Orava

The region of Orava lies in the northwestern part of Slovakia, on the border with Poland. The border crossing in environs of the village of Oravská Polhora is also the northernmost point of Slovakia. The axis of the region is the river Orava.

The region possesses almost everything a tourist may wish! The mountains ranges of Malá Fatra, Choč, and above all the Western Tatras (Západné Tatry) - Roháče are the paradise for hikers, cyclists and visitors. Lovers of hiking like to climb the Roháče Mountains and to the passes over the ridge of Western Tatras. Walks in the environs of Oravice or ascents to the Babia hora or Veľký Choč peaks are also among the favorites.

Photo: Veľký Choč, Choč Mountains © Peter Babiak

Winter months in Orava are equally charming. Downhill skiing in Zuberec and its environs including Kubínska hoľa or cross-country ski tracks through the mountains Skorušinské vrchy and Oravská Magura provide an unforgettable experience to skiers of Slovakia and from abroad. Orava also offers many architectural monuments in every commune. The most valuable of them is the truly medieval Orava Castle towering above the eponymous river. Please bear in mind it is a must-see sight, moreover, an awesome wedding venue as well!

Photo: Orava Castle © Tomáš Šereda (www.ttstudio.sk)

Samples of old popular architecture can be found in villages of Orava. They are also concentrated in the monument reserve of popular architecture in Podbiel and Open-Air Museum in Zuberec. The most important samples of old sacral architecture are wooden churches in Tvrdošín, Leštiny and Istebné. The best place for recreation and water sports lovers is the dam Oravská priehrada.

Photo: Wooden Church Tvrdošín - UNESCO World Heritage Site © Peter Babiak

Orava Castle

Wooden Church Leštiny

Wooden Church Zuberec

Wooden Church Istebné

Wooden Church Tvrdošín

Orava Gallery

Reserve of Folk Architecture in Podbiel

Orava Museum of P.O. Hviezdoslav

Museum of the Orava Village in Zuberec

Statue of Christ in Klin