Korňa, Žilina District, Slovakia
Korňa is a small municipality located near the Czech border, characterized by its surrounding mountainous landscape, large forest areas, and protected natural environments. Besides the eponymous village situated in the valley, there are scattered settlements on the surrounding hills, consisting of around 80 small building complexes, individual houses, or farmsteads. As a result, the municipality must maintain a road network that spans almost 70 kilometers. A significant factor in this context is the architectural heritage: while the traditional wooden architecture typical of the region is hardly found in the village center, it still characterizes the buildings in the scattered settlements.
The village‘s peripheral natural environment, though valuable, along with the lack of jobs, has led to emigration and an aging population. However, in 2018, the municipality initiated a comprehensive village renewal process to reverse this trend. A team of dedicated individuals, together with the young mayor and experts, began developing a new strategy to significantly increase Korňa‘s attractiveness, particularly for young people, young adults, and families. Numerous clubs and some companies are essential pillars in the implementation of the projects developed based on this strategy. The renewal process also aimed to a large extent at strengthening the village community, preserving identity-forming traditions, and ensuring local services. Although the development process is still relatively young, the first successes toward a sustainable turnaround have already been achieved. Local supply has been secured, and the number of jobs is increasing dynamically, especially since great attention has been paid to expanding the tourist offerings, which has significantly improved the quality of life in the municipality, not only for visitors but also for residents.
The location of the municipality of Korňa, with its picturesque natural surroundings, and the traditions based on them provide a solid foundation for the development of tourism as an economic pillar. Consequently, a significant focus has been placed on initiatives in this area. In recent years, a series of measures have successfully increased the municipality‘s tourist appeal and expanded the target audience by broadening the range of tourism offerings. Whether pilgrims, hiking enthusiasts, cyclists, or horseback riders, all these visitors to Korňa now find what they are looking for. The development processes are characterized by close and well-coordinated collaboration between various local players from the economy, politics, and administration, involving both communal and individual initiatives.
Korňa is home to the “Mariánske pútnické miesto Živčáková“, one of the most famous pilgrimage churches in Slovakia, visited by around 5,000 believers annually. To offer more to the pilgrims, a new pilgrim hut was built, which quickly became a tourist destination frequented not only by those on a pilgrimage.
The municipality also aims to attract visitors from near and far by preserving and maintaining traditions. The spaces and places created for this purpose are not only intended as tourist attractions but also serve the locals as centers to cultivate community. An example of this is the open-air museum right next to the sports field, whose structure and facade reflect the architectural heritage. Another good example is the “Linden Square“ (Lipaplatz) designed on the edge of the forest – a multifunctional community square around three linden trees, which are also featured on the municipal coat of arms and serve as an important point of identification for the village. The square also serves as a center for local beekeepers, offering traditional wooden huts (Linden houses) that house beehives and beekeeping equipment, along with informative displays about bees and beekeeping.
In addition to utilizing funding, the municipality also collaborates with businesses. A good example of this is the Panoráma Ranč hotel project – a mountain lodge in the Beskydy Mountains, operated by a Canadian returnee and appreciated by tourists, particularly for its outstanding panoramic views. In addition to expanding accommodation capacity, hiking and cycling trails have been developed, and the marketing of regional culinary products such as sheep cheese, honey, and baked goods has been professionalized. This broadens the economic base and secures or creates new jobs. The municipality of Korňa is a good example of how increasing tourist attractiveness and preserving village identity do not have to contradict each other but can even go hand in hand.
Evaluated: 2024
