Orava logging railroad

Unique narrow gauge logging railroad used in the past for transport of timber is renovated in beautiful natural scenery of Orava Mountains.

Construction of narrow gauge logging railroads for transport of timber was booming at the turn of 20th century.

During World War I Orava Compossessorate decided to build logging railroad in foresting areas Mútne and Zákamenné.

After linking of Orava and Kysuce logging railroads an integrated transport system was created, main line of which was 60km long and with its branches it measured 110km in total.

Orava Compossessorate was nationalised after World War II and its forestry duties were taken over by Regional forestry Office in Žilina.

The section Chmúra – Beskyd – Tanečník with highest technical and historical value was declared National monument in 1972 which prevented liquidation of this unique system. Administration of preserved section at Kysuce was in 1974 taken over Kysuce Museum in Čadca. Fate of Orava section was more complicated and only after it was taken over by Orava Museum in 1986 did long and expensive process of its preservation and restoration start. Systematic reconstruction works started in 2003. Project of general renovation was drawn up later and used as a basis for application for EU funding. Extensive general repair started with the help of EU grant in 2005. It lasted three years and train with first visitors set off on 31 May 2008.