A new nature trail has been created in the vicinity of [trip:7215;Slovak Opal Mines], the only opal mines on our continent. It leads through the Libanka mining district, where there are old mine workings that were created during the mining of precious opal.
Slovenské opálové bane, s.r.o. in cooperation with the state enterprise Lesy SR and the Regional Centre for Nature Conservation in Prešov built a nature trail in the Protected Area of Dubnické mines.
There are 14 information boards along the approximately 1.5 km long route. You will find information about the origin of opal, mining, mining works as well as about the geology, vegetation and zoology of the Slanské vrchy Mountains, including bats. After the end of mining, the vast underground spaces of the opal mines became an important hibernation area for bats. For this reason, the Dubnické mines were declared a protected area in 1964.
The forests located in the Protected Area of Dubnické mines are under the administration and management of the State Forests of the Slovak Republic. The area through which the nature trail leads is located in the 4th level of nature protection. Entrance to the trail is free of charge and is suitable for both children and adults.
The information boards are bilingual, in Slovak and English.
The aim of the nature trail is to present the history of opal mining in this locality, to draw visitors' attention to the living nature of the Slanské vrchy Mountains, the need for its protection and, to an essential extent, to sustainable forest management.
Slovak opal mines
Slovak opal mines in Slanské vrchy near Prešov are the oldest opal mines in the world and the only opal mine in Europe. The largest opal Harlequin found here in 1775. It weighed 594 g and is now stored in the Natural History Museum in Vienna. There are approximately 30 km of underground mine tunnels and 17 horizons, five of which are flooded.
More than a kilometre long tour through the underground is open to the public, which will attract both young and old adventurers. You can look forward to an engaging interpretation that will lead you into the world of miners and mysterious underground creatures.
More information: www.slovenskeopalovebane.sk
Slovak opal mines are part of the campaign Legendarium. For visiting the mines, children will receive a competition stamp for the brochure Legendarium.
Source and photo: Slovak Opal Mine
