In Vitanova, historical landmarks meet a riverside landscape and natural destinations nearby. For planning your trip, it is worth exploring both: the town’s history and the different options around the Oravica, Oravice and the protected areas.
Local history and buildings
The settlement’s documented founding dates back to 1552. At that time, a new settlement and a Šoltýstvo were established on the cleared area known as “paszeky Vitanova”. A prominent landmark from a later period is the 1770 Column of Saint Roch. This folk stonework is in the rustic Baroque style and is designated a national cultural monument.
In the lower cemetery stands the grave cross at the grave of Vojtašák, a former local judge. It dates from 1851 and bears reliefs of Saint Martin, Saint Andrew and an unknown saint. Another example of local architecture is a surviving log house: built from massive beams, it retains its original openings and a wooden portal with a round-arched entrance.
The Roman Catholic Parish Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was solemnly opened in 1932; its altars were made by Master Dlugopolský of Trenčín. Together, the column, grave cross, log house and church offer different ways to explore local history and architectural styles.
The Vitanovská heligónka is also one of Vitanova’s major cultural and sporting events. If you would like to include it in your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance.
The Oravica and protected landscapes
The Oravica flows through Vitanova and is a tributary of the Orava. It is part of the Ramsar site “Rieka Orava a jej prítoky”. Dippers, kingfishers and otters are associated with the river. The river, protected area and wildlife offer a different focus on nature than the historic buildings in the town.
In the southern part of the cadastral area, in Tichá dolina, lies an area of Tatranský národný park with the third level of nature protection. The national nature reserve NPR Osobitá is a separate area: it lies within the part of Tatranský národný park located in Vitanova’s cadastral area; the fifth level of nature protection applies there.
Hiking and destinations near Oravice
Vitanova and its surroundings offer opportunities for hiking in nature, including trails near Oravice. Oravice is eight kilometres from Vitanova and has thermal baths open year-round. These provide different options for outings: trails in nature and thermal baths in the nearby settlement.
South of Vitanova, Juráňova dolina lies at the confluence of Bobrovecký potok and the Oravica. A walk there is considered easy and leads through a gorge with beautiful views. Its location and description help distinguish this destination from the buildings in town and the trails near Oravice.
Cycling routes and winter sports
When planning a cycling trip, note the status of the route sections: within Vitanova’s built-up area, cycle paths are planned along existing local roads towards neighbouring municipalities and the Oravice recreation area. Outside the built-up area, they continue as two-way routes along existing field tracks. The information therefore distinguishes planned paths in the built-up area from sections along existing field tracks.
Ski Vitanová has 4.25 kilometres of ski runs. Check the ski area’s current configuration before your trip. The Vitanová–Vrchdolinka chairlift is 965 metres long, climbs 243 metres and has a capacity of 2,400 people per hour. Here, too, it is advisable to check operating conditions before you arrive.
To help plan your trip, you can consider these topics separately: Vitanova’s historic buildings and the Oravica are the focus in town; hikes, thermal baths and Juráňova dolina add options in the surrounding area. Cycling routes and winter sports offer further activities that require different kinds of planning.
Discover more destinations: Oravice, Podbiel, Habovka, Trstená, Zuberec, Suchá Hora, Oravsky Biely Potok, Nižná.
For the broader travel overview: Tvrdošín.
