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
Sitarjevec Litija Mine – Friday and Saturday, 11 - 12 October 2024
Ethnological event in front of the Sitarjevec mine Litija - Iron Age iron mining
Join us for a unique ethnological event in front of the Sitarjevec Litija mine, where we will demonstrate how iron ore was extracted in the Iron Age.
You will be able to watch the whole process on the platform in front of the mine between 9:00 and 14:00 on Saturday 12 October. There will be a cultural programme with Celtic music at 11:00 and 12:00. Ana Novak and Gašper Šinkovec, members of the ethno band Noreia, will provide a pleasant atmosphere.
The event will be further enriched by a selection of handicrafts and culinary offerings. During the event, it will be possible to visit the mine.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 051 312 739 (Mojca Hauptman). You are invited to join us and experience the heritage of our ancestors in a very special way!
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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
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