Koliba Strachanovka, Jánska valley

Koliba Strachanovka (Jánska koliba) is a large wooden koliba at the entrance to the Jánska valley in the village of Liptovský Ján, which locals consider one of the valley’s landmarks. It was built in July 2007 on an open meadow from 760 cubic metres of quality spruce timber. Curiously, it was built twice: first as a trial run at the state estate in Liptovský Mikuláš, and then for real on the spot where it still stands. Following an old custom, the owner, Ján Strachan, placed money “for luck” under every corner and every load-bearing pillar.

The Strachan family came to the Jánska valley from the village of Jakubany near Stará Ľubovňa and has worked here since 2000. According to the owners, they were the first to bring an à la carte restaurant to the valley — until then there were few places to eat well without staying overnight. Ján Strachan designed the look of the koliba himself, combining the best of Slovak and Polish kolibas. Thanks to its handy location the main corners of the valley are close by, and those who stay the night can unwind to the sound of a mountain stream.

What to taste and do

• Folk-style restaurant. A wooden interior, staff in folk costume and Slovak cooking from Slovak produce: roast pork knuckle, ribs, bryndzové halušky, strapačky (dumplings with sauerkraut); international dishes are also on the menu.
• Live music every Friday from 18:00 — folk music, according to the Liptov tourism portal.
• For children there is a dedicated kids’ menu (for example “Maťko and Kubko’s halušky”), high chairs and, in summer, a sunny terrace.
• House drinks. Under the Strachan brand they sell “Strachanovica” blueberry spirit (42%) and a blueberry liqueur (35%), made for the family by the well-known producer Rudolf Jelínek — a tasty souvenir from Liptov.
• Relaxation. The koliba is also a three-star hotel with the “Rusnácka baňa” wellness area for guests.

Practical information

Getting there. The koliba stands at the entrance to the Jánska valley (Liptovský Ján 2067). By car, leave the D1 motorway at the Liptovský Ján exit and drive through the whole village to the valley. The owners warn that the bridge in Uhorská Ves has been closed since 4 May 2026: drivers coming from the east are advised to continue on the D1 to the Liptovský Mikuláš exit, take the third exit at the roundabout towards Prešov and rejoin the D1 to the Liptovský Ján exit. There is a bus stop next to the building, with connections to Liptovský Mikuláš and other valleys. Poprad–Tatry airport is about 45 km away.

Restaurant opening hours. According to the Liptov tourism portal, daily 8:00–22:00 (as of October 2026 the venue’s own website does not list separate hours, so it is best to check). Cards are accepted; animals are not allowed. The Liptov Region Card gives 10% off the bill.

It is a convenient stop for everyone: for people heading onto the trails of the Jánska valley and for families who simply want lunch in a beautiful koliba.

Nearby

• Demänová Cave of Liberty in the neighbouring Demänová valley.
• Liptovar brewery in Liptovský Mikuláš.
• Farma Východná — dairy farm tours below the Tatras.
• Liptovská Mara.

Official website: strachanovka.sk

Photos: strachanovka.sk.