Visit the Historic Opal Mines in Slovakia: The World’s First and Oldest

When visiting family in Slovakia, we always try to explore something new, whether it’s a hidden trail, a castle we’ve never seen, or just a tiny café that smells like childhood. But one summer, our curiosity led us to an unexpected treasure. Who would have thought that between the villages of Červenica and Zlatá Baňa lies the world’s very first opal mine? Long before Australia and Mexico became famous for their opals, these Slovak hills sparkled with some of the rarest gems on Earth. Today, no opal is mined here anymore, but wandering through the tunnels still feels like stepping into a glittering piece of history. Read on to learn how to visit and what to expect.

How to Get to the Opal Mines in Dubník

The opal mines are between the villages of Červenica and Zlatá Baňa in eastern Slovakia, about 20 km from Prešov. If you’re traveling by public transport, you can take a bus from Prešov to Červenica, then follow the marked hiking trail leading to the mine entrance (about 30 minutes on foot).

However, we decided to drive by car, which was by far the easiest and most comfortable option. There is only one road leading to the mines (nr. 3440). No matter from which side you come. There is a free parking space for you to park your car.  And as always, the early bird gets the best spot.  The road winds gently through forests and hills, and right by the entrance, there’s a small, free parking lot.

Opening Hours to the Dubník Opal Mines

Before heading to the opal mines, it’s good to check the current schedule, as opening times may vary depending on the season or guided tour availability. Generally, the Dubník Opal Mines follow these hours:

• April – October: open daily except Mondays
• First tour: around 10:00 AM
• Last tour: usually around 4:00 PM
• November – March: open only on weekends or by prior reservation
• Guided tours: start at set times and last about 60–90 minutes

Pro Penguin Tip: It’s best to book your visit online or call ahead, especially in summer or on weekends, as group sizes are limited and tours often sell out quickly.

Tickets & Tours

There are two types of tours you can choose from when visiting the Dubník Opal Mines:

• The Basic Circuit – perfect for families and casual visitors.
  • Adults: €10
  • Children (3–15 years): €5.50
  • Plushies: free entry 

• The Circuit for Adventurers – a more challenging experience for those who want to explore deeper underground.
  • Price: €59
  • This extended tour lasts about 5 hours and takes you through the lesser-seen parts of the mine.

Pro Penguin Tip: Tours are guided only, so it’s best to check the latest schedule and book in advance. For the most up-to-date details, please visit the official Dubník Opal Mines website.

What to Wear & Safety Tips

Before waddling into the Dubník Opal Mines, keep in mind that the temperature underground stays between 4–6 °C (39–43 °F) all year round, so dress warmly; a jacket and long pants are a must. For penguins, it’s just the perfect climate!

Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (no sandals or heels), as the paths can be uneven and slightly damp.

Before entering, every visitor receives a safety helmet, and it’s important to keep it on during the entire tour. Stay with your guide at all times, avoid touching the walls, and watch your step; some ceilings are low, and the ground can be slippery in places. Safety first, sparkle second!

The Legend of the Fourteen Mining Sprites

According to local tales, the Dubník Opal Mines are home to fourteen tiny sprites who guard the treasures hidden underground. These mystical keepers are said to protect the opals from thieves and guide honest miners to their discoveries. Some say that if you walk quietly through the tunnels, you might spot a faint sparkle or hear a soft echo, a sign that one of the sprites is nearby.

Hiking in Smolník and Discover Forgotten Mining Trails 

Our Waddle Through the Opal Mines

As we arrived a bit earlier than the official opening, we had plenty of time to explore the area around the entrance, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The surroundings are peaceful, featuring forest paths and a few benches where you can sit and take in the fresh mountain air. Near the ticket office, you can already get a glimpse of the mining history, as several tools, carts, and artifacts from the original mine are displayed outdoors. When we visited, parts of the site were still under renovation and expansion, so it looks like new exhibits and visitor facilities are in progress. By the time you visit, there might be even more to discover before the tour begins.

It was already fun to waddle around the peaceful surroundings, soaking in the forest air and exploring the small displays outside, but of course, the main attraction awaited below ground. Once the doors opened, our excitement grew, time to head into the heart of the mine!

Every tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who walks you through the tunnels, sharing stories about the mine’s history, its famous opals, and the lives of the miners who once worked here. The guide was incredibly friendly and patient, answering every question with enthusiasm and as usual, we had plenty! It felt less like a lecture and more like a journey through time, filled with sparkle, mystery, and a dash of Slovak charm.

So, let’s waddle inside and see what treasures await beneath the surface.

The first stop comes right after the heavy door closes behind you and that’s when the adventure begins. The sudden burst of cold air hits your face.

Right at the entrance, it’s worth turning around for a moment. On the wall, you’ll see a fascinating display, the names of all the families and companies who owned the Dubník Opal Mines throughout history. It’s quite a long list, and the guide shares interesting stories about some of the most notable owners.

From there, the path winds through several tunnels branching in different directions. It’s surprisingly easy to lose your sense of direction down here, so staying close to the group is a must. The main route is well lit, but with so many mysterious side passages, you never quite know what might be around the next corner. We nearly lost sight of the group once while taking photos.

What makes the tour especially enjoyable are the various displays scattered throughout the mine, showing how life and work once looked underground. These detailed scenes make it easy to picture the hard and demanding days of the miners, their tools, and the dim light they worked under. In addition to the mining exhibits, there are also religious displays, reflecting how faith gave strength to those who spent long hours in the dark tunnels. Together, these elements create a fascinating and immersive experience that brings the mine’s history vividly to life.

Of course, one of the most exciting parts of the tour is the section where you can see real opal veins still embedded in the rock, just as miners once discovered them centuries ago. The shimmering colors catch the light beautifully, giving you a glimpse of why these stones were so prized across Europe.

Although mining here has long stopped, the preserved opal layers let visitors imagine the thrill of finding a gem in the darkness. These are the last visible opals in the Dubník mines, a reminder of the incredible natural wealth that once came from these hills. And who knows — the Earth runs deep, so perhaps more hidden treasures still rest far below, waiting to be found one day.

Apart from the opals, there are also historic photos displayed along the route, showing what the mine looked like during its working days and the people who once toiled here. One of the most memorable moments of the tour was the “light show”, colored lights glowing through the darkness, forming what looked like mysterious eyes staring from the tunnels. It instantly reminded us of dragon eyes, as if a hidden creature were watching over its underground kingdom. It added just the right touch of mystery to an already magical place.

Overall, the experience was absolutely wonderful, both educational and unforgettable. Spending time underground felt like stepping into another world, one filled with history, mystery, and sparkle. The whole tour took us about an hour and a half, but time passed quickly as we waddled through the tunnels, listening to stories and admiring the displays.

You do have to watch your step, as the ground can be uneven and a bit slippery in places, but that only adds to the sense of adventure. Walking through narrow passages carved centuries ago gives you a real appreciation for the miners who once worked here, and for us, it was a rare chance to explore Slovakia’s hidden gem.

Waddling to Súľovské Skaly

Why Visit the Dubník Opal Mines

Visiting the Dubník Opal Mines is like stepping into a glittering piece of history. This is where the world’s first opal was mined, centuries before Australia or Mexico became known for theirs. The tour takes you deep underground through illuminated tunnels filled with stories, relics, and a touch of legend. You’ll see real opal veins, learn about the miners’ lives, and experience the cool, mysterious atmosphere of Slovakia’s oldest gemstone treasure. Whether you love history, geology, or unique adventures, this hidden spot in eastern Slovakia is a must-see.

Pack your bag and explore Slovakia’s secrets!

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