Traveling in Orawa [#01] - not Podhale, but Górale

There are few regions in Poland to which composers have dedicated their works, even honouring them in their names. Such an honour has been bestowed upon Orawa. This historical land, located on the border of the Nowotarsko-Orawska Basin and the Żywiec Beskids, was commemorated in the musical poem of Wojciech Kilar. The work captured the character of the region so profoundly that after its performance, the highlanders of Orawa crowned the composer with a traditional mountain hat. For the piece truly conveys the spirit of Orawa. And what is this spirit like? To find out, one must visit Orawa.

The route is simple – just like to Zakopane, via the famous Zakopianka road. One only needs to turn off at the right moment, and then they can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings in all its diversity. Here, there are mountains with the mighty and capricious Babia Góra, known to be quite temperamental. From its summit, one can see the Slovakian sea, which is Orawskie Lake, the largest artificial water reservoir of our southern neighbours. There are gentle hills inviting peaceful walks and numerous cycling paths. For architecture enthusiasts, there are many examples of regional building styles. One can best appreciate this by visiting the open-air museum in Zubrzyca Górna. Orawka, with its historic wooden church and nearby cloth dyeing facility, will not disappoint either, nor will Jabłonka, where individual wooden cottages with "wyżki" have survived to this day. And what are wyżki? That's something you will have to check for yourself by visiting Orawa.

Author of the photos and text - Bogusława Bandyk