The Orava Magura

Sometimes it comes the need to hike in the mountains we do not know, to visit a place largely untravelled... and then be able to boast about our new discovery. That is why we came up with the idea to visit the Orava Magura. Actually it was the second attempt to visit these mountains - this time completely successful :)

The Orava Magura is a mountain range in northern central Slovakia in the Orava region. It is a part of the Western Beskids – a group of mountain ranges in Poland, Slovakia and Czech Republic. The ridges are mild and forested. From time to time hiking trails cross some clearings. The range is not popular among tourists mainly because there are not many marked trails and there is only one shelter. But those who seek for tranquillity will find it exactly here. The Orava Magura is good for day-trips or hiking with a tent.

The highest peak is Minčol (1394 meters) – together with Kubínska hoľa (1346 meters) are a central part of the Orava Magura. On the slopes of Kubínska hoľa you will find the only shelter in the mountains called Chata Kubínska hoľa. You can reach Minčol from Dolny Kubin, Zazriva or Oravský Podzámok. The southern slopes of Minčol and Kubínska hoľa are a ski resort (http://www.kubinska.sk/en)

The eastern part of the mountains with Magurka peak (1107 meters) is quite often visited because of the neighbourhood of the Orava Reservoir (popular tourist attraction). You can reach Magurka from Namestovo, Slanicka Osada (Orava Reservoir) and Trstena. From Slanicka Osada leads a narrow, asphalt road - perfect for cycling trips (good fitness required). 

The least popular part of the Magura Orava is of the northern one with the highest peak - Paráč (1325 meters). It is totally forested – trees are so precious that on the highest part of the mountain a natural reserve was created. Starting point for the trips to Paráč is Zazriva.

Tourist map - here.

Mountain ranges in the neighbourhood: Skorušinské vrchy, the Choč Mountains, Malá Fatra (Little Fatra.