Zubák: Landscape, Local History and Living Traditions

Zubák lies in the northern part of the White Carpathians, in the upper section of the valley of the same name and in the valley of the Zubák stream. Here, mountain scenery, a marked hiking route and the village’s cultural heritage come together. Churches, historic wooden houses, a former forest railway and traditions that are still kept alive give a stay a range of different focal points. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Zubák, you can first consider whether you are most interested in the route, local history or a local tradition.

Landscape and Location

The municipality’s territory ranges from 400 to 854 metres above sea level; the village centre lies at 420 metres. It is therefore near the lower end of the municipality’s elevation range. There is also a sulphurous mineral spring within the municipality. Žrnova offers opportunities to enjoy the views. The elevation, spring and views are distinct landscape features that set Zubák apart.

Hiking on Route 23

For hikers, Route 23 Mestečko–Zubák–Lednica–Lednické Rovne, marked throughout, passes through the entire village of Zubák. It is classified as moderately difficult. The route’s starting point and endpoint are different, so travelling by public transport is recommended. Take this different endpoint into account when planning, and check current timetables and trail conditions before setting out.

Churches, Chapels and Historic Houses

The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Vendelin dates from the early 19th century and stands on the site of an older wooden church. The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is also part of the village’s history. Rudolf, Eduard and Martin Slabý built it in 1944 and continue to look after its preservation. The Chapel of Saint Vendelin has its own story: it was built in gratitude after a livestock epidemic ended in the 1920s, and today it is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church in the parish of Zubák.

Residential architecture is also part of the area’s history. The municipality is home to 19th-century wooden houses with three rooms. They often have an upper floor and a veranda, as well as a rear gabled roof made of straw. Some buildings may not be open to the public.

Traces of the Former Forest Railway

A forest railway from Lednické Rovne ran into the cadastral area of the municipality of Zubák in the White Carpathians; it is no longer in operation. At kilometre 15.6 of the forest railway, a railway triangle known as “Lazy” was built within the municipality. It was part of the railway and was used to turn the locomotive around. The history of the forest railway thus adds a technical chapter to the village’s history.

Traditions Throughout the Year

Every year, Zubák holds a carnival procession through the municipality and the symbolic burial of the bass, followed by entertainment. The Lucia tradition is also kept alive: veiled girls go from house to house on Saint Lucia’s Day and symbolically drive away evil forces with goose wings. For the Saint Nicholas tradition, boys dress up as Saint Nicholas and the devil, hand out sweets to children and read out humorous news from the past year in the municipality. Check the specific dates before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Lazy Pod Makytou, Belusa, Dolná Breznica, Kvašov, Lednické Rovne, Lysá Pod Makytou, Horovce, Mojtín.

For the overview of the wider area: Púchov.