Stara Lubovna Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around Stara Lubovna in this comprehensive travel guide for anyone planning a trip to Slovakia.


Stara Lubovna, located in the Spiš region of Eastern Slovakia, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to this country. With its rich culture and history, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, it is the perfect place to unwind and explore. This comprehensive travel guide will give you all the information you need to plan your trip to Stara Lubovna, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.

Introduction to Stara Lubovna

Stara Lubovna is a small town with a big personality. Known for its impressive castle, which dates back to the 14th century, and its beautiful town center, Stara Lubovna is a popular destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the charm of small-town Slovakia. The town is located in the foothills of the High Tatras, which means visitors can expect stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Stara Lubovna

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a fan of history and culture, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy in Stara Lubovna. Here are a few must-visit destinations:

  • Stara Lubovna Castle: This castle is the most significant attraction in Stara Lubovna. Built in the 14th century, the castle has been restored to its original beauty and offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle houses exhibitions showcasing the history of the town and the region.
  • Open-Air Museum: Located in the castle’s outer courtyard, this outdoor museum features folk architecture, including traditional homes, farm buildings, and a wooden church.
  • Museum of the Pieniny National Park: For nature lovers, this museum located in nearby Spisska Bela is a must-visit. It offers exhibits about the wildlife and geology of the Pieniny National Park, which is home to rare and endangered animals such as lynx and eagles.
  • Oravan Village Museum: For those interested in traditional Slovak architecture and culture, this open-air museum is a must-visit. The museum features dozens of traditional homes, barns, and other buildings and showcases daily life in rural Slovakia.

Natural Attractions of Stara Lubovna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Stara Lubovna is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few places to explore to make the most of your visit:

  • The High Tatras: This mountain range, located just north of Stara Lubovna, offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
  • Slovak Paradise National Park: Located to the east of Stara Lubovna, this national park features stunning canyons, waterfalls, and trails. The park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
  • River Dunajec: This river, which forms the border between Slovakia and Poland, is a popular destination for rafting and boating excursions.
  • Morskie Oko Lake: Located in the High Tatras, this glacial lake offers stunning views for visitors who hike to its shores.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stara Lubovna

Stara Lubovna and the surrounding region offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. Here are a few of the best trails and routes to explore:

  • Tatra National Park: This park, located just north of Stara Lubovna, offers dozens of hiking trails with stunning views of the High Tatras.
  • Cycling Routes in the Spiš Region: The Spiš region offers plenty of beautiful routes for cycling enthusiasts. You can explore the surrounding countryside, including small villages and natural beauty spots.
  • Pieniny National Park: The Pieniny National Park offers a range of hiking trails that wind through beautiful forests, canyons, and other natural wonders.

Best Things to Do in Stara Lubovna: Activities and Tours

Aside from the natural beauty, Stara Lubovna offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few of the best:

  • Wine Tasting: The region surrounding Stara Lubovna is known for its vineyards and wine-making traditions. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour and tasting at local wineries.
  • Traditional Slovak Folk Show: For a taste of Slovak culture, you can enjoy a traditional Slovak folk show performed by local artists. The shows feature traditional costumes, music, and dance.
  • Adrenaline Park: This park, located in nearby Lopusna Dolina, offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities, including zip-lining, rock climbing, and a rope course.
  • Rafting on Dunajec River: Visitors can take a rafting tour of the Dunajec River, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stara Lubovna

If you’re planning to stay in Stara Lubovna for a week, here’s a sample itinerary to make the most of your visit:

  • Day 1: Explore Stara Lubovna Castle and the Open-Air Museum.
  • Day 2: Hike in Tatra National Park.
  • Day 3: Take a cycling tour of the Spiš region.
  • Day 4: Visit the Oravan Village Museum.
  • Day 5: Raft down the Dunajec River.
  • Day 6: Hike in Slovak Paradise National Park.
  • Day 7: Enjoy a wine tasting tour in the surrounding vineyards.

Food and Drink Scene of Stara Lubovna

Slovakian food is hearty and filling, so visitors can expect to enjoy plenty of delicious dishes during their stay in Stara Lubovna. Here are a few must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bryndzové halušky: This is Slovakia’s national dish, which consists of small potato dumplings smothered in sheep’s cheese and topped with bacon.
  • Slovak Goulash: A hearty stew made with beef, paprika, and vegetables, slow-cooked until the meat is tender.
  • Lokše: Potato pancakes that are served with various toppings, such as bacon and sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Slovak Wine: The region surrounding Stara Lubovna is known for its vineyards and wine-making traditions, so visitors should try the local wines.
  • Beer: Slovakia has a rich brewing tradition, and visitors can enjoy a range of local beers during their stay.
  • Slivovica: A strong fruit brandy made from plums, which is a popular drink throughout Slovakia.

Where to Stay in Stara Lubovna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Stara Lubovna offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are a few options:

  • Hotel Marlene: A four-star hotel located in the center of the town, offering modern amenities and comfortable rooms.
  • Penzion Gurmen: A guesthouse with traditional Slovak architecture, offering comfortable rooms and delicious food.
  • Hostel Stara Lubovna: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Stara Lubovna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home, here are a few options:

  • Traditional Slovak Crafts: Visitors can find a range of locally-made crafts, such as pottery, woodcarvings, and embroidered textiles.
  • Cheese and Wine: Stara Lubovna is known for its vineyards and sheep’s cheese, which are perfect gifts to take back home.
  • Hiking and Camping Gear: The region surrounding Stara Lubovna offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, so visitors can pick up some essential gear.

Local Culture and Customs of Stara Lubovna

Slovaks are friendly, hospitable people who take pride in their history and culture. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering someone’s home and saying hello when entering a shop or restaurant. Learning a few basic Slovak phrases, such as “dobrý deň” (hello) and “ďakujem” (thank you), will also go a long way in demonstrating respect for the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Stara Lubovna

The best time to visit Stara Lubovna is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can enjoy the region’s natural beauty during any season, with winter offering opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stara Lubovna

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local food and wine.
  • Take advantage of the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful to locals or their culture.
  • Ignore safety precautions when participating in outdoor activities.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Stara Lubovna

Stara Lubovna is a safe destination for visitors, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, visitors should take precautions to stay safe, such as avoiding unlit areas at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Stara Lubovna

Slovakia has a good healthcare system, and visitors should have no trouble finding medical care if needed. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Stara Lubovna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stara Lubovna

The nearest airports to Stara Lubovna are the Poprad-Tatry Airport, which is about 18 km away, and the Krakow Airport, which is about 130 km away from Stara Lubovna.

Bus Stations Near Stara Lubovna

Stara Lubovna has a modern bus station located in the center of town, with regular connections to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

Visitors can hire a car to explore the surrounding region. Taxis and ridesharing services such as Uber and Bolt are also available in Stara Lubovna.

How to Get Around in Stara Lubovna

Stara Lubovna is small enough to explore on foot, but visitors can also rent a bike or hire a car to explore the surrounding region.

Where to Go Next from Stara Lubovna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Stara Lubovna is located in an area of Slovakia, which offers plenty of other interesting destinations to explore. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Poprad: A nearby city with a charming old town and stunning views of the Tatras.
  • Kosice: Slovakia’s second-largest city, known for its impressive architecture and cultural scene.
  • Bratislava: The capital of Slovakia and a lively destination with a rich history and culture.

Conclusion

Stara Lubovna is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Slovakia. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and friendly locals, it has something to offer everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will help visitors plan the perfect trip, with information on the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adrenaline junkie, Stara Lubovna offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Ľubovňa castle Ľubovňa castle