Stupné lies between Jasenica and Brvniště in the Papradnianska dolina valley. Two cycling routes pass through the village; the chapel, theatrical tradition and the path to Žeravica offer further insights into local life. This means Stupné can be explored both as a cycling destination and through specific reminders of its history.

Cycling routes through Stupné

The Vážska cyklomagistrála Udiča–Považie is 46 kilometres long, marked in blue, and passes through Stupné via Papradno, Brvniště and Jasenica. Another cycling route, 35 kilometres long and marked in blue and yellow, runs from Považská Bystrica via Jasenica, Stupné, Brvniště and Papradno. The second route is therefore eleven kilometres shorter; the first is marked exclusively in blue. Both routes pass through the same places listed above, but differ in total length and markings—two specific points to compare when planning a ride.

Valley and cultural landscape

To the north, the Papradnianska dolina valley near Stupné is bordered by the Javorníky Mountains. In this section of the valley, traditional log-house architecture is scattered across the Kopanici area. Alongside the cycling routes, this traditional building style is therefore another defining feature of the cultural landscape.

Local history and religious culture

Stupné was first mentioned in writing in 1416. Local tradition links the history of the settlement with the village’s name: the settlement from which Stupné developed moved from the area called “Spád” to a more spacious location in the valley; this move is associated with the name Stupné.

The chapel in Stupné is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows and was built between 1980 and 1982. It houses a wooden statue of Our Lady of Sorrows dating from 1805, described as a cultural monument. The statue is therefore considerably older than the chapel. Two bells hang in Stupné’s bell tower: the larger is dedicated to Saint Cyril, and the smaller to Saint Methodius.

Stations of the Cross and Žeravica

A Stations of the Cross route leads from Stupné to the summit of Žeravica. There, the summit has an artificial terrace and a simple earthwork fortification. The summit terrace is relatively easy to reach from the north along a ridge. For travellers interested in religious routes and archaeological features of the landscape, the surrounding area offers two specific points of interest: the Stations of the Cross and the described features at the summit.

Theatre and local events

The amateur theatre tradition in Stupné began in 1935 under the direction of Ondrej Balej. Under his direction, the amateur theatre staged the comedy “Strašidlo.” The Ivana-Piško Theatre performed three times at Scénická žatva in Martin—another part of the area’s cultural history.

The natural amphitheatre in Stupné is mainly used for the Hodový jarmok and other local cultural events. At the 2025 edition of the Stupniansky hodový jarmok, visitors could see a presentation of the traditional dwelling style in Stupné. Traditional crafts and homemade food were also on offer. These programme items give a specific insight into the event without assuming that the same offerings will be available at future editions.

Discover more destinations: Kostolec, Horný Lieskov, Brvnište, Považská Bystrica, Horna Marikova, Ďurďové, Papradno, Záskalie

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Považská Bystrica.