Valaská Dubová: Hiking and Local History

Valaská Dubová combines hiking destinations with local history reflected in specific buildings and local traditions. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the named trail destinations: the stated walking times refer to different points. The church, Lourdes Chapel and Jánošíkova krčma add a cultural and historical focus.

Hiking by Destination and Time

The route from Valaská Dubová to Stredná Poľana is designated as Route 2700, Part 1, and marked in blue. The elevation gain is about 600 metres, and the walking time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route passes through the Chočské vrchy Special Protection Area and starts at the “Valaská Dubová,,OcÚ” bus stop. This brings together a named starting point, an approximate time and the elevation gain to help with planning.

A blue-marked ascent leads via Soliská to Poľana; it is estimated to take about 2.5 hours. The trail then continues towards Veľký Choč. This time estimate applies to the destination Poľana and should therefore be distinguished from the approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to Stredná Poľana. In good visibility, Veľký Choč offers panoramic views of all the surrounding higher mountain ranges of the Western Carpathians.

The summit is also part of an annual tradition: every year on the last day of the year, the traditional New Year’s Eve ascent to Veľký Choč starts from Valaská Dubová. A green-marked cycling route also passes through the village, offering another activity to consider when planning your trip.

Church, History and Tradition

The history of the Parish Church of St Michael the Archangel spans several distinct dates. The parish of Valaská Dubová is first mentioned in a record from 1332–1337. The present church was built after the previous one was demolished in 1860; it was consecrated in 1866. Its interior paintings date from 1904 and were created by Jozef Hanula.

A Lourdes Chapel stands next to the church. It was built to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. Thus, alongside the parish’s history, a separate religious commemoration is also connected with the village.

Jánošíkova krčma is a masonry building erected on the site of an older wooden inn.

Swing with Views of the Surroundings

Southwest of Valaská Dubová, above the main road from Ružomberok to Dolný Kubín, there is a swing suspended from trees. From it, you can see the surroundings of Valaská Dubová. A path from the cemetery leads to the swing in about 15 minutes. Before visiting, check whether it is still there.

Discover more destinations: Liptovská Štiavnica, Liptovská Lúžna, Liptovska Osada, Kalameny, Ivachnova, Ludrová, Lúčky, Liptovske Revuce.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Ružomberok.