Ústie Nad Priehradou combines the shoreline landscape of the Orava Reservoir with a local history shaped by churches and chapels. If you are looking for accommodation, these different attractions may influence your choice of destination: Would you mainly like to cycle, go out on the water or explore historic buildings? Here you will find pointers to help plan your stay around your interests.
Shoreline landscape and local history
Ústie Nad Priehradou is very close to the Orava Reservoir. The shore is also part of the Lány area in Ústie; Nové Ústie was built on the shore of the reservoir. The water is therefore not only part of the landscape, but also part of the history of the settlement area.
When the Orava Reservoir was completed in 1953, five villages, including Ústie, were relocated and flooded. This change forms an important historical backdrop to the settlement on the shore. If you are interested in the landscape, you can also combine your visit with a look at the history of the settlements.
Chapels and historical traces
The original church in Ústie was also dedicated to Saint Elizabeth; it was demolished. The Chapel of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary was consecrated on 26 November 1993. That same year, work began to convert the former school, built in 1954, into premises for religious services.
The Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua stands in the cemetery of Ústie Nad Priehradou. The Kohút family had it built between 1898 and 1904. After the Orava Reservoir came into operation in 1953, the cemetery chapel served the people of Ústie as a place for religious services and liturgies until 1995. Another trace of sacred history lies along the path to the cemetery: in 2016, the Column of Saint John of Nepomuk there was registered as a cultural heritage monument.
The chapels and the column offer a different focus from the recreational activities on the water. They provide specific places to visit if you are more interested in local and church history than in a cycling trip or boat ride.
Cycling and swimming at the reservoir
For experienced cyclists, the 62.5-kilometre, blue-marked Oravsko-Liptovská cycling route starts in Námestovo. It runs along the Orava Reservoir to Ústie Nad Priehradou. Signage and riding conditions can change; check both before setting out.
Another option for experienced cyclists is a detour from Trstená to Ústie. From there, you can swim in the Orava Reservoir and then continue straight on to Tvrdošín. Check local water conditions before swimming.
A report from March 2025 mentions a stony natural beach at the end of the road along the cemetery, used by people on hot summer days. Shore conditions can vary; check them locally before going for a swim.
Boat trip on the water
A boat trip on the Orava Reservoir lasts 1.5 hours and includes a stop on Slanica Island of Art. The duration and itinerary may change. Before planning, check the latest trip details, especially if you want to fit the stop into your day's schedule.
For selected groups—including school, company and senior groups—refreshments, folk music or other attractions may be offered on trips by prior arrangement. This option is limited to groups and requires an advance agreement; it is therefore a separate planning consideration, not a general offer for every trip.
For the broader travel overview: Trstená.
