Osturna: Folk Architecture and Nature

Osturna is characterised by its elongated settlement layout and folk architecture. The buildings extend along the Osturniansky potok for up to 9 km. Osturna is probably the longest streamside village in Slovakia. The term describes a settlement extending along a stream.

Folk Architecture and Cultural Sites

The Osturňa Folk Architecture Conservation Area was designated in 1979 and includes 157 protected historic buildings. Typical Osturna farmsteads have a log house at the front, roofed with shingles, and a barn with a stable behind it. The Church of St Michael contains a historically valuable 18th-century Rococo pulpit.

The Osturnianska izba is housed in a reconstructed school building. Its collection includes traditional furniture and tools, as well as wedding accessories and typical painted ornaments. If you are planning a visit, please check the opening arrangements in advance. Residents of Osturňa still wear typical Goral folk dress today.

Protected Areas, Lakes, and Landscape

The Veľké osturnianské jazero nature reserve is home to rare plant taxa associated with aquatic habitats and transitional mires. It is also home to the endemic species Alpine newt (Triturus alpestris) and Carpathian newt (Triturus montandoni). At Malé osturnianske jazerá, the water depth does not exceed 1 m, and the water bodies are not continuous. The eastern part of the lake basin is filled with water for most of the year, while the western part is marshy in character.

Lake Jazero lies in a closed basin at an altitude of 874 m, about 2 km south of Osturna; it was formed by creeping slope deformations. Several large fir trees over 100 years old grow in the forest around the lake. Getsemanská záhrada is considered a western basin landscape in the valley of the Osturniansky potok and an area with exceptional natural and aesthetic qualities. A hill above Osturna offers a view of the Tatras. The terrain of Osturna is varied; its natural environment is considered highly valuable in terms of landscape design and biology.

Marked Hiking Trails

The marked green route connects Osturna with Ždiar via the Príslop saddle and is 11 km long; the marked yellow route connects Osturna with Magurka and is 5.5 km long. The green route is therefore twice as long as the yellow one, and they also have different destinations. The VT32 route, “From Ždiar to Osturna,” passes through Osturna and is described as a moderately difficult, 7-hour day hike with an elevation gain of 498 m. The information relevant to planning the hikes also differs: the marked trails focus on distance and destination, while VT32 also includes duration, difficulty rating, and elevation gain. Check the route details before setting out.

Culinary Tradition

Traditional dishes from Osturna consist mainly of bryndza, potatoes, and bacon.

Discover more destinations: Busovce, Majere, Spišské Hanušovce, Slovenská Ves, Stara Lesna, Zakovce, Veľká Lomnica, Vrbov.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Okres Kežmarok.