The finest jewel in Ružomberok’s crown is the hillside hamlet of Vlkolínec. Here, the original architecture and layout of a mountain settlement of cottagers, shepherds, and woodcutters has been preserved. The log cabins, clustered along a small stream, rise on the sloping terrain beneath the peak of Sidorovo in the Veľká Fatra Mountains. The surroundings of Vlkolínec are a tapestry of orchards, terraced fields, meadows dotted with wooden hay huts, and forests. The log houses are built in the traditional Liptov style: hewn trunks of coniferous trees laid on a stone foundation. Their roofs are clad in wooden shingles, as timber was once the most readily available roofing material. Each cottage consists of three parts: an entrance room serving as the kitchen; a pantry for storing food and tools; and a room that formed the heart of the home as living quarters, a workspace, and a sleeping area for the entire family. A distinctive feature of Vlkolínec is the coloured limewash used to treat the timber-work. As early as the post-war period, people recognised the exceptional value of preserving this original architecture, and Vlkolínec was declared a folk architecture heritage reserve. In time, it became clear that this remarkable site was unique not only in Slovakia, but also on a global scale. In 1993, Vlkolínec was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, earning worldwide recognition.
In Vlkolínec, time seems to have stood still. Everything here has been preserved almost exactly as it was in the mid-20th century. What makes Vlkolínec truly unique is that this wooden hamlet is still home to a handful of permanent residents, ranging from young children to pensioners. Beyond the timeless atmosphere of the log-built village, visitors can explore exhibitions set up for those drawn to history and architecture, or set off to discover the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
