A Dining Experience Beneath the Earth: Underground Fine Dining Just Outside Banja Luka

Descent into the Depths

Your adventure begins at the Slovenian Mining Museum, where a guide provides safety gear before leading you on an unforgettable evening journey. After the traditional miners’ greeting — “Srečno!” (“Good luck!”) — you’ll descend 160 meters below the surface, to what is considered Europe’s deepest dining hall.

Discover the Secrets of the Mine

Before dinner, guests explore the underground tunnels and learn about the mine’s fascinating history — its workers, stories, and hidden corners that shaped a bygone era.

“Štajger’s Meal” — A Tribute to Mining Heritage

After the tour, the chefs present the “Štajgerjev obrok” (Supervisor’s Meal) — dishes once common in miners’ households, reimagined in a modern fine-dining style. The term štajger comes from German and refers to the mine supervisor responsible for safety and smooth operation underground.

Details That Make It Unforgettable

Every element of the experience is steeped in symbolism. Meals are served on plates shaped like mining tools, the menu features black-themed desserts, and the atmosphere is enhanced by music and fine local wine. The experience captures the balance between hard work and well-deserved indulgence — a fitting tribute to the miners’ spirit.

Return to the Surface — With Champagne and Memories

After dinner, guests board the underground train once used by miners to return to the “black locker room,” where workers used to change at the end of their shifts. The evening concludes with a glass of champagne and a moment of reflection, as stories and laughter echo through the tunnels.

Each visitor receives a unique souvenir — a memento of this rare and immersive journey. After three hours of exploring the intersection of industrial history and contemporary gastronomy, the Velenje Underground Experience stands out as a truly authentic and unforgettable chapter of Slovenia’s cultural heritage, reports TU Magazin.