Cycling in Orava: The Most Beautiful Routes You Must Explore This Summer

Orava is one of those regions where every cycling enthusiast will find something to enjoy. Whether you are looking for an easy family ride, breathtaking mountain panoramas, historical landmarks or a full-day challenge with plenty of kilometres, cycling in Orava has something for everyone.

Choosing just a handful of routes was no easy task. The surroundings of Dolný Kubín and the entire Orava region offer dozens of kilometres of marked cycling trails, forest roads and mountain loops. We have therefore selected a few recommendations that showcase the diversity of the region – from relaxing family rides to routes that will challenge even experienced cyclists.

Cycling around Kubínska Hoľa: Spectacular Views Without the Hard Climb

If we had to recommend just one place that every cycling enthusiast visiting Orava should experience, it would undoubtedly be Kubínska Hoľa.

You can either take the cable car to the top together with your bicycle or cycle uphill under your own power. Either way, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Malá Fatra Mountains, Chočské vrchy, the Roháče Mountains and the Western Tatras.

Three marked cycling routes start directly from the summit, all beginning near the Vrcholovka mountain refreshment hut. The longest route is approximately 23 kilometres long and leads through Príslop Saddle and Pikula all the way to Mačkovo. Families with children will appreciate the blue route, which is around 3 kilometres long and takes you past the mountain chalet on Kubínska Hoľa to the small lake near the Srdiečkovo children’s park.

A great advantage is that if you do not have your own bicycle, you can rent mountain bikes, e-bikes and all the necessary equipment at the Najšport bike rental and sports shop located directly in the resort.

During your ride, you can enjoy lunch at the Srdcovka Restaurant or stop for coffee and homemade cake with panoramic views at the Vrcholovka refreshment hut.

Route length: 3–23 km

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Suitable for: Families, recreational cyclists, e-bike riders and experienced cyclists

Cycling to Orava Castle and the Wooden Church in Leštiny

This is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Orava, connecting two of the region’s most important historical landmarks. The circular route starts in Dolný Kubín and continues through Kňažia and Racibor to Oravský Podzámok before returning via Pribiš, Pokryváč and Leštiny.

Your first interesting stop comes in Racibor, where you will find a restaurant and a small animal enclosure featuring llamas, making it an especially enjoyable stop for families with children.

In Oravský Podzámok, you can visit the magnificent Orava Castle or take a break in one of the local restaurants. The route then climbs towards the Dielce saddle before descending pleasantly into Leštiny, home to the remarkable wooden Articular Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This route perfectly demonstrates that cycling in Orava is not only about sport but also about discovering the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Route: Dolný Kubín – Kňažia – Racibor – Oravský Podzámok – Pribiš – Pokryváč – Leštiny – Dolný Kubín

Length: 35 km

Elevation gain: Approximately 500 m

Surface: Asphalt and gravel

Suitable for: Mountain bikes and e-bikes

From Dolný Kubín to Lúčky: A Ride for Relaxation and Wellness

Not every cycling route has to end at the top of a mountain. If you enjoy combining physical activity with relaxation, the ride from Dolný Kubín to the spa village of Lúčky is an excellent choice.

The route follows mainly asphalt roads and offers a pleasant ride through the beautiful countryside on the border between the Orava and Liptov regions. Once in Lúčky, we recommend visiting the famous Lúčky Waterfall.

More ambitious cyclists can continue via Liptovská Teplá and Bešeňová towards the Liptovská Mara reservoir.

This route shows that cycling in Orava is not only about mountain climbs but also about relaxing rides combined with wellness and beautiful scenery.

Length: Approximately 25 km

Surface: Mostly asphalt

Difficulty: Easy

Suitable for: Road bikes, trekking bikes and e-bikes

From Orava to Poland: The Trstená – Nowy Targ Cycling Route

If you are looking for a full-day cycling adventure, head for the international cycling route connecting Orava with the Polish town of Nowy Targ.

The route starts in Trstená, passes through Suchá Hora and, after crossing the border, joins Poland’s excellent cycling infrastructure leading towards Nowy Targ. Its greatest advantages are the safe route, high-quality surface and stunning views of the Tatra Mountains.

Along the way, you will cycle through the Podhale region, one of Poland’s most popular cycling destinations. Many cyclists plan this as a full-day excursion combined with lunch in a local restaurant, a visit to a café or a stroll through the historic centre of Nowy Targ.

The combination of Slovakia and Poland makes this one of the most interesting cycling trips in the Orava region.

Route: Trstená – Suchá Hora – Podczerwone – Czarny Dunajec – Nowy Targ

Length: Approximately 35 km (one way)

Surface: Asphalt cycle path and quality roads

Difficulty: Moderate

Suitable for: Trekking bikes, road bikes and e-bikes

Which Route Will You Choose?

Cycling in Orava offers incredible diversity. You can explore historical landmarks, admire mountain panoramas from Kubínska Hoľa or even cross the border into Poland.

Whichever route you choose, one thing is certain – Orava is one of Slovakia’s most beautiful cycling regions, and every kilometre will show you why cyclists return here time and time again.

• Kubínska
• 1. July 2026