Hidden behind a massive door and located deep underground is the magnesite mine in the town of Jelšava, which has been in operation for over 100 years. (source: Marcela Ballová)
In the quiet region of Gemer, nestled in south-central Slovakia, an unconventional tourist draw is luring curious visitors. This one-of-a-kind attraction offers a glimpse into something they will not find anywhere else in the country, promising an experience both rare and captivating, writes My Novohrad.
A helping hand in the heart of Europe offers a travel guide of Slovakia
Hidden behind a massive door and located deep underground is the magnesite mine in the town of Jelšava, which has been in operation for over 100 years. Visitors need only to suit up in safety gear, don a helmet with a flashlight, protective glasses, earplugs, and hop onto an all-terrain vehicle to journey into the depths of the earth.
The approximately 2.5-kilometre route offers unique views of landscapes shaped not by nature, but by the hard toil of miners.
Underground cinema
Vast caverns and narrow vaulted spaces, filled with corridors supported by massive pillars and underground intersections, eventually lead to an enormous cinema—though it offers much more than just a screening.
The attention of visitors is also captured by gigantic machines, some of which are in motion. A large mining loader effortlessly wrestles with a massive piece of rock, while another wheeled “monster” transports the Earth’s valuable treasures to an imposing crusher.
The idea for the attraction was proposed by Ondrej Lunter, the governor of the Banská Bystrica Region. Initially, it met with scepticism at the Slovenské magnezitové závody (SMZ) mining firm, but what once seemed impossible has now become a reality.
“At first, we were not very enthusiastic about the idea. We were concerned about it and had other worries,” said Roman Gažúr, the company's CEO.
Mining in the section now open to visitors ceased in 2019 after 13 years of operation.
Above the visitors lies a 200-metre massif, and beneath them are 25 metres of deposited foundational material, while the active workspace sits at an elevation of 220 metres above sea level—approximately 120 metres below the visitors.
The magnesite deposit in Jelšava is one of the largest not only in Europe but also in the world.
The mine is expected to attract more tourists
In making part of the mine accessible, Gažúr sees an opportunity to familiarise the public with the critical importance of mining while also inspiring young people to consider this profession.
“It’s essential to show people that mining has been significant since time immemorial. It’s no longer what it used to be. Today, it functions through the lens of modern technology,” he remarked.
This unconventional activity, poised to significantly enhance tourism development in the Jelšava area, has garnered praise from local mayor Milan Kolesár. “It will help the city and the region survive,” he stated.
Gemer has already made a name for itself, celebrated for its ground squirrels in the Muránska planina plateau, the famous Muránske buchty pastry, and Littera, which occupies the renovated premises of the former First Slovak Literary Gymnasium in Revúca—a distinctive modern educational institution that transforms historical, cultural, and material heritage into an experiential destination.
Currently, the tour of the impressive mining facilities is part of the weekend stays at Hotel Hrádok.
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