These articles were published in the Spectacular Slovakia travel guide, published annually by The Slovak Spectator since 1996. The latest editions can be obtained from our online shop.

Kysuce

By James Thomson

	Two locals at the village krčma (pub) in Vychylovka.
	Photos by James Thomson

It was established in 1974, entirely from historic buildings (most of them wooden) which were uprooted from around the region and rebuilt on the site. They include a mill, a church and, most importantly, a krčma (pub) which is still functioning. Vychylovka is fairly high up and, like all of Žilina Region, subject to changeable weather, so you may be glad of this refuge.

Folk displays, sometimes involving singing and dancing, are occasionally put on for visitors but it is best to contact the skanzen for times and details to avoid disappointment.

Also part of the museum is a switchback forest railway, the only one in Europe, on which steam trains operate during holiday periods.

North of Vychylovka, in the Oščadnica valley, is a series of ski resorts including one accorded five stars for its facilities. They all make use of the slopes of Veľká Rača (1236 metres), on the border with Poland, the highest peak in the area.

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