A ride where 1200 meters feel like a Tour de France. Cycling around the Orava Dam brings views, beer breaks, and station ghosts.
Ghosts at the station and a start blessed by fate
Sunday, May 25th, 8:50 AM. Trstená train station. Silent, deserted. No trains today – maintenance on the tracks. Luckily for us (and for the local railwaymen), our arrival is a small local event. We unload Panda, Kontesa, and Bianca from the bike rack, pack almost everything needed for a full day on the road, and get a heartfelt tip from the locals: “Take the bike path to Targ!”
Sounds great. But not today. At 9:15 we start pedaling towards the Orava Reservoar. And yes, start means 1200 meters in – we’re already stopping.
“Guys, could you maybe mention that I’m not wearing a helmet?”
Tour de Trstená: when 6 kilometers equals zero progress
Quick GPS check – 1.2 km. Decision made: “Suzy, Vladko, go ahead. I’ll grab the helmet from the car. I’ll catch up at the dam.”
Spoiler: plot twist. I forgot the entire saddle bag too. So… another U-turn. Same spot. Same uphill stretch. I’m starting to feel like I’m riding the Champs-Élysées. Final GPS count says 6 km, but I’m still just 1200 meters from where we began.
Eventually, I break free of Trstená’s spell and race up to the “Trstená – end” sign, chasing Suzy and Vladko. I hand over the helmet and hear the most sincere gratitude:
“Maroš, did I ever thank you for the helmet?”
“Yes, Suzy. When I finally reached the dam, you said: ‘Where the hell have you been?! We’ve been waiting for 20 minutes!’”
Námestovo without coffee, Klin with a view like Rio
From there, we continue through a forest trail – not exactly scenic, but full of lighthearted moments. In Námestovo, we’re hoping for a well-deserved break. Sunday, late morning. Sunny. But… nothing’s open. No beer, no coffee.
Plan B. We leave town and head north, scenic route style, with views of Babia Góra. Next stop: Klin. From there, a short but lovely climb leads us to our main target – the massive Statue of Christ, also known as Rio de Klin.
The top of Grapa Hill offers fantastic views of the reservoir – and an open snack bar. Victory beer in hand, we soak it all in. Photos, photos, and more photos – from every possible angle.
The poland border, a plan B, and Marysina polana
After our Rio moment, we descend back to Klin and continue on the main road through Zubrohlava and Bobrov toward Poland. The plan was to visit the viewpoint above Hladovka. But time says otherwise.
Then, just across the border – a stone statue of a woman holding a sign:
“Marysina polana – wieża widokowa”. A gravel path leads the way.
Plan B locked in. It’s perfect. Quiet, scenic, unexpected. Everything a detour should be.
Return via Jablonka, Liesek, and a final beer with a frog
From Marysina Polana we hit the main road back to Jablonka, then Chyżne, and re-enter Slovakia. We reconnect with the cycling route to Liesek. A moment to take in the panorama of the Western Tatras at a little chapel above the village. Then a short test ride on the recommended Trstená–Targ cycle path.
And finally – a last refreshment stop at Žaba (The Frog). The end mirrors the beginning: a chat with a local “promoter.”
“Go Trstená–Targ! And I’ve got a place you can stay, too.”
Final thoughts: Orava, a place that doesn’t change — and that’s why we’ll be back
Cycling around the Orava Dam isn’t about the distance. It’s about what happens in between. The people, the views, the surprises. Sometimes, the road you didn’t plan is the one worth taking. Especially if a stone woman tells you to.
Tips for Cyclists: Orava Dam by Bike
- Trstená train station is a great starting point – no trains, but easy parking and warm welcomes from locals.
- Helmet and saddle bag check – seriously, double-check your gear. 1200 meters can feel longer than 60 kilometers.
- Námestovo is scenic but Sunday-silent – no food or drinks, so plan accordingly.
- Rio de Klin is a must-stop – short climb, killer views, and cold beer at the top.
- Marysina polana is the detour of dreams – scenic, quiet, gravel access, no crowds.
- Return via Liesek for stunning views of the Western Tatras – your soul will thank you.
- Wrap up at Žaba in Trstená – local beer, local stories, and possibly your next trip planned by a stranger.
