Holiday apartment in Stankovany – Šíp, Podšíp and mineral springs

Šíp is the highest peak of the Šípska Fatra and defines the natural experiences around Stankovany. Its ascent leads to viewpoints, a ridge with rock formations, mountain meadows and preserved forest. The 302-hectare area of Šíp is designated as a national nature reserve because of its rare plant and animal species.

Nature and trails

The hike to Šíp is moderately difficult. Steep sections are unsuitable for small children; otherwise, the tour is suitable for children. A circular hike to Šíp from Stankovany is 11.1 kilometres long, includes 775 metres of ascent and descent respectively, and takes 4.25 hours.

A regular fixture in the annual calendar is the ascent of Šíp on the last Sunday in April. In Podšíp, the programme includes folk music, beer from the barrel or Kofola, and goulash. Those looking for a longer cycling route can take a route from Stankovany via Ľubochňa into the Ľubochnianska Valley: it is up to 29 kilometres each way, has an elevation difference of 180 metres, and runs on asphalt before turning into a dirt track for the final kilometres.

Culture

Podšíp was designated a heritage zone in 1991. Six houses with outbuildings have been preserved there, built in the traditional log-house style from round or hewn logs. From Stankovany, Podšíp can be reached via a blue-marked cycle route and a green-marked hiking trail. A green-marked hiking trail from Stankovany to Podšíp passes the Chapel of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Podšíp can only be reached on foot or by bicycle and is not accessible to motorised visitors.

The Chapel of the Seven Sorrows of Mary was built in 1832 out of gratitude for the community’s survival of a cholera epidemic. In Stankovany, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus also reflects different periods and architectural elements: the historicising Neo-Gothic building was constructed between 1898 and 1901 and has twenty modern stained-glass windows by Ladislav Záborský. The cruciform floor plan is complemented by attached chapels; the tower is 38 metres high and topped with a pyramidal roof. Inside are an altar, statues and Stations of the Cross from the Ferdinand Stuflesser Tyrolean woodcarving workshop.

The Stankovská izba is a small municipal museum with old work tools, furniture and household items. Visitors are welcome there; they should announce their visit at the municipal office.

Springs and mineral water

The Mädokýš pod lesom spring lies about 2 kilometres west of Stankovany. It can be reached on foot via a forest path, is covered by a small wooden shelter, and is used by hikers for drinking. The Sírny prameň spring is located about 1 kilometre west of Stankovany beside the railway line and is easily accessible via a forest path.

The Močiar nature reserve lies in the immediate vicinity of Stankovany, beside the railway line. From Stankovany, a blue-marked cycle route leads to this nature reserve via a paved road. At its edge lies the Sírny medokýš spring, where visitors can collect mineral water.

A travertine formation designated as a natural monument is also located in the vicinity of Stankovany. A mineral water spring lies in a crater, with a circular lake at its summit. The spring does not dry up or freeze over; it is used by people from the surrounding area. A reconstructed mineral bath is also located nearby and is used for swimming on warm summer days.

Other places

For further orientation in the shared area, the local pages lead to Liptovská Teplá, Ľubochňa, Ludrová, Liptovske Sliace, Kalameny, Hubová, Ružomberok and Liptovska Osada.

Stankovany is served by passenger trains on the main railway line.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ružomberok District.