Holiday apartment in Stupné: cycling routes and culture in the Papradnianska dolina valley

Stupné lies between Jasenica and Brvnište in the Papradnianska dolina valley. Near Stupné, the Papradnianska dolina valley is bordered by the Javorníky Mountains to the north. In this section, traditional log-house architecture is scattered across the kopanici settlements. The Žeravica area is also one of the distinctive features of the village: it is characterized by the presence of rare plants and animals.

Cycling

The Vážska cyklomagistrála Udiča–Považie cycling route passes through Stupné. The route, marked in blue, is 46 kilometres long and runs through Papradno, Brvnište and Jasenica. Another route with blue and yellow markings is 35 kilometres long. It runs from Považská Bystrica through Jasenica, Stupné, Brvnište and Papradno. Thus, several place names and route sections are directly connected with the cycling network in this part of the valley.

Nature

The natural amphitheatre in Stupné is used mainly for the Hodový jarmok and other local cultural events. A rest area for tourists was built in the Potoky district. A Stations of the Cross trail leads from Stupné to the summit of Žeravica. The summit features an artificial terrace and a simple earthwork fortification; the summit terrace of Žeravica is relatively easy to reach from the north via a ridge. Support was also given to organizing an annual ascent of Holý vrch by local residents on the Feast of the Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day.

Culture

Stupné was first mentioned in writing in 1416. The settlement from which Stupné developed moved from the „Spád“ area to a more spacious location in the valley; this move is associated with the place name Stupné. The local sacred heritage includes a chapel dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, built between 1980 and 1982. The chapel houses a wooden statue of the Seven Sorrows of Mary dating from 1805, which is listed as a cultural monument.

Theatre life also has a long history. The amateur theatre tradition in Stupné began in 1935 under the direction of Ondrej Balej. Under his direction, the amateur theatre also rehearsed the comedy „Strašidlo“. The Ivana-Piško Theatre performed three times at Scénická žatva in Martin. The Calvary Stations of the Cross in Stupné consist of fourteen stations made of wood and metal. Three large wooden crosses stand at the final station. Two bells hang in the bell tower of Stupné: the larger is dedicated to Saint Cyril, and the smaller to Saint Methodius.

Festivals and local traditions

The Stupniansky hodový jarmok took place in the municipality of Stupné. It was announced as the 22nd edition; traditional handicrafts and homemade food are offered at the festival. At the Stupniansky hodový jarmok 2025, visitors could also see a depiction of the traditional form of housing in Stupné. The POSPB events calendar 2026 lists the Stupniansky Hodový Jarmok for 13 September 2026 in Stupné.

More local pages: Papradno, Brvnište, Sádočné, Domaniža, Horný Lieskov, Ďurďové, Vrchteplá, Plevník-Drienové.

To the higher-level travel overview: Považská Bystrica District.