Paddling Through Deserted Mineshafts

Canoe underground on a trip through a disused mine near the Austrian and Slovenian border .

If you are looking for an extraordinary adventure, one that is maybe unique in Europe, you can take part in an underground canoe journey starting out from the Klopeiner See in Carinthia.

The experience begins with a trip to the mining museum in Mežica on the Petzen in Slovenia. Petzen, the mountain massif on the border between Carinthia and Slovenia, was a mining centre up until a few decades ago.

These days, mountain bikers and canoeists explore the former tunnels, accompanied by guides who know the area. The canoes take to the labyrinth of water-filled tunnels by the light of headlamps.

Canoeing the waters of the Petzen mine tunnels.
Canoeing in the Petzen mine tunnels
© Tourismusregion Klopeiner See – Südkärnten

The underground tour takes about four hours. Participants learn about the mountain and mining and enjoy a miners’ snack during the journey. A day trip includes transfers, guided canoe tour and snack, and costs is 79 Euros for adults. Longer multi-day packages are also available.

More information: www.klopeinersee.at