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Photo: Slovenské opálové bane, Slovenské opálové bane
The Opal Mines Educational Trail takes you into the history of mining the only precious opal in Europe. The easy route leads through the protected area of the Dubník mines in the Slanské vrchy Mountains and offers a glimpse into the world of geology, mining, and the unique ecosystem of the underground spaces.
In the heart of the Slanské vrchy Mountains, near the village of Červenica, there is a unique Educational Trail dedicated to the Slovak Opal Mines – the oldest of its kind in the world.
The approximately 1.8 km long route leads around the former mining workings of the Libanka mining district, where the famous precious opal was mined in the past.
The trail offers 14 information boards in Slovak and English, informing visitors about the history of mining, the formation of opal, the geology of the Slanské vrchy Mountains, as well as local flora and fauna – especially bats that inhabit the abandoned adits today. The boards are prepared in Slovak and English.
The purpose of the Educational Trail is to draw visitors’ attention to the significance of this locality in terms of natural heritage and history, and at the same time the need for sustainable forest management. Thanks to revitalization and the excellent condition of infrastructure, the trail is accessible to the general public throughout the year.
Author’s recommendation
Accessible visitor center of the Slovak Opal Mines.
Nearby, there is the possibility to extend the trip with a guided visit to the mine underground or a nearby Educational Trail around the Dubník quarry.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
It is not recommended to enter abandoned mining workings – risk of injury.
The route runs through the 4th degree of nature protection – stay only on the marked path.
Do not leave the marked trails or damage information boards or vegetation.
In case of rainy weather, the surface is slippery in places – hiking footwear is recommended.
Roadbook
We recommend following the plan (map) of the Educational Trail
Public transport
The Opal Mines Educational Trail is located near the village of Červenica in the Slanské vrchy Mountains. The nearest bus stop is:
Červenica, square – accessible by suburban connections from Prešov (about 30 minutes travel).
From the bus stop, the access route follows the blue tourist sign northwards to the Slovak Opal Mines trail junction. The distance is about 2.7 km with an elevation gain of 160 m (approximately 45 minutes walking).
Directions
Access on foot: from the village of Červenica, along the blue tourist trail about 2.7 km (elevation gain 160 m)
Starting point of the route: Červenica, Dubník – Slovak Opal Mines trail junction
Parking
Parking at the Slovak Opal Mines visitor center (recommended)
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy footwear
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions