Orava

Orava is a region located on the north of the country, the northest point of Slovakia is village called Oravská Polhora. Area of Orava is 1661 km² and it is divided into two parts: Dolná Orava (with Dolný Kubín as a centre) and Horná Orava (the centers are Námestovo and Tvrdošín).

Orava is surrounded by a border from the north and the east, by the mountain Západné Tatry (West Tatras) from the south-west, and by the mountain Chočské vrchy from the south. It is one of the most favorite tourist areas in Slovakia. The most interesting sights are: Oravský hrad (Orava Castle) and Oravská priehrada (Orava reservoir).

Orava reservoir

Orava reservoir (Oravská priehrada) with its 35.2 km², is the biggest lake in Slovakia. It was constructed between 1941 and 1953. A few villages, mostly former villages, were inundated when Orava was build. The best known village was Slanica, where a famous Slovak intellectual Anton Bernolák was born.

More and more tourists are attracted to this lake every year. The most famous resort is a village – Slanická, which offers many possibilities for water sports such as diving, boating, water skiing, water biking, windsurfing, sailing or sightseeing boat trips.

Orava Castle

Orava Castle (Oravský hrad) is situated on high rock, 520 meters, just next to the river Orava. It is considered to be one of the most interesting castles in Slovakia. It was built in the 13th century. The first written mention about the castle is from 1267, when the castle was taken over by the king Belo IV. from Miko Balaš, castle became a royal property.

Nowadays the castle consists of three separate parts – the upper, middle and bottom. This unusual solution was forced by the shape of the rock, on which the castle is located. Castle is easily accessible by car, bus or train from Ružomberok. The building is in a very good condition. To reach the top of the rock there are nearly 300 stairs to climb. During the high season you can find a variety of cultural events there.

Ski Resorts

Orava is also famous for lot of ski opportunities. Skiing is an inseparable part of Orava during the winter months. Skiers have a lot of different opportunities to choose an appropriate ski lift, resort or hill. Those who are attracted to more cross-country skiing can choose a cross-country track in Dolný Kubín.

Orava Snow – Oravská Lesná

This winter resort lies in the coldest valley of Slovakia – Oravská Lesná. Despite of this fact it is one of the fastest growing Slovak ski resorts. Visiting Orava Snow is great chance to experience the beauties of Oravian nature.

Ski Park – Kubínska hoľa

One of the most popular ski resorts in Slovakia is Kubínska hoľa, which is located close to Dolný Kubín. Excellent ski slopes are surrounded by beautiful countryside, by the mountains Oravská Magura, Tatry (Tatras), Malá and Veľká Fatra (Small and Big Fatra). Resort has 8 ski lifts with a carrying capacity of 7, 000 passengers per hour. The total length of the ski slopes is 13 km.

Meander Skipark – Oravice

Slopes in Oravice are perfectly prepared for hundreds of skiers. After a long day in the nature you can enjoy relaxing such as hot water in more swimming pools. Meander Skipark area is located only 15 km from Polish boarder (Suchá Hora) and 110 km from Krakow.

Ski Resort Zverovka–Spálená

Zverovka–Spálená provides optimal conditions for all categories of skiers and snowboarders. Beginners or children are satisfied, but also big fans of winter sports demanding long and interesting slopes find there everything what they need.