A circular hiking trail dedicated to the region’s mining heritage runs through Krapan, from Labin via Raša and back to Labin. The 1.7-kilometre Krapan–Sv. Bartul mining trail also passes through the village.
History
Krapan is a historic mining settlement; regular coal mining began here in 1785, and in 1905 the Church of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, was built there. In the 1830s, continuous coal mining in Labinština began in three mines in Krapan.
In 1881, the Trifailer Kohlenwerks-Gesellschaft purchased the Krapan mines and the Vinež shaft, consolidating the mines of Labinština into a single production and technology complex.
The historic Krapan–Štalije railway was initially operated by horse traction; shortly afterwards, a steam locomotive was introduced. After the mine closed, Krapan remained industrially active until the Prvomajska machine-tool factory closed in the early 1990s.
Industrial Heritage
After the Second World War, the former mine workshop hall in Krapan was converted into the Prvomajska machine-tool factory. In the early mining operations in Krapan, Rusi coal was extracted; it is considered to be tar used for coating boats and ships.
An educational tour on Krapan’s industrial history led to the entrance of the first mine. Former mining infrastructure was identified, and sites connected with the early extraction of coal in Labinština were explained.
Trails and Landscape
The Krapan–Sv. Bartul mining trail is classified as easy and runs from an elevation of 87 to 265 metres. The mining trail network to Krapan promoted by Visit Raša is promoted for its natural landscape and views of the surrounding hills.
The “Kamen, ugljen i onda je sve počelo” tour reaches Krapan, which is identified as the centre of mining in Labinština. For this tour, guests are first taken by bus to Kapelica; they then walk downhill to Krapan along a mining trail.
Anyone choosing Krapan as a travel destination may want to rent a holiday apartment.
