A village located near the northernmost point of Slovakia has unveiled a new attraction showcasing the magical and remarkable world of peatlands.
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The educational trail, named Polhorská píla, leads through a protected area beneath the Babia hora peak in the Orava region. It measures 200 metres in length, with an additional 80-metre above-ground walkway passing directly through the wetland.
“The Polhorská píla peatland is easily accessible,” said Michal Strnál, mayor of Oravská Polhora, as quoted by the regional weekly MY Orava. “The project also includes a paved area for car and bus parking.”
Oversized animals as guides
The trail’s main attractions are five oversized animals – a frog, salamander, dragonfly, viper and caterpillar – species native to the peatland ecosystem. The project team selected them to help present the life of the wetlands in a playful way. The sculptures were made by Polish artist Tomasz Wagner.
“They are made from the same material used in boat production and painted using automotive paint, which should ensure durability,” Strnál said, as quoted by MY Orava. He added that the aim is to capture children’s attention and inspire them to learn more about the peatland environment.
Several other educational trails already exist in the village, each highlighting ecological themes. The latest project, prepared by the civic association Čarokraj, the municipality and the Horná Orava Protected Landscape Area administration, cost €65,000.
