ORAVSKÁ POLHORA - The name of the village, Oravská "Halfmountain", reflects the fact its borders spread to the middle of the Babia hora, on the border with Poland. The 32nd largest village in Slovakia.

It is also one of the oldest in the Polhorský basin and is identified on a 1550 map. The village lies along an ancient merchant road. Place names Hrádok (small castle) and Brána (gate) evoke the idea that the small castle must have stood in the area in the past. Archaeological excavations have revealed pre-historic artifacts, among them a copper chisel and shards from stone age burial pots. The Polhoranka Brook as originally called the Slaná rieka or salty river, because of the salt deposits under Babia hora. Violins were once made of wood from Babia hora. Village residents known for shingle making and the production of gajdy or pipes, a traditional music instrument.

Attractions: Remains of military bunkers and trenches from Bobrov to Čadca; Polhorské tajchy - logging dams; Salt water spring at the former Slana Voda Spa. The water can help heal dermatological and gynecological problems, allergies, rheumatism, and asthma