Oravská lesná železnica
The preserved narrow-gauge switchback forest railway from the valley station Tanečník to Sedlo Beskyd, with a sightseeing ride and an exhibition.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Orava Forest Railway was built in 1918 on the forest lands of the Orava Co-Owners' Association (Oravský komposesorát), which set it up to transport timber from the forest to buyers. The original line ran from Lokca to Oravská Lesná and had no direct connection with another railway, which caused problems with sales. The co-owners therefore commissioned several variants, and the most suitable proved to be a link with the Kysuce narrow-gauge railway.
The main obstacle was Sedlo Beskyd, at 935 metres, which forms the border between Orava and Kysuce. To avoid expensive viaducts and tunnels, a switchback system was chosen in 1925, in which the train changes direction in order to overcome the steep climb. This system has been preserved since 1926 and is one of the technically and historically exceptionally valuable works.
Today the railway is managed by the Oravské múzeum P. O. Hviezdoslava (Orava Museum of P. O. Hviezdoslav) and is one of Orava's favourite tourist attractions. Trains depart from the valley station Tanečník near Oravská Lesná to Sedlo Beskyd station. At Tanečník station there is a depot, a ticket sales point, an exhibition on life on the forest railway, a children's playground and an aviary with peacocks; a nature trail runs alongside the line.
Highlights
- One of the few preserved narrow-gauge switchback forest railways
- Sightseeing ride from Tanečník to Sedlo Beskyd (935 m above sea level)
- Steam locomotive during selected events
- Exhibition on life on the forest railway at Tanečník station
- Nature trail along the line and a viewing tower at Sedlo Beskyd station
Permanent exhibition
- Expozícia o živote lesnej dráhy – At Tanečník station an exhibition documents the history and operation of the forest railway.
- Operated by
- Oravské múzeum P. O. Hviezdoslava
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50children under 15 in an organised group, pupils and students up to 26, pensioners over 60, persons with a ZŤP card |
| Children & teens | €3.50free up to age 6 · Return ride by motor train or draisine: a child under 15 in an organised group €3.50 (one-way €3); a child under 6 travelling with a parent rides free without a seat entitlement; at events €1. |
| Seniors | €3.50Pensioners over 60: return ride €3.50, one-way €3. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3.50companion free · A person with ZŤP pays half the full price; the escort of a person with a ZŤP-S card rides free with a seat entitlement. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.50Pupils and students up to 26 years: return ride €3.50, one-way €3. |
| Groups | –Every 16th paying person in an organised group rides free. |
| Families | €17.50The family ticket (2 adults and 1 or more children) applies only to return rides: motor train or draisine €17.50, steam locomotive €25. |
| Motor train, draisine – adult, one-way ride | €6 |
| Steam locomotive – adult, return ride | €10Only during selected events; one-way €9. |
| Dog, pram, bicycle | €2.50A dog must wear a muzzle and be on a lead. |
| Parking – car | €2For 3 hours. |
| Parking – bus | €10For 3 hours. |
The prices stated apply to a return ride by motor train or draisine. For the steam locomotive an adult pays €10 (one-way €9), and a child, pupil, student, pensioner or person with ZŤP pays €5 (one-way €4.50). Discounts apply on presentation of a health insurance card, passport, identity card, ISIC or ZŤP card. Extraordinary rides outside the timetable must be booked in advance (draisine €200, diesel locomotive €500, steam locomotive €1,300; not in July and August).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Holders of a ZŤP card receive a 50% discount on the fare; the escort of a person with a ZŤP-S card rides free.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 70 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
| Family ticket | €17.50 · The family ticket (2 adults and 1 or more children) applies only to return rides: motor train or draisine €17.50, steam locomotive €25. |
- Stroller-friendly
- Playground / play area
At Tanečník station there is a children's playground and an aviary with peacocks. Children up to 6 travelling with a parent ride free; a pram may be taken on the train for €2.50.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Parking at Tanečník station: car €2 for 3 hours, bus €10 for 3 hours.
The valley station Tanečník lies near the village of Oravská Lesná and is connected to it by an asphalt road about 6 km long.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Souvenirs are sold at Tanečník station. The area around has weak mobile reception because of the difficult terrain.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Photography | A wedding photo shoot on the grounds costs €100. |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The 3 km route to Sedlo Beskyd takes about 15–20 minutes; there is a break at the station with the option to climb the viewing tower, and the whole ride takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. Tickets are sold at the ticket office on the grounds or online; telephone reservations are possible only for groups of more than 15 people. With fewer passengers a motor draisine with 11 seats runs; with more passengers, open or covered carriages. Dogs with a muzzle and lead may be taken on the train. |
