The most beautiful tourist spots on Orava
The north of Slovakia is proud of its picturesque nature, amazing views and many attractions. On Orava, lovers of history, folk architecture or active relaxation in the form of water sports will find what they are looking for. If you are planning a stay in this beautiful part of Slovakia, let our trip tips inspire you.
Where can you go here?
Orava Castle
Orava Castle dominates Orava and is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Slovakia .
It rises on a limestone cliff above the village of Oravský Podzámok. The castle began to be built after the Tatar invasion, and today it boasts 155 rooms, while you will have to climb 754 steps during the tour.
Here you can view the exposition of the Orava Museum, and there is also a tour of the period-furnished rooms. You can park in the paid parking lot in the village, from where it is a pleasant 10-minute walk up a steeper hill.
Medieval village of falconers
Not far from the Orava Castle near the village of Oravský podzámok you will find a unique archaeoskansen, the only one of its kind in Slovakia .
It is a medieval village of falconers, which brings you closer to the daily life of Slovaks from the times of Great Moravia. Here you can admire the architecture of the period, you will be transported in a ribbed wagon and the individual crafts will be presented to you by craftsmen in period costumes.
If you are interested, you can also try them with your children. The attraction of this place is also the falconry show and the opportunity to shoot with a bow.
Raft on Orava
Rafting has been an integral part of Orava for over 800 years .
During the cruise, you can go back in time for a while and while admiring the surrounding nature, you will learn interesting things from the world of rafts. The entire cruise lasts approximately one hour and starts in the village of Horná Lehota .
Up to 12 tourists can fit on one raft, so you can enjoy this trip together with family and friends.
Orava Reservoir and Slanický Island
The Orava Dam is known for the fact that up to 4 Slovak villages were flooded during its construction.
Today it is a popular place for fishing, water sports and relaxing in nature. Slanický Island remained in its center as a remnant of the flooded villages. On it you will find a Roman Catholic church from the 18th century, which offers an exposition dedicated to the construction of the dam and also a sample of folk culture .
You can get to the island by boat that runs along the Orava Dam and offers wonderful sightseeing cruises.
Cuban stick
Kubinska hoła has a lot to offer. In addition to pleasant hiking combined with wonderful views, you can also enjoy various attractions here to your heart's content.
Off-road scooters, mountain bike tracks, an educational trail and a rope park are waiting for you here. You can reach the top by following a marked hiking trail from the village of Oravský Podzámok or from Dolné Kubín. If you don't want to walk, you can take the cable car.
Educational trail Juráňova dolina
The picturesque Juráňova dolina educational trail with five signs will take you through one of the most beautiful gorges in Slovakia. The entire route is 8 kilometers long, while you will overcome an elevation of only 170 meters.
It is therefore an undemanding hike that can be enjoyed by less skilled tourists as well. During the approximately 3-hour trip, you will be able to admire the rich alpine flora, vertical rock walls and the gurgling Juráň stream.
Orava Village Museum
The well-known open-air museum of the Orava Village Museum will draw you into the past and introduce you to the life of people on Orava in past centuries.
It consists of more than 50 buildings of folk architecture, there is also a water mill and a still functional pub where you can sit. During your visit, you can admire the period furnishings of houses, animal husbandry and, in the summer, the cultivation of typical crops. The entire complex is located approximately 3 kilometers from the village of Zuberec in the picturesque surroundings of the Roháčov foothills.
Orava Forest Railway
The ride on the historic forest railway starts at the Tanečník valley station. While waiting for the train to depart, you can visit the Museum of the Orava Forest Railway and refresh yourself in the buffet.
There is also a children's playground here, which will be especially appreciated by families with small children. The Orava forest railway has a terminus at the lookout tower, which offers a wonderful view of the surroundings.
