Štôla lies in the western part of the Poprad Basin, on the southern slope of the High Tatras. Hiking trails and winter cross-country ski tracks are complemented by local history shaped by a former monastery, historic buildings and local crafts.
Hiking and Cycling
The Batizovce–Gerlachov–Mengusovce–Štôla educational hiking trail serves educational and nature conservation purposes. It is intended for a broad audience, including less experienced hikers, children and older people. The trail consists of one large and three small information boards. Each has seating with a table and benches, a bicycle rack and a rubbish bin.
Several viewpoints offer views of the Tatra peaks. Marked trails run in the area around artificial lakes; the cycling routes of the educational hiking trail connect to the network of cycle paths below the Tatras. This means that exploring on foot and by bike focuses on different types of routes, rather than treating them as the same route.
Other marked hiking routes include trails between Štôla and Vyšné Hágy (yellow; 0:45/0:35), Tatranská Polianka (green; 1:15/1:00), Batizovské pleso (yellow; 3:15/2:35) and Sliezsky dom (yellow-red; 4:15/3:35). Times may vary depending on conditions; check them again before setting out.
Winter in Štôla
Cross-country ski tracks are maintained in Štôla during winter. They lead through nature along the Poprad River and offer views of the High Tatras panorama. Maintenance depends on the weather; checking conditions before your tour can help with planning.
History and Architecture
Štôla was established on the site of a former Benedictine monastery built in 1314. Around 1436, it burned down during the Hussite Wars and unrest over the Hungarian throne, and was never rebuilt. A wooden bell tower with a double cross and bronze bell stands in Štôla as what is believed to be the monastery’s last surviving public relic.
The Evangelical neoclassical church dates from 1870 and houses an altarpiece by Peter Bohúň. It is usually closed; a visit must be arranged with the local priest from Mengusovce and confirmed before you visit. The Štôla military cemetery contains 296 war graves.
A wooden house in Štôla was built in 1929 to a design by the renowned Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič. The traditional Hlemajzy are also part of the architectural heritage: four of these buildings still survive and are used as grain stores or storage rooms.
The orchard that once belonged to the monastery still preserves several centuries-old field boundaries covered with plum trees. They are considered a rarity in fruit growing and connect local history with a distinctive form of cultivation.
Crafts and Encounters
Local crafts are showcased at various cultural and social events: woven carpets, scratched and painted Easter eggs, wooden sculptures, painted pictures and blown-glass products. These events offer a different cultural focus from the hiking trails and historic buildings.
Those interested in glassmaking can arrange an appointment with Mr Kocián at his glass workshop. During the visit, he presents his craft, so a visit should be arranged in advance.
Discover more destinations: Strba, Hozelec, Poprad, Spišský Štiavnik, Liptovská Teplicka, Mengusovce, Zdiar, Hôrka.
For the regional travel overview: Poprad District.
