Day 17 - Orava
Orava Castle The drive to Oravský Podzámok is a bit more than an hour, but we may want to stop along the way to enjoy the views.
Orava is one of the most captivating castles I have been able to visit. Entry to the castle is included, but permission to take photos (they'll give you a sticker to wear) costs an extra $6.
A lot of the castle development seems to have gone vertically, which means it has a lot of stairs! There are 754 stairs. We will be climbing many of them, but not all at once; there will be breaks as we visit the different levels and exhibits.
There is a pleasant little coffee shop across the street from the castle entrance where we'll stop for a drink or a snack.
Wooden Articular Church Leaving Orava, we'll drive about an hour south and then east to the little town of Svätý Kríž. Just before and after the turn of the 18th century, protestant churches were not allowed to be built with stone. This is one of five remaining articular churches in Slovakia. The sanctuary inside is huge and richly painted.
Vrbické pleso This glacial lake in the Demänovská valley is surrounded by serene forest and a pleasant, mostly level path. The walk here may take us about an hour.
Penzion Drak This guest house is home to a fine restaurant with excellent food. The tables have white tablecloths, their terrace is lovely and quiet, and the service is first-rate. The menu is varied but not expansive, and I strongly recommend the grilled local trout. This is a great place to sit for a leisurely dinner, and to enjoy a hot chocolate for dessert.
