Stola: Hiking and Local History on the Southern Slopes of the High Tatras

Stola lies in the western part of the Poprad Basin on the southern slopes of the High Tatras. The village offers clearly defined themes to help you choose where to stay: hiking and cycling along an educational trail, weather-dependent cross-country skiing in winter, and a heritage shaped by monastic, church, and rural architectural history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Stola, these highlights can help you plan your trip around the activities you have in mind.

Hiking and Cycling Along the Educational Trail

The Batizovce–Gerlachov–Mengusovce–Stola educational trail is designed for education and nature conservation, and is suitable for the general public, including less experienced hikers, children, and older people. The trail has one large and three small information boards. Each board has a seating area with a table and benches, a bicycle rack, and a litter bin.

Several viewpoints offer views of the Tatra peaks. The trail also follows marked routes around artificial lakes. Its cycle paths connect to the cycle route network beneath the Tatras. In this way, the trail combines information and nature conservation with viewpoints and facilities for cyclists.

Cross-Country Skiing in Winter

Cross-country ski trails are groomed in Stola during winter. They pass through nature along the Poprad River and offer views of the High Tatras panorama. Trail grooming depends on the weather. If cross-country skiing is important to your trip, check the latest weather conditions in advance.

Monastery History and Buildings

Stola originated on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, built in 1314. The monastery burned down around 1436 during the Hussite Wars and unrest over the Hungarian throne; it was never rebuilt. A wooden bell tower features a double cross and a bronze bell.

The Evangelical Neoclassical church in Stola dates from 1870 and houses an altarpiece by Peter Bohúň. It is usually closed; visits must be arranged with the local pastor from Mengusovce. Confirm the arrangements before your visit. The military cemetery contains 296 war graves and adds a place of remembrance to the village’s historical sites.

Orchard, Granaries, and Crafts

The orchard still preserves several centuries-old field boundaries planted with plum trees, considered a rarity in fruit growing. Four traditional Hlemajzy have survived and serve as grain stores or storage rooms. They represent another rural aspect of the local heritage.

A 2024 municipal report describes presentations of local crafts at various cultural and social events. These include woven carpets, scratched and painted Easter eggs, wooden sculptures, painted pictures, and blown-glass products. To get an insight into glassmaking, you can arrange an appointment with Mr. Kocián at his glass workshop; during the meeting, he presents his craft. Arrange your visit in advance.

Discover more destinations: Hôrka, Spišské Bystré, Spišský Štiavnik, Nová Lesná, Liptovská Teplicka, Gánovce, Mengusovce, Batizovce.

See the overview for the wider travel area: Poprad District.