Underground Tourist Route St. Jan Mine in Krobica

Why was tin a strategically important raw material in the 16th century? Where did dwarves, alchemy, and mining legends come from in Jizera Mountain tales? What significance did cobalt have for 18th-century Europe?

The answers to these and other questions lead underground to the Underground Tourist Route of the St. John Mine in Krobica, the only post-mining facility open to tourists in the Jizera Mountains.

The tour route leads through the historic galleries of the former tin and cobalt mine, the oldest sections of which are currently approximately 450 years old. Descending several dozen meters underground, visitors experience the authentic workspace of the former miners. Traces of manual mining and the austere form of the workings allow them to feel the scale of their daily efforts and thus understand what mining was like in a time when alchemy was not just a science from the pages of a novel. The exhibition hall and the narrative of a qualified guide complement the experience, providing a complete picture of the Jizera Mountains’ golden age, a period when the region attracted not only miners but also craftsmen, scholars, and those seeking new technologies, along with all their knowledge and skills.

The tour is experiential – history isn’t merely told, but experienced firsthand, combining cultural heritage with education and adventure. A variety of tour options – whether in the form of workshops or games – make the St. John Mine an attractive destination for families, school groups, and organized tours alike.

In 2026, the St. John Mine celebrates its 450th anniversary, which will be celebrated during, among other events, the European Heritage Days (September 19–20, 2026), highlighting the site’s importance as one of the most valuable testimonies to the region’s mining past.

Discover the beauty of the Jizera Mountains from a completely different perspective. On the website of the Underground Tourist Route of the St. John Mine in Krobica you can find current news and a detailed tour offer.