Oravská Magura - Slovakia

Extent: 176 km²

This sandstone mountain range is located in north-west part of Slovakia in districts of Námestovo, Tvrdošín and Dolný Kubín. It belongs to Central Beskydy Mountails, forming part of West Carpathian Mountain Range.

Highest peak: Minčol (1392 m).

Surface: very afforested, mostly with fir-wood and beech-wood forests, partially with pine-woods. In upper localities, there are appearing overgrowns of blueberries and meadow plants.

From climatic point of view, the area belongs to colder belt, characterictic with cold winters and hard rains.

Surrounded by the Slovakian Beskydy and theOravska Magura there is one of the most extensive towns in Slovakia, Orava - Oravska Lesna, many older people living there call it Erdútka, which is the older name of the village that comes from the name of Count Juraj Erdődy Jr., which is regarded as its founder. The uniqueness of this village are not only scattered Kopanice the surrounding hills with springsBílé Oravy, but also the fact that this community with the times, thus became in 2011 the village even year! The picturesque village situated amidst the beautiful natural scenery is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. In winter, the suitable conditions for downhill and cross country skiing, but for the rest of the Orava Lesná ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding countryside. The place will be enjoyed not only by tourists, but also lovers of mountain biking, mushroom pickers, trains or lovers who can ride on the unique historic narrow gaugeforest railroad.

Text and photo: O. Maňáková