Explore the charm of Upper Orava’s key town blending socialist architecture with a rich religious heritage You can read this exclusive content thanks to the FALATH & PARTNERS law firm which assists American people with Slovak roots in obtaining Slovak citizenship and reconnecting them with the land of their ancestors Trstená, a key town in the Upper Orava (Horná Orava) region, offers a unique blend of socialist architecture and historical significance, particularly in its religious monuments. It is located in Northern Slovakia and this part of Slovakia you can discover with our Žilina region travel guide distinguished by its four turrets beneath the main tower Visitors can also savour a coffee within its welcoming space Beside the church lies a Franciscan monastery from the late 18th century while a reconstructed crypt beneath the church adds to its historic allure The town recently restored the Vilček Mansion The museum’s highlight is the Orava clay nativity scene crafted from clay—a material deeply rooted in Trstená’s heritage with a ceramic workshop still in operation today Mayor Magda Zmarzláková describes the nativity scene as “a unique display of European significance featuring up to 500 clay figures that fill the entire room.” Visitors are also encouraged to explore the municipal office housed in a beautifully restored historic building with a fascinating backstory Originally constructed in the nearby village of Liesek by a Belgian mining company in the early 20th century the building was part of an ambitious project to extract coal from the Orava region when the coal reserves proved less plentiful than anticipated where it now serves as the district office and a pub For those who prefer to venture beyond the city centre and immerse themselves in nature there’s now an opportunity to blend tourism with spiritual enrichment A Marian pilgrimage site has recently been established on Bubeník Hill Pilgrims gather here every mid-July to celebrate the Feast of the Scapular of the Virgin Mary The site also features an educational trail adorned with a mosaic Stations of the Cross adding an artistic dimension to the experience “It’s an ideal spot for a family day out,” says Zmarzláková Plans are underway to construct an observation tower at the hill’s summit promising panoramic views of Roháče Trstená itself offers a tranquil retreat with city parks featuring green oases where visitors can relax on benches or browse books from an outdoor library The town still operates a cinema equipped with 3D projection—a rarity in smaller towns all while enjoying the peace and quiet,” says the mayor encapsulating the charm of this small yet vibrant town A helping hand in the heart of Europe: a travel guide to Slovakia the recently renovated Roháč Hotel stands as a beacon of transformation Hotel Skalka is undergoing significant repairs and the town’s historic Jewish synagogue is set to be restored the synagogue will house a cultural and information centre “We want tourists to spend more time here,” the mayor says noting that this will benefit local hotels the village of Ústie nad Priehradou nestles along the shores of the Orava Dam—the largest reservoir in Slovakia Visitors can explore a fascinating 3D model of the dam which depicts the sections of the village that now lie submerged beneath its waters For those venturing into the wider region of Upper Orava the nearby district town of Tvrdošín offers a cultural gem: a 15th-century Gothic wooden church Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this architectural treasure provides a glimpse into Slovakia’s mediaeval past and is not to be missed For those weary of both sacred and secular landmarks in the cities of Upper Orava the recreation centre of Oravice offers a welcome retreat best known for its soothing geothermal waters the area serves as an ideal starting point for hikes into the rugged Western Tatras Oravice also caters to cycling enthusiasts with trails winding through the serene Tichá and Bobrovecká valleys the area transforms into a hub for snow sports skiers can pause in the village of Vitanová Find out more about the region of folklore, national parks and modern attractions in our Žilina Region Travel Guide the charming mountain village of Zuberec beckons visitors can explore an open-air museum that brings Orava’s traditional village life to vivid life The village also serves as a gateway to the majestic Roháč mountains home to pristine alpine lakes like Ťatliakovo Lake the Brestovská Cave awaits exploration the Orava Grove holiday resort near Breznica offers indoor and outdoor pools alongside a farm where guests can take riding lessons or simply enjoy the company of horses You can explore Upper Orava not only by car or on foot but also by bicycle A largely segregated asphalt cycle path offers a safe and enjoyable biking experience while mountain roads cater to those seeking a more adventurous ride The cycle route along the Orava River closely follows the railway line the former railway tracks have been repurposed into a new cycle path a project initiated by the local communities The path offers access to a variety of attractions and the Polish village of Chocholów known for its thermal aquapark and charming wooden houses Riders will also pass through wetlands teeming with unique flora the route is dotted with numerous cultural landmarks offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and heritage Few people are aware that iron was once mined in Upper Orava this activity gave rise to an ironworks later known as Františkova Huta the site is recognised as one of Orava’s most significant technical monuments Its main structure stands in the village of Podbiel making it a compelling destination for enthusiasts of industrial architecture Iron ore was also extracted in Juráňová Dolina Discover Northern Slovakia with our Žilina region travel guide Orava Clay Nativity Scene a unique piece with over 500 ceramic figurines in Trstená Orava Village Museum in Zuberec The Church of All Saints a wooden Gothic church in Tvrdošín Statue of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary Chapel and bell tower Mária Medvecká Gallery Bobrova Raľa and the small ethnographic museum Františkova Huta the ruins of a 19th-century ironworks near the village of Podbiel Ski resort Brezovica Ski resort Roháče - Spálená A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to our Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundred of tourist spots Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains Lost in Bratislava? Impossible with our City Guide a region in northern Slovakia (see our Žilina travel guide to discover this part of Slovakia) prepare for a journey that may take longer than your navigation app suggests The drive along the D1 highway through the Váh valley to the city of Žilina is smooth but delays begin to mount after reaching the city The road beneath Strečno is notoriously narrow and frequently congested and tightly clustered villages make for slow progress we find ourselves stuck behind a Polish lorry inching along at a frustrating 50 kilometres per hour which makes the journey to Trstená stretching to over an hour for a mere 53-kilometre drive from the turnoff near Kraľovany For many foreigners tracing their Slovak heritage, finding the burial sites of their ancestors is a deeply personal journey. To aid in this quest, we have provided maps of the districts we visited, with every cemetery carefully marked. Here you can find cemeteries in Orava Region The worst delays hit in Tvrdošín where the long-awaited bypass remains unfinished Traffic crawls—or grinds to a standstill—at two roundabouts and a bridge spanning the Orava River we arrive half an hour late for our meeting with the mayor of Trstená “Politicians in Bratislava can hardly imagine what it’s like to drive from Orava to the capital,” remarks Mayor Magda Zmarzláková ironically Once the bustling heart of the Upper Orava region the small town of Trstená has seen its prominence wane eclipsed by the neighbouring district town of Tvrdošín For many of Trstená’s 7,000 residents They argue their town holds greater significance boasting a hospital — something Tvrdošín lacks — and serving as a regional market hub Discover Northern Slovakia with our Žilina Region travel guide Slovakia's territory has been part of different monarchies throughout history including the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1867 until 1918 with the exception of the inter-war years 1939-1945 during which the Nazi-aligned Slovak state existed the territory was a part of Czechoslovakia the current names of Slovak municipalities are different than during that era Here's a list of the largest municipalities in Northern Orava Region with their historical names stated in the brackets: The full list of all Slovak municipalities, including their historical names, can be found at www.geni.sk (in Slovak only) there is little bitterness when it comes to the progress being made locally The town’s municipal office now occupies a recently restored historic building with renovations focused on energy efficiency “Our energy consumption has dropped by 70 percent,” the mayor said “We barely need heating,” she added underscored by unseasonably warm December weather with temperatures hovering around 10 °C The conversation turned to Trstená’s historical landmarks and its untapped potential for tourism The mayor’s vision includes a cycle path encircling the Orava Dam “The dam has so much unused potential Its cold water makes it unsuitable for swimming but cycling could transform it into a draw,” she said involving municipalities from Slovakia and Poland Zmarzláková explained that the cycle route could extend visitors’ stays in Orava creating new opportunities for the region’s tourism economy Slovaks could look to their Polish neighbours for inspiration when developing this cycle path “There are cycle paths through peat bogs as well built in a way that accommodates the natural movement of water in the area but the Poles manage it brilliantly,” the mayor says praising their innovative approach to integrating nature with infrastructure At the bridge over the Oravica River in Trstená the cycle path to the Polish town of Nowy Targ begins Developed collaboratively by towns and villages on both the Slovak and Polish sides of Orava as well as in the Polish region of Podhale nestled beneath the Tatras this 40-kilometre route has become a magnet for cycling enthusiasts the path is equipped with blue bike boxes and a stand stocked with tools for repairs Cyclists can take breaks in gazebos and even visit chapels along the way The mayor of Trstená envisions significant potential in attracting more cyclists she hopes to see buffets established along the route in the future A major advantage of the project was its use of an old railway line which eliminated the thorny issue of land acquisition often complicated by Slovakia’s fragmented ownership its tracks replaced by this bustling cycle path we visit the ceramics store in Trstená the master potter and owner of the ceramics business is absent The saleswoman suggests we head directly to his nearby workshop He welcomes us warmly into a cosy space heated by the active furnace his employees are carefully selecting fired ceramics from the kiln—among them large bowls glazed by Hoľma’s wife and sister-in-law with Ján Balek as the newest recruit he discovered a stronger passion for pottery but ceramics allow for more creativity,” he says the team is busy fulfilling Christmas orders “We supply local restaurants that favour traditional bowls and mugs for serving food,” explains Hoľma “Clay is an invaluable material in gastronomy Hoľma began his career in construction before turning his attention to reviving a fading ceramic workshop Determined to preserve a tradition dating back to 1870 he rented the space to continue its legacy the workshop once housed a brewery and a drying room for local mushrooms and fruit Hoľma crafts ceramics using local clay adorned with folk patterns and that’s what matters,” he says Trstená’s ceramics are sold at local markets and exported to Poland “We’re selective about which markets we attend choosing those that align with our values rather than chasing every opportunity,” he explains Hoľma is passionate about promoting ceramic craftsmanship He hosts workshops where visitors can mould their own cup A glimpse of this traditional art is also on display at the Orava Village Museum in Zuberec-Brestová offering an immersive taste of this timeless craft we make our way to the Garden Hotel & Resort Oravský Háj Arriving just ahead of the Christmas season we take in the shelves adorned with Trstená ceramics A helping hand in the heart of Europe: a travel guide to Slovakia “Our goal is self-sufficiency in meat production,” Hrbáň explains free-roaming horses catch our eye—the pride of the resort’s owner also feature prominently in the resort’s riding school “We attract both locals and horse enthusiasts,” Hrbáň adds the resort’s current owner has been steadily enhancing its offerings transforming it into a popular venue for corporate events and weddings The resort boasts cottages with apartments Jankulák acquired the neighbouring Brezovica mountain hotel with plans for a revamped restaurant and a new wellness area Future developments aim to attract adventurers and families alike unseasonably warm weather in Orava poses challenges for snowmaking at the ski resort the resort offers bike rentals and is planning a dedicated bicycle depot with a route stretching all the way to Poland,” the manager notes The vision is to transform Orava Háj into a year-round destination inspired by foreign resorts where skiing transitions to biking as the seasons change amenities include a restaurant with a children’s corner Local entrepreneurs are keen to expand accommodation options and draw more visitors from Poland calling for improved marketing across the border to tap into the region's significant growth potential it was annexed to Poland for nearly five years as part of an effort to incorporate parts of Slovak Orava it was returned to Czechoslovakia following a revision of the border The village is home not to Poles but to Gorals a highland community who identify more as Slovaks despite speaking a dialect closer to Polish Suchá Hora has a population of nearly 1,500 and several grocery stores—but notably “The pub went bankrupt because people work during the week and prefer to spend weekends with their families rather than at the bar,” says Jozef Kovalik The only guest house is a quaint wooden cottage owned by Mayor Kovalik himself there is no larger accommodation in the village “Suchá Hora is a bit farther from Oravice and other popular tourist spots in Orava so we mainly attract visitors who find Poland too expensive,” he explains the Polish village of Chocholów boasts a large water park that has been a major draw for nearly a decade The sprawling car park was crowded with buses unloading Russian-speaking tourists Alongside the water park—advertised with striking billboards—Chocholów offers beautifully restored wooden houses and ample guest accommodation Strategically located along a cross-border cycling route from Trstená to Nowy Targ the village is a popular stop for cyclists Mayor Kovalik is eager to capitalise on this with plans to convert the bike path into a cross-country skiing trail during the winter months The mayor observes that Poles tend to be more enterprising than Slovaks he recalls a time when as many as 30 grocery stores thrived in Suchá Hora largely catering to Polish customers who flocked to Slovakia in search of goods unavailable in Poland due to shortages Slovaks travel to Poland to buy nearly everything,” Kovalik notes “It’s not that we lack products but prices are much lower in Poland—everything from food to building materials and furniture.” Kovalik also admires the Poles’ proactive approach to development “They actively seek funding from European Union resources and invest it in their regions while we Slovaks seem less inclined to pursue such opportunities,” he remarks Kovalik remains optimistic about the future of the border village Having recently secured land for 250 family homes he believes the development will entice young people—particularly those working abroad or in nearby villages and towns—to settle in Suchá Hora winding route through Oravice towards Huty and the Liptov region and we noticed that the turn in Vitanová towards Oravice—a village known for its popular thermal aqua park—was poorly marked lacking the large billboards commonly seen in Poland were not yet ready for eager skiers awaiting colder temperatures a picturesque mountain resort and a key base for hikers venturing into the Roháče area of the Western Tatras Passing the warmly lit Koliba Holica near Huty we navigated winding roads as we made our way into the Liptov region Upper Orava is a fantastic destination year-round offering something special in both summer and winter you’ll need more than just a weekend A national bus company and a commercial cleaning firm have been fined after a “much loved young man” was killed at a depot in Hemel Hempstead when he was hit by a reversing bus being driven by a colleague on 5 November 2019 The 25-year-old had been working in the yard of Arriva’s Hemel Hempstead bus depot when the vehicle was reversed out of the wash down area By law, people near a route where vehicles pass must be kept safe. HSE guidance on separating pedestrians and vehicles in the workplace sets our clear steps those responsible should take In a statement read at St Albans Magistrates’ Court Albin’s sister Albina said how his death had been ‘devastating’ for their family we were left devastated and our whole world came crashing down around us,” she said “Albin would always do lots for the family he gave of himself and would always help other people where he could “He was a brother and son to be proud of.” An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Arriva failed to properly assess the risk of vehicle-pedestrian conflict and both they and Cordant Cleaning Limited subsequently known as C.L.C Realisations Limited failed to implement a suitable system of work to control this risk There were also insufficient measures in place to protect pedestrians from vehicles being moved around the depot and to ensure that walkways within the perimeter of the yard were being utilised C.L.C Realisations Limited of Wellington Street Leeds (in administration) offered no plea but was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and fined a nominal £1,000 Arriva Kent Thameside Limited of Doxford International Business Park pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and have been fined £32,000 and ordered to pay costs of £22,392 HSE inspector Roxanne Barker said: “This tragic incident led to the avoidable death of a much loved young man “There was a failure to undertake safety measures to segregate vehicles and pedestrians “They also failed to properly consider who was responsible for determining and implementing suitable measures to ensure safe working practices when contracting out some of the activities performed within a shared workplace.” All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 A gang of fraudsters who charged £2,500 to take people's driving tests on their behalf has been jailed for a total of three years headed by Belgian national Dzemail Trstena offered to take both theory and practical driving tests for provisional license holders at centres across the Home Counties and West Midlands Police say the scam allowed an unknown number of potentially "dangerous and unskilled" drivers on UK roads was caught on CCTV being turned away from more than 30 theory test centres between 2010 and 2014 when the photo ID he presented was discovered not to be his of the Met Police's Organised Crime Partnership said: "We will never know how many tests they successfully cheated but they were brazen and persistent in their repeated attempts I have no doubt that they would have kept going had we not stopped them when we did." would ferry fake candidates to test centres around the country while claiming to be their driving instructor was arrested in June 2014 while caught fraudulently sitting a theory test and Trstena were then arrested at their homes the following month after fraudulently taking practical driving tests at a centre in Kettering handed himself in to Leytonstone Police Station on the same day The group was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Friday (12 August) Searches by National Crime Agency (NCA) and Met Police officers had found the gang to be in possession of a large number of provisional licences and theory test booking documents The find led to seven provisional licence holders also being prosecuted with detectives saying their main motive for not wanting to take the tests was difficulty reading or speaking English They were given between four and eight-month prison sentences except one defendant who was handed a suspended sentence head of Counter-Fraud and Investigations at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said  : "Although instances of impersonation fraud are rare in relation to over 3m theory and practical driving tests which are taken each year and work closely with the police and NCA to bring offenders to justice "Impersonators taking tests on behalf of others allow untested and unqualified drivers onto our roads These unqualified individuals pose a real risk to other road users and pedestrians as they have never been tested to ensure that they meet the minimum standards for driving and are unsafe." "This sentence sends out a clear message that those who put road users and the public at risk by cheating the driving test process The company Panasonic expands the production of parts for Daimler and BMW in northern Slovakia The Slovak plant of the Japanese company Panasonic has expanded the production of parts for automotive industry in the town of Trstená in the northern-Slovak region of Orava The investment will exceed €30 million and the Trstená town-hall is already preparing flats for new workers the website of the Trend economic weekly wrote on November 9 The electro-technical plant of Panasonic plans to build a new production hall on an area of 9,000 square metres the company revealed in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) “These are only plans for now,” CEO of Panasonic Industrial Devices Slovakia Stanislav Vojtas told Etrend.sk The production shall be directed mostly to Daimler and BMW car plants The systems of battery control and voltage changers for electro-mobiles will be made there After the full production is launched and added to the current production capacity of €216 million the plant will rank among the top three electro-technical producers in Slovakia a three-shift operation is proposed which will gradually aquire 450 employees; of that 450 while others will be shifted from current production which is now completely automatic Panasonic Industrial Devices Slovakia currently employs more than in 1,000 people at its Trstená and more than 600 in Stará Ľubovňa This is positive news that will help the whole region and its development town mayor Magdaléna Zmarzláková said adding that the city council already plans to create 35 new flats for necessary accommodation.