mine entrance near Mežica, we equipped ourselves with helmets and headlamps and rode into the darkness. The route follows more than five kilometres of abandoned mining tunnels, passing old railway tracks, chambers, and countless reminders of the mine's industrial past. Throughout the ride, our guide shared fascinating stories about the history of mining, geology, and the lives of the men who spent their working days deep beneath the surface. Riding through the cool, silent tunnels, hundreds of metres inside the mountain, was a truly unforgettable experience.
Once back in daylight, we continued our ride towards the village of Jamnica, another well-known destination for mountain bikers. The local bike park offers a nice network of trails and has become a popular stop for riders exploring the hills above the Meža Valley.
After a well-deserved refreshment break on the hilltop, we began our descent into the valley. From there, we followed the cycling path along the Meža River back to Mežica. The ride was relaxed, the weather remained pleasant, and everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful Koroška landscape at a gentler pace - Garmin Connect.
Back at the hostel, a picnic with a variety of culinary specialties was waiting for us. It was the perfect way to end another great day filled with excellent company, unique experiences, and plenty of kilometres on the bike.
 |
| The breakfast table revealed that the night before had been a long one. |
At the Igrčevo mine entrance, ready to disappear into the mountain.
Ore deposits between Peca and Uršlja gora have been known since the Romans discovered them. The first mining permit for the mining of lead ore dates to 1665. We mark this year as the beginning of mining in our regions. The long years of mining and the development of the mine have uniquely marked the life of the people and the landscape at the foothills of the Karavanke mountains.
 |
| In 1988, a law was passed on the gradual closure of the mine, and a project was drawn up for the closure of the Mežica Lead and Zinc Mine in 1994. |
 |
| The underground cycling route is normally more than five kilometres long, connecting two valleys on opposite sides of . Due to maintenance work in part of the mine, however, we could not follow the usual route all the way through. Instead, our guide led us along a circular route through several different tunnels, allowing us to explore an even larger section of the underground labyrinth before eventually returning to the starting point. |
No matter whether it is a hot summer day or the middle of winter, the temperature inside the mine stays at a constant 10°C.
Towards Jamnica single trail park.
 |
| On the uphill trail. |
 |
| Jamnica, a scattered settlement high above the Meža Valley, is a favourite destination for mountain bikers thanks to its beautiful views and growing trail network. |
 |
| After the climb, it was time to let gravity do the work. |
Sabina navigating one of the bike park's trails.
Afternoon activities, planning and cutting.
 |
| After a day on the bikes, the smell of barbecue was impossible to resist. |
 |
| A long day takes its toll on everyone, not just the cyclists. |
 |
| Balkan cuisine with a taste of the sea. |
No comments:
Post a Comment