Osturňa

Osturňa (Osztornya, Asthorn, Остурня) is a village and municipality in Kežmarok District in the Prešov Region of north Slovakia. The village was traditionally inhabited by Greek Catholic Rusyns and Gorals, as one of their westernmost settlements (together with Malá Franková and Veľká Franková).

Geography
The municipality lies at an altitude of 717 meters and covers an area of 41.237 km². It has a population of about 329 full-time residents.

History
In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1593. Before the establishment of independent Czechoslovakia in 1918, Osturňa was part of Szepes County within the Kingdom of Hungary. From 1939 to 1945, it was part of the Slovak Republic. On 27 January 1945, the Red Army dislodged the Wehrmacht from Osturňa in the course of the Western Carpathian offensive and it was once again part of Czechoslovakia.

Economy
Locals in the past had been engaged in agriculture and pasturage. At present its proximity of Ždiar and High Tatras is an asset. Inhabitants work in industrial facilities in Poprad or in recreational facilities in High Tatras. Inside the village are quite a few cottages and chalets for winter or summer holiday rent.