Babia hora
Babia hora is also nicknamed the queen of the Beskids. It is the highest peak of the Oravské Beskydy mountain range. It is located in the cadastral area of the village of Oravská Polhora, approximately 18 kilometers from Námestovo. Pope John Paul II also fell in love with climbing it, and you can find his commemorative plaque at the summit of Babia hora. He climbed Babia hora several times, back when he was still the Archbishop of Krakow. This moderately demanding hike will surely enchant you as well.
Babia hora stands at an altitude of 1,725 meters above sea level and you will reach its summit in approximately 3.5 hours. The elevation gain you will overcome is around 900 meters. An interesting fact is that it lies on the border with Poland. Therefore, you may also meet Polish tourists here who call it Babia Góra. However, the route from the Polish side is steeper and more demanding.
You can reach Babia hora along the hiking trail from Oravská Polhora starting at the Slaná voda locality. What was once a spa is now a starting point for hikers. At the same time, you will find a cottage with a restaurant and a parking lot here. The hiking path continues through Hviezdoslavova alej and proceeds to Hviezdoslavova horáreň, also called Hájovňa pod Babou horou. This is where the poet P. O. Hviezdoslav once created and drew inspiration. Slovakia's first literary museum dedicated to a writer is located here. The Hájnikova žena exposition is managed by the Oravské múzeum, and in addition to it, we can also find the memorial house of the writer Milo Urban here.
On the route to Babia hora, you will find several viewpoints, resting places, wooden shelters, and lookout towers. Be sure not to miss the Štaviny lookout tower. From it, you will enjoy views in all directions. You can see, for example, Kubínska hoľa as well.
Babia hora is truly set in exceptional nature. Forests alternate with primeval forest, dwarf pine, and alpine meadows. The educational trail is enriched with boards about Orava flora and fauna. You can learn that the Chránená krajinná oblasť Horná Orava (Horná Orava Protected Landscape Area) is a habitat for the brown bear and the rare bird species, the western capercaillie.
The Oravské Beskydy mountains are tailor-made for hikers. If you decide to spend your holiday here and explore other hiking spots, you are in the right place. On our portal, we offer accommodation in Oravské Beskydy and accommodation near Babia hora. Visit other interesting attractions in Orava as well and turn your stay into an active holiday.
