Lower Silesia is a region with a very rich mining tradition, the result of which is numerous adits and mines whose mysterious corridors fire the imagination of all lovers of underground exploration. Near Świeradów-Zdrój there is an extraordinary underground tourist route, which is a wonderful attraction both for adults and for children over the age of 6. It is one of the oldest Polish mines, located in nearby Krobica. Why is it worth visiting?
St John's Mine – underground workings over 500 years old
The Izera Mountains are not only wonderful elevations and peaks, but also underground workings created as a result of centuries of tin- and cobalt-ore extraction. The mining tradition of Lower Silesia left its mark here too. For centuries, underground tunnels were hewn into the hard rock. Today they are one of the greatest local attractions, taking you into a world of mysterious underground passages concealing interesting stories and legends.
Mining in Krobica, Gierczyna and Przecznica went on, with interruptions, from the 16th to the 19th century. Initially, extraction concerned cassiterite (tin), a rare mineral that occurs only in certain regions of the Earth. Its local deposits, however, were already exhausted by the 17th century. At present, the Izera Mountains contain sub-economic deposits which, due to the lack of efficient processing technology, are not suitable for extraction.
The lack of greater results from tin extraction did not discourage the miners, and in the 18th century the extraction of cobalt ore began in the Krobica adit of St Leopold. Today the St John and St Leopold adits are connected by an impressive spiral staircase, which is one of the attractions of the underground tourist route.
Activities – check out what to do in Świeradów-Zdrój
The underground educational trail – the GEOPARK of St John's Mine
The disused underground gallery workings, dug in the search for valuable ores, were adapted as part of a project under the Regional Operational Programme for the Lower Silesian Voivodeship into an educational and tourist trail, GEOPARK – In the Footsteps of Former Ore Mining. Construction work began in 2010, and the opening of the underground tourist route took place in 2013. The aim of the project is to spread knowledge about the region's mining heritage – the traditions, customs and extraction techniques that were used in the Izera Mountains over the centuries.
The underground tourist route with a guide
It is not possible to move through the mine on your own. Through the spectacular underground workings in Krobica, tourists are shown around by a guide who knows the rich and interesting history of the facility and its surroundings. The underground workings themselves make an enormous impression, but if we add to that the guide's stories, everything gains depth and a unique atmosphere. During the tour, which lasts about an hour, visitors travel a 350-metre route running through the former workings of St John's Mine and the St Leopold adit.
Along the way there are special exhibitions and displays which bring closer the technique and history of tin-ore extraction. The route is varied, leading mostly through fairly narrow galleries, and the stone walls glistening in the subdued light create a unique atmosphere.
Visiting the underground workings of the Izera Mountains
St John's Mine is open all year round, but its opening hours differ in the summer and winter seasons – so they should be checked before a trip on the website of the underground tourist route in Krobica (see https://kopalniakrobica.pl/). An interesting option is the night-time visiting of the mine, which is organised periodically, usually on selected Fridays or Saturdays or on the occasion of various events – e.g. Halloween or St Barbara's Day. After prior booking, adults can take part in it, and in some editions of the event also children over the age of 10. As standard, children over the age of 6 can be taken on the underground tourist route.
There is also the possibility of ordering an individual group tour of the underground tourist route. It can take the form of a team-building outdoor game or survival adventure, an underground escape room, or an out-of-the-ordinary hen or stag night. Individual offers are also available for companies, schools and seniors.
The underground tourist route – how to prepare? How to get there?
A fairly low temperature is maintained in the mine – around 7 degrees. That is why it is worth taking warm clothing for a trip on the underground tourist route. At the entrance, tourists are given a helmet. The descent into the underground workings usually takes place on the hour. Driving by car to St John's Mine in Krobica from Świeradów-Zdrój takes just 7 minutes. It is located less than 5 kilometres from the centre of Świeradów – its exact address is Krobica 90. You can also get there by train, from Świeradów-Zdrój station, and then reach the mine on a 30-minute walk.
ZARZĄDZANIE NAJMEM W APARTAMENTACH IZERA PARK - JAK WYGLĄDA?
The above-ground trail of mining sites
Apart from the underground tourist route in St John's Mine, an eight-kilometre above-ground route is also available, leading along a trail of the now-disused mining sites. It has twelve stations and three viewpoints.
The above-ground and underground tourist route in Krobica is a great way to spend time interestingly. Such a trip is extremely exciting and stirs the imagination, and additionally lets you learn many interesting details connected with ore extraction in the Izera Mountains.
It is also an ideal option for enthusiasts of Lower Silesian mysteries who travel the numerous tourist trails covering the most interesting underground attractions of Lower Silesia, such as the facilities forming part of the Riese complex or the underground workings of Książ Castle. The underground workings in Krobica have their own unique character and charm, and the engaging stories of the well-informed and passionate guides give the whole trip a special atmosphere.
Get in touch with the Proxin team: sprzedaz@proxin.pl / +48 603 711 805 / izerapark.pl
