Orava castle

Orava castle is the national cultural heritage of Slovakia, which was built in the half of 13th century and it is the impressive monument - characteristic for Orava. It was built on the 112 m high rock rising above the Orava river as the strategic protection point on the Ungarian-Polish road. The life on the castle was very lively in the medieval age, but the biggest development was achieved during the ownership of Thurzo family. The castle burnt down in 1800. After several reconstructions the castle became the residence of Orava Museum and was opened to public.

The history of the castle is presented in organized shows and they are animated by annual events when curious beings of the past are shown and they organized meeting with craftsmen who present their craft skills. The Royal Harlequin Contest takes place to entertain the youngest visitors. Brave tourists might join night tours of the castle and enjoy accompanied attractions. The castle also hosts the Festival of Amateur Theatre Groups.
 

Wooden church in Tvrdošín

Wooden gothic roman catholic church in Tvrdošín is the oldest preserved building in Upper Orava which was built in the second half of 15th century. Today's altar is the baroque one which replaced the original gothic altar which was older and smaller, where the picture shows Jesus Crist's relatives mournings. This gothic altar was transported to the museum in Budapest (Hungary) in 1919. In original gothic altar the picture shows Jesus Crist in the middle, three Marys on his left and Joseph from Arimatia with Nikodem on his right, St. John is in the background. Two wings of this altar were preserved also and show St. Peter and John the Baptist.

The original building was constructed without any iron nail, but after several reconstructions (last reconstructions were made in 1986-1993) it is not true any more. Today's version is the reneisance modification made in 1650 - 1654, which is documented on the engraved sign over the arch of triumph from the sanctuary side.

The church was recorded as the European cultural heritage - protected national sight and received the Europa Nostra plaquette.
 

Shipping to Slanica Island of Art

The Orava Dam provides shippng  with the stop on the Slanica Island of Art.  After the villages including Slanica village were sinked below the water of Orava Dam the hill with the Slanica church remained unsinked. Museum with the exposure of folk art and the history of the sinked villages was created in the church which was originally the baroque chapel. The shipping stop is intended for the museum show.

Oravice Thermal Spa

Oravice are well known for thier natural thermal springs. It is very popular recreational resort utilizing the thermal water in the spa pools and offering wide range of relaxing services. Favourable natural conditions, clean air, quiet valley, deep forest, high mountains make the Oravice resort to be very admirable climate place.

Thermal water spring from the well 1600 metre deep and the water temperature achieves 57°C. Its contents covers calcium, magnesium, sulfur and iron. The curative influence was discovered on limb movement improvement, kidneys illnesses, urinal problems. Outdoor pools have the water of the temperature from 32°C up to  37°C and are all year round opened.
 

Meander Park Oravice

New Thermal Park was opened in Oravice in 2005 using the local thermal water. The "aquapark" provides indoor and outdoor pools with clean mineral water or with thermal original water with curable influence. All equipment are inteded for relaxing use - masages, jacuzzi , flumes, slides are available. New facility offers wide assorment of services and variable catering possibilities directly in the central building.

Museum of Orava village in "Brestová"

The museum of Orava village in Brestová is located under The West Tatra Mountains - Roháče, on the table land Brestová 3 km away from Zuberec village. It covers approximately 20 hectares and it represents the historical village - the ensemble of characteristic folk buildings from all the regions of Orava. The river Studený potok flows through the middle of the village and creates the unique atmosphere of the Orava village museum in the mountains surrounding.

The open air museum was opened for public in 1975. Most of the building were bought from the original owners, were dismantled, transported and then reassembled here in the open air museum. Some buildings were built as the copy of original historical buildings.
 

Hviezdoslav's woodsmanhouse in Slaná voda

P. O. Hviezdoslav was one of the greatest Slovak poets and he was born in Orava region.  Hviezdoslav's woodsman house is the place where he created one of his most impressive poem "Hájnikova žena" (Woodsman's wife). The museum is located among gorgeous Orava nature under the monumental mountain Babia hora.

Part of the museum is dedicated to the original woodsman house interior, next part describes the origin of the poem and next part shows the documents and history of another famous writer which was born in Orava region - Milo Urban. 
 

Mária Medvecká Galery

One of the Orava Museum exposures is located in the classicistic curia built in 19th century. The museum exposition shows 240 paintings painted by Mária Medvecká. She was one of the most important Slovak painters painting during the beginning of 20th century. She was born in Tvrdošín. The museum is opened daily except of Mondays, from 10:00 to 16:00 during the summer season (from 1st April till 30th September).

contact - phone: 043 532 2793

Orava Galery

Orava Galery resides in old aristocrat house on the Hviezdoslav square in Dolný Kubín. The building is originally the baroque building built in 17th century. The museum show the following permanent exhibitions:

- old art from 15th - 19th century
- Slovak painting art from 20th century
- traditional folk art
- exhibition of icons.

Opened daily except of Mondays from 10:00 to 17:00.

contact - phone: 043 586 3212

Fishing in Orava

Fishing in Orava region has the long lasting tradition. Famos people from Slovakia or Czech republik were fishing here. Interesting fishing rivers are especialy Oravica, Jelešňa, Orava, Studený potok. Important fishing destination is also the Orava Dam and Tvrdošín Compensating Dam.

Mushrooming in Orava

There are many places in Orava region which are famous because of their rich amount of mushrooms which are gathered here. Good climate and pure environmental condition create favourable habitat for the growth of mushrooms. There are several places known as the "mushroom paradise" especially in the area of Oravská Magura, Skorušina, Chočské vrchy. Many tourist relax during their stay by picking the mushrooms and they spend the afternoon with preparing the mushrooms for drying, for conserving or for preparing the delicatessen.

Most owners and employees of the accommodation facilities will recommend the suitable area for this activity.
 

National Park "Horná Orava"

National Park "Upper Orava" is located in the nothern part of Slovakia. The park area starts from Suchá hora village and goes through Orava Dam reaching the Babia hora  and Piľsko Mountains. The area covers about 58 000 hectares.

Nearly the half of this area is covered by forests. Forests consist of coniferous fir trees and leafy beech trees where spruce creates the most important monoculture. The exceptions are The Babia hora and Piľsko areas with the primeval spruce forest. Knee timber is wide spread over Babia hora and Piľsko mounatains.

Another exceptional phenomenon in vegetation in the National Park is the presence of many rare plants especially plant which reside in marsh and turf areas.

Fauna of the protected National Park area is represented by protected species such are the bear, the wolf, the lynx. The deer, the buck, the wild boar are more often occured. The characteristic species are the moor cock, the eagle screaming, the forest hawk, the carrion crow, the black stork which is highly protected due to his limited population compared to the white stork.