Discover Rabčice: Holiday apartment amid nature and Goral culture

Rabčice lies within the Horná Orava Protected Landscape Area, in Zone D with the second level of protection. As part of the Natura 2000 network, the cadastral area also belongs to the Horná Orava Special Protection Area, which is important for international bird conservation. Protected landscapes, local history and living traditions thus come together in Rabčice.

Nature

The specially protected areas include the peat bogs in the Rabčické bory locality. They belong to Zone B with the fourth level of protection. Another natural monument stands in the Rabčice cemetery: The broad-leaved lime tree is around 350 years old, 27 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 680 centimetres and a crown width of 18 metres. It has been protected since 1974.

There is also a protected tree at the entrance to Rabčice. A wych elm grows there by house or cottage no. 422 and is estimated to be 250 years old. It reaches a height of 35 metres, has a trunk circumference of 455 centimetres and a crown width of 20 metres. This tree has also been protected since 1974.

Culture and history

The settlement history of Rabčice dates back to before 1612. In that year, Juraj Turzo recognised Jakub Ramža’s achievements and hardships in founding the municipality. The history of the village is closely connected with preserving Goral culture.

The Rabčičanka folklore group was founded in 1973 to revive the customs of Rabčice and Goral songs. The Kašunka children’s folklore ensemble was established in 1982. The children were taught the declining Goral idiom word by word. The two foundations thus represent different ways in which local traditions are passed on.

Winter and cycling

In 2007, Rabčice established the tradition of the Gorálová bežka cross-country ski tour. The event is organised during the winter months of January or February, depending on the weather. The Gorálová bežka route was around 20 kilometres long and led through the cadastral area of Rabčice.

There is also a specific connection to cycling: a 4.2-kilometre section of a cross-border cycling route was built in Rabčice. The cycling route runs along existing roads and through woodland and grassland areas. A tourist and cycling map is available for the routes and the village.

Culinary experiences

At Salaš u Štefana, visitors can make their own Oštiepok cheese. The salaš is located at the upper end of Rabčice, four kilometres from the village entrance.

Visitors can also bake Moskôľ together with the hosts and prepare it with cracklings, bryndza or blueberry jam.

Further destinations

More village pages: Mútne, Sihelne, Novot, Oravská Polhora, Oravské Veselé, Námestovo, Oravská Lesná, Bobrov.

To the overarching travel overview: Námestovo District.