Technical monuments Horná Lehota (okres Dolný Kubín)

Františkova huta is located in Orava, in the Tvrdošín district. Although cadastrally it belongs to the village of Nižná, the entire building is owned by the village of Podbiel. It is the ruin of a factory hall of a former ironworks. The ironworks (huta) is among the most significant industrial revolution monuments in Orava. The fact that Juraj Jakubisko's films The Millennial Bee (Tisícročná včela) and An Ambiguous Report about the End of the World (Nejasná správa o konci sveta) were filmed here certainly adds to its attractiveness.

The establishment of Františkova huta dates back to 1836, when its construction began under the supervision of the builder, the Briton Newbuild. Permission for its construction was granted as early as 1819, 16 years after the opening of three iron ore mines in Podbiel. Construction lasted 19 years and was never finished. The ironworks was in operation until 1862, when it ceased to exist due to changing social conditions. Mines belonging to the Orava estate took care of the ore supply, delivering it from Zuberec, Habovka, Malatiná, and Juráňova dolina.

From the complex, which in its time was quite extensive, a blast furnace with an original height of approximately 12 meters has been preserved. In addition to it, visitors will also see the foundations of a hammer mill (skujňovacia huta), the remains of a water raceway, a blower chamber, and the perimeter walls of the hall made of fired brick in which the aforementioned blast furnace was located.

It is assumed that Františkova huta was among the most significant attractions of upper Orava. It featured top-tier processing at a level that competed even with ironworks abroad. It carries a message as well as a powerful story from the times of the industrial revolution, about the industrial development of the entire region, manufacture, and production. In 1963, it was declared a national cultural monument.

Every year, both tourists and locals are drawn here by the music festival Orava Alternative. It is always organized on the first weekend of August. At the end of August, a medieval and Old Slavic day takes place here, where you can come to watch demonstrations of original iron processing. The advantage of the site is mainly the fact that it is accessible via a few minutes' walk along the main road from Podbiel towards Oravský Biely Potok.

Although it is a ruin, visually it is very handsome and fits seamlessly into the beautiful surrounding environment. Children can play conquerors, knights, and princesses here, because that is exactly the impression the ironworks evokes. It is simply a majestic work that, thanks to activists and the promise of the village of Podbiel, is not falling into decay, but is maintaining at least its current form.

To be as close to Františkova huta as possible, book a stay on the pages accommodation Podbiel, accommodation Zuberec, or accommodation Nižná and set out on a trip. It is not time-consuming at all, so during your stay you will also manage to visit other attractions in Orava; Františkova huta, however, definitely belongs among those that are worth not missing out on.

Take a stroll across the relatively recently built Kolonádový most bridge in Dolný Kubín, whose history dates back to 1949, when it replaced the old, disfunctional bridge. You can thus easily walk through Dolný Kubín, whether to the town center or to the Veľký Bysterec borough. If you come with your little ones, do not forget to prepare a piece of bread to feed the ducks. Does this idea tempt you?

This 120-meter-long wooden unique structure is probably among the most famous monuments of Dolný Kubín. The unusual nature of this technical monument lies in the fact that the bridge is almost entirely made of wood. Only the foundations supporting the bridge are made of concrete. The roof of the bridge is covered with shingles.

The wooden covered colonnade bridge is built across the Orava river. You can reach the old town area, or head to the Veľký Bysterec borough, near which is Námestie SNP square with a cultural house along with a sundial. During your walk, you can buy small items thanks to the built-in small kiosks. In the immediate vicinity, there is also a market.

You certainly will not find such a bridge just anywhere! Except for France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, it is not found anywhere else in Europe. An interesting fact is also that the bridge as such was used in creating the town's logo. During the evening, the bridge is very well lit. You can use this not only for photography, but also for a romantic walk.

On regular days, approximately 4,000 people cross the bridge, which is really quite a lot. In order to fully enjoy this attraction beyond those few minutes, allow us to recommend a few more tips for attractions in Dolný Kubín and its surroundings. However, it is important to book accommodation near Kolonádový most in Dolný Kubín and go for it. It is great to search for private accommodation in Dolný Kubín or an apartment. Within the town, it is worth visiting Oravská galéria gallery as well as Literárne múzeum P. O. Hviezdoslava museum. More fit travelers will pack their hiking boots and dare to conquer Minčol peak. The itinerary is entirely up to you.