Ústie Nad Priehradou: Local History by the Orava Reservoir

Ústie Nad Priehradou combines local history shaped by the Orava Reservoir with activities on the water and by bike. The village is close to the reservoir; New Ústie was built on the shore of the reservoir. When choosing a hotel, it may help to decide in advance what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to explore churches and local history, or plan for cycling and time by the water?

Local History by the Reservoir

When the Orava Reservoir was completed in 1953, five villages, including Ústie, were relocated and flooded. The history of the village and the lakeside landscape are therefore closely connected: the reservoir is not just a geographical landmark, but is also linked to the relocation and flooding of the former village.

The original church in Ústie was also dedicated to Saint Elizabeth and was demolished. The Chapel of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary was consecrated on November 26, 1993. Both the religious history of the village and the changes brought about by the reservoir are among the topics you can discover during a stay in Ústie.

Chapels and Monuments

The Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua in the cemetery was built by the Kohútovci family between 1898 and 1904. After the Orava Reservoir began operating in 1953, it served the residents of Ústie for worship and liturgies until 1995. Its construction and later use thus mark two distinct periods in the history of this place of worship.

The Column of Saint John of Nepomuk also stands on the road to the cemetery. It was designated a cultural heritage monument in 2016.

Shoreline and Cycling Routes

The shoreline of the Orava Reservoir is also part of the Lány area in Ústie. For cyclists, the 62.5-kilometre blue-marked Oravsko-Liptovská cycling route runs from Námestovo along the reservoir to Ústie. It is intended for experienced cyclists. As riding conditions and signage may change, check local information before setting out.

Experienced cyclists can also take a detour to Ústie from Trstená, swim in the Orava Reservoir, and then continue directly to Tvrdošín. This option combines a bike ride with a swimming break. Check local water and access conditions before swimming.

Boat Trips

A sightseeing cruise on the Orava Reservoir lasts 1.5 hours and includes a stop at Slanica Island of Art. As the duration and itinerary may change, check the latest trip information in advance before adding the cruise to your day’s plans.

For selected groups, such as school, company, and senior groups, refreshments, folk music, or other attractions may be available by prior arrangement. These options must be arranged in advance.

A report from March 2025 describes people using a rocky natural beach at the end of the road along the cemetery on hot summer days. Seasonal use and shoreline conditions may vary; if you plan to swim there, check local water and access conditions.

For the broader travel overview: Trstená.