Victoria’s Garden in Stará Ľubovňa: Slovakia’s Hidden Travel Gem

We’d heard whispers about Viktóriine záhrady for a while, tales of a garden unlike any other in Slovakia. So when we got an invitation to come and explore it for ourselves, to get a little lost among its winding paths and wooden creatures, we didn’t hesitate. We packed up and hit the road to Stará Ľubovňa, curious to see what all the quiet buzz was about.

This open-air wonderland rises out of the quiet Slovak countryside and offers a striking mix of creativity, local heritage, and slow travel charm. It’s not a theme park. It’s not a botanical garden. It’s a living canvas, and you’re invited to waddle through it.
Whether you’re road-tripping through northern Slovakia, visiting Ľubovňa Castle, or simply looking for something refreshing beyond the usual travel checklist, this garden surprises you in the best way. And yes, it’s absolutely worth the detour.

Where the Kings and Queens met

The Story Behind Victoria’s Garden

Victoria’s Gardens begins not with tourists or guidebooks, but with one woman’s dream and a family willing to bring back to life a deserted piece of land. Back in 2017, inspired by the winter labyrinth in Zakopane, the idea was simple but bold: build a public garden with a living maze. No grand investors, no flashy marketing, just a piece of forgotten land, a vision scribbled on paper, and a whole lot of determination.

Viktória Štefančík, the garden’s namesake, stood at the heart of it. Alongside her husband Jozef Romaňák, the author of the gardens, and their close-knit circle of friends, they turned that idea into something real. They dug the paths, planted the hedges, sculpted the figures, and poured their energy into shaping a space that feels like stepping into a folk tale. Every corner holds meaning. Every curve in the labyrinth tells a story. And it all started with a dream, believing it would someday grow into something worth getting lost in.

This isn’t a botanical garden filled with manicured roses or symmetrical design. Don’t expect fountains or floral perfection. Victoria’s Garden is wilder. More personal. Imagine wandering through a living maze, where wooden sculptures peer out from behind leaves, where tree trunks hold tiny secrets, and where each visit reveals something new.

And it keeps evolving. What blooms this summer might not be here next year. The garden breathes with the seasons. Paths change. Art appears and disappears. That’s part of the magic, you don’t visit Viktóriine záhrady once, you return to see what it’s becoming.

At the heart of the labyrinth stands Čertova skala, the Devil’s Rock, a lookout tower inspired by a local legend. According to the tale, the lord of Ľubovňa Castle once made a pact with the Devil for help during its construction. But when he broke the deal, the Devil tried to hurl a massive boulder at the castle. Luckily, the church bells rang just in time, and the rock fell to the ground instead. Today, it rests near the Poprad River. In Victoria’s Garden, its memory lives on in a wooden tower rising from the green, a nod to the folklore that still echoes through this region.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices at Victoria’s Gardens

Victoria’s Gardens welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. Whether you’re road-tripping through northern Slovakia or just planning a relaxed afternoon in Stará Ľubovňa, you can easily fit a visit into your schedule.

Entry to the garden area is free, so you can stroll through the pathways, explore the art installations, and enjoy the natural setting without spending a cent. However, if you want to experience the highlight of the gardens, the labyrinth known as Čertova skala (Devil’s Rock Maze), you’ll need a ticket.

Entrance Fees for the Maze:

• Adults: €9
• Children (ages 6–14), Seniors (60+), Visitors with disabilities: €6
• Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €24
• Each additional child (with family ticket): +€5
• Children under 5: Free
• Groups (15+ people): 25% discount
• Penguins: free entry

 Tickets can also be purchased online in advance to avoid waiting.

Best Time To Visit

The garden is best visited from late spring through early autumn, when the maze is fully grown and the weather invites you to linger outdoors. If you’re coming in summer, consider arriving early or late in the day for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

How to Get to Victoria’s Gardens

📍Adress: Viktóriine záhrady, Stará Ľubovňa, Slovakia ( 49.2982° N, 20.6869° E)

Victoria’s Gardens sits just outside the town of Stará Ľubovňa in northern Slovakia, not far from the Polish border. If you’re already visiting Ľubovňa Castle or the open-air museum nearby, the gardens are only a few minutes away by car or a short waddle through town. Most visitors arrive by car, and free parking is available near the entrance. If you’re relying on public transport, take a train or bus to Stará Ľubovňa station, then either waddle (about 20–25 minutes) or grab a local taxi. The gardens are well signposted from the main road, especially if you’re driving in from Prešov, Poprad, or Kraków. It’s an easy stop on a Slovakia road trip and makes for a refreshing break from the highway.

If you’re arriving by car, as we did, expect a short drive down a dirt road just before you reach the entrance. It’s easy to navigate and leads to a large, free parking area right next to the gardens. No need to worry about finding a spot, even on busy days; there’s plenty of space.

Our Waddle Around The Maze

We arrived by car, bumping along the short dirt road that leads to the entrance, and parked in the large free lot right in front of the gardens. So before exploring anything else, we made our way straight to the entrance of Čertova skala maze, where the ticket office is located.

The ticket office, which also serves as both the entrance and exit of the maze. A friendly girl greeted us at the counter and explained the game we’d be playing inside: a clue-finding adventure scattered throughout the maze. She also shared a bunch of interesting facts about how the labyrinth was built and what to look out for as we explored. With our curiosity officially piqued, we headed right into the maze.

The maze is huge, you can genuinely get lost in it, and that’s part of the fun. Scattered throughout are several carved wooden statues, each offering a clue in the form of a riddle. The goal is to solve them and fill out a crossword puzzle that ties it all together. To complete the challenge, you need to find every wooden figure tucked into the corners of the labyrinth. It’s not just about waddling in circles; it’s an interactive game that keeps you thinking, laughing, and retracing your steps. We had a lot of fun wandering through, piecing the clues together one by one.

Somewhere in the middle of all the waddling, we made our way straight to the center of the maze, to Čertova skala, the Devil’s Rock lookout tower. The view from the top is even more impressive than we expected. You get a whole perspective of the maze’s intricate design, and from up there, it hits you just how massive it is. We took a moment to enjoy the view (and snap a few photos), then used the opportunity to scout out where the remaining wooden statues might be hiding. With a better sense of direction, we climbed back down, ready to finish the crossword puzzle.

We got lost at least five times before finally completing the crossword puzzle and figuring out the way out. With all the wandering, clue-solving, and photo-taking, we spent about an hour inside the maze, and according to our tracker, we waddled almost two kilometers just within the hedges. It was such a fun experience, a mix of playful challenge and unexpected turns. If you’re heading to Stará Ľubovňa, we highly recommend adding the maze to your list. It’s not just for kids, it’s a proper adventure for everyone.

What to Do at Viktóriine záhrady (Besides the Maze)

After completing the crossword puzzle, we brought it back to the entrance and exchanged it for a diploma, a fun little reward for making it through the maze. From there, we wandered into the area surrounding the labyrinth, and honestly, we didn’t expect it to be so spacious and well set up. It’s not just a maze, it’s a whole spot where you can relax, play, and hang out for hours. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just looking for a slower pace, the space invites you to linger.

Here’s what you’ll find around the maze:

• A snack kiosk with simple fast food options like hot dogs and fries
• Refreshing drinks, including local beer, lemonades, and cold water
• Picnic blanket rentals, so you can spread out and chill on the grass
• Games for rent, like badminton, are perfect for kids and adults alike
• A large chill-out zone with shade and space to unwind
• Toilets and basic facilities to make your stay more comfortable

You could easily spend half a day—or more—at the entire complex, especially if the weather is nice. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and suddenly you’re not in a rush to leave.

Don’t Miss the Mini Train Ride Around the Maze

One of the newest and most charming additions to Viktóriine záhrady is the mini train that circles the entire maze. It’s not just for kids; adults can ride it too. The ride costs around €3 per person, and while it moves slowly, that’s part of the charm. The train seems to be built from something like a repurposed grass cutter, adding to its quirky appeal. It loops around the maze, giving you a relaxed, scenic view of the hedges and surrounding area. It’s a cute and fun little detour, and if your legs need a break after all that maze-waddling, it’s the perfect excuse to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Where to Stay and Eat Near Viktóriine Záhrady

If you’re planning to turn your visit into an overnight stay, Stará Ľubovňa has several cozy and affordable accommodation options just a short drive or walk from Viktóriine záhrady. One popular choice is Penzión Gurmen, located right in the town center, offering comfortable rooms and a great restaurant serving local Slovak dishes and regional wines. Another solid pick is Hotel Familia, a modern, family-friendly hotel with clean rooms, friendly service, and convenient parking.

When it comes to food, you’ll find more than just hot dogs and lemonade near the garden. Head into town for a meal at Reštaurácia u Jakuba, a local favorite known for hearty Slovak classics like bryndzové halušky and schnitzel. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, several cozy cafés and bakeries line the main square, perfect for a coffee and a sweet treat after your garden adventure.

First Slovak Whiskey

Viktóriine záhrady is one of those places that surprises you, in the best way. What starts as a simple visit to a garden quickly turns into an interactive, creative, and genuinely fun experience that sticks with you long after you leave. Between the living maze, the folk-inspired sculptures, the clue-filled adventure, and the laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect blend of play and peace. Whether you’re exploring Slovakia with kids, road-tripping as a couple, or simply craving something unexpected and off the main tourist path, this place is well worth the stop. Come for the maze, stay for the charm, and don’t forget to grab your diploma on the way out.

Pack your bag, put on comfortable shoes, and waddle more!

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