Vlkolínec – An Authentic UNESCO Village Located in the Clouds
Located high above sea level, in the northern reaches of Slovakia, lies a tiny hint of civilization among the vast expanses of the mountain range. A place where alpine hills look more like those of Austria, with their bright green grass, and the wilderness of the Veľká Fatra, range extends as far as the eyes can see. Herein lies a town steeped in authenticity, one of many in Slovakia preserved for your enjoyment. Welcome to Vlkolínec, a UNESCO village preserving the folk heritage of the Slovak people.
Note: If you enjoyed this village, you should check out the town of Čičmany in western Slovakia.
History and Geograpgy
Please note that this article is a stub. For more information on the history and geography of the area please see my article on the nearby the nearby city of Ružomberok. It can be accessed here.
Arrival in Vlkolínec
Just south of Ružomberok, following roadway 59 into the mountains, you will find a turnoff for Vlkolínec. From here a narrow asphalt road will climb up the mountain towards a parking lot.
The village is now a living museum so after you have payed the toll, you can walk around the colourful houses.
Remember that despite this being a museum town, it is also home to real people. As such be respectful.
Exploring Vlkolínec
Once you arrive at the village, you will be able to explore the complex of forty-five building at your own pace. Every house is unique, made of wood and many are painted in bright colours.
The village is built around a central gravel road, with sub streets radiating out from it. This same main street looks out at one of the nearby peaks making for a great picture.
On the south end of this street, before the road splits in two towards the parking lot you will find an old wooden belfry dating from the 18th century.
As you can see in the gallery below the buildings very quite a bit in architecture an style. The village dates as far back as 1376, although its roots go back to the 10th century, and most the log building range from 2 to 3 rooms.
On the east side of the village, you will find the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary (Kostol Navštívenia Panny Márie) and original baroque church.
Near it you will find a wood carving of a bear. You will find plenty more of these in town.
If you make it out to the opposite side of town, to the west, you will get to see a small working farm as well as getting a better look at the towns unique terracing landscape, away from the crowed field of vision in the center of the settlement. The village lots are formed via narrow strips of fields and pastures.
The working farm has a all that you would expect from such a thing including goats and chickens.
On this side of the village you are more likely to see unpainted wooden structures.
To the south of the village, you will be blessed with the most quaint views of the settlement. The road here narrows, making it somewhat more intimate. This is reflected in its structures, that also seem to be some of the prettiest.
If you are interested both houses No. 16 and 17 were converted into folk museum. Inside, exhibits will help you gauge how people live and worked in the village over the centuries.
If you are struggling to find the structure, look for the only white painted building.
Below, I have included a few more pictures of the south end for your enjoyment.
Hiking
The village is an ideal sport to start a day hike. Mountain chapels and the Krkavá skala are popular options.
Conclusion
Vlkolínec is one of those places that a camera could never truly capture, its idyllic setting is one thing but it is a land of details where every house seems as enchanting as the last. Slovkia’s mountainous north has preserved the remnants of Slovak culture long forgotten in the urban expanses, the same land the preserved the ancient ways as they were being stripped from the people during the years of oppression and Magyarization. Enjoy an authentic taste of Slovakia!
