Guided tours
A unique insight into the diversity of the geological heritage
The Sitarjevec Litija mine is a modern underground museum, that offers its visitors an insight into the diversity of the geological natural heritage, the world of bats, spiders and fungi, into the richness of the mining tradition and the interpretation of its richness through the eyes of artists.
The Sitarjevec mine is one of the polymineral ores with an exceptional mineral diversity. It is one of the richest deposits of minerals on a European and global scale. It contains more than sixty different minerals, the most important ore minerals among them are galena, sphalerite, cinnabar, chalcopyrite and baryte.
The magical world of Litija’s underground
In addition to the picturesque minerals, the visitors can be enchanted by the exceptional limonite dripstones created by the centuries of natural underground processes. Stalagmites, stalactites, stalactite curtains, stalactite spaghetti of the Sitarjevec mine, which grow up to 5 centimetres per year, are extremely unique in Europe. Here is the only known area of growing limonite dripstones in the Central Europe.
The magical world of Litija’s underground has been inspired various artists lately. They can create with pigments obtained on the basis of minerals from the Sitarjevec mine, they are inspired by the period of formation of mine rocks, the exceptional colourfulness of the mine, especially the lustre of Sitarjevec minerals. In the mine visitors can admire fascinating creations of many artists.
A wide range of experiences of the Sitarjevec mine
The Sitarjevec Litija mine is a natural science and history classroom in a natural environment. It stirs curiosity and a unique experience, while at the same time awakens awareness and consolidates values about our rich heritage, which is becoming world-famous through stories.
Guided Tours For All
The advantage of the Sitarjevec mine is that everyone can see the underground world – access is easy. You can see the priceless wealth and beauty of the mine at the first 200 meters of the Export pit. A visit can also be an unforgettable experience for the whole family if the dwarf Sitarjevček joins the visit.
For everyone who wants a little more excitement with the initial experience of the underground, we recommend the visit of the Main pit. This part of the mine is also easily accessible. Just 17 meters from the Export pit and you will find yourself in a colourful cave paradise for all curious explorers of natural beauty, not just geologists.
Explore the specifics
of the Sitarjevec mine
A unique insight into the diversity of the geological heritage
Traditional Events
As part of the New Year's events of the Magical Litija, there is a variety of events in and in front of the Sitarjevec mine. The events are well attended and attract more visitors every year. Some events invite with differentness and uniqueness, others with nostalgia and a pleasant atmosphere.
The Sitarjevec mine is no longer just a memory of the past times. We preserve it as a precious natural value of national importance and an interesting technical heritage. In its renewed form, it serves a tourist-educational purpose and presents a challenge for the development of innovative research procedures.
Announcements
Current News From the Underground
Valvazor Square, Sunday, 1 December, 16:30
LIGHTING OF LIGHTS, St Nicholas Fair
The magic of the lights, the positive atmosphere of the city's lively events, St Nicholas' treats on the lined stalls in Valvazor Square, the playfulness and joy of the New Year.
The lights will be switched on by the Perkakšns percussion band, and you can watch the fire show "School for Dragons".
Valvazor Square / Sitarjevec Mine Litija, Sunday, 1 December, 18:00
NIGHT WALK WITH TORCHES TO SITARJEVEC MINE
At 18:00, we will set off from the Old Town with torches in hand to the Sitarjevec Mine in Litija. On this day, the visit to the mine's Export Tunnel will be free of charge.
Before the hike, hikers will pick up their entry number at the TIC Litija stand, pick up their torches and light them. Participants take part in the hike at their own risk.
Valvazor Square, Friday, 20 December, 16:30–20:00
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Valvazor Square will be particularly magical on Friday afternoon, 20 December, from 16:30 to 20:00 . The Christmas Market will add to the festive atmosphere in the town. Vendors at the stalls will make sure that the variety of products on offer will attract every visitor, who will be able to choose between festive culinary delights and unique products suitable for gift-giving. The magic of Lithia will be enhanced by the fair's cultural programme.
- 16:30–17:15Pupils of the Litija Music School, MePZ KUD Jevnica
- 17:30PIKA PIŠE, performance with the arrival of Santa Claus (Simple Friends)
- 18:30Concert of the Litija Wind Orchestra
Market in front of the Municipality of Litija, Saturday, 21 December, 8:00–12:00
CHRISTMAS FAIR
On Saturday, 21 December, morning, from 8:00 to 12:00, it will be magical at the market in front of the Municipality of Litija. Vendors at their stalls will make sure that the variety of products on offer will attract every visitor, who will be able to choose between festive culinary delights and unique products suitable for gift-giving. The magic of Lithia will be enhanced by the fair's cultural programme.
- 9:30 and 10:30Pupils of the Bučar Music School
Sitarjevec Mine, 26 - 30 December, 16:00 - 19:00
MINERAL JASLICE AT THE SITARJEVEC LITIJA MINING MILL
In the week between Christmas and New Year, we invite you to visit the Sitarjevec Mine in Litija, one of the richest mineral mines in Europe. During these days, visitors will be able to see the mineral nativity scene in the Export Tunnel free of charge. Shortened tours will take place between 16:00 and 19:00. From Christmas to Candlemas, the mine will display a unique nativity scene made from the rocks and minerals of the Sitarjevec mine. This year's mineral nativity scene will be set up by Miha Kos.
Sitarjevec Mine, Saturday, 28 December, 18:00 and 19:00
CONCERT AT THE SITARJEVEC LITIJA MINE
The MVS Lipa will give a concert on Saturday, 28 December at 18:00 and 19:00 to enliven the free crib tours in the mine.
Sitarjevec Mine, Sunday, 29 December, 18:00 and 19:00
CONCERT AT THE SITARJEVEC LITIJA MINE
On Sunday, 29 December at 18:00 and 19:00, the vocal group TRIAD will give a concert to enrich the free crib tours in the mine.
Sitarjevec Mine, Thursday 26 December at 17:00
ANIMATED Nativity scene in front of the SITARJEVEC MINE
On Thursday, 26 December at 17:00, we invite you to walk from Litija or from the packing station at the Health Centre Litija to the Sitarjevec Mine Litija and listen to the Christmas story of an animated nativity scene in the sand performed by Irena Režek, accompanied by ŽVS Lipa Litija and narrator Maja Morela. Before and after the performance of the Christmas story, a free tour of the mine's Export Tunnel is available.
Are you ready to experience the Litija’s unique underground?
Tours are possible from Thursday to Sunday from 9:00 - 12:00 and 15:00 - 18:00
Visits of the mine are only possible by prior arrangement. Group visits are possible even outside business hours
View the price list