The coldest village in Slovakia Oravska Lesna is located in a typical region of Upper Orava and forms the border between Kysuce, Orava and Poland. It is bordered by Mountains of Oravska Magura and Oravske Beskydy. The total village area is 65.63 km2 and is created by settlements scattered around and distant from centre by several hours by walking. It has been legally founded since July 23, 1731, when Count Juraj Erdödy jr., the director of the Orava Compossessorate, decided to found it. Its original name Erdútka was changed in 1946 to its present name Oravska Lesna. The village dominates the St. Anna church built in an unique Art Nouveau style. The Historical Orava Logging Switchback Railway or the biggest private observatory in Slovakia are worth to be visited. The natural conditions have created a suitable area for winter sports in the ski resort, skating and hockey on ice rink, which is already equipped with an artifi cial cooling. In summer season there are opportunities for bikers, hikers and dogtrekking using the Forest Nature Trail and various hiking trails. The wealth of the village rests also in many cultural and social events, some of which are also of multinational feature. The most important events include the Lesnanska Heligonka (accordion). In 2011 the village was awarded the title Village of the Year.
