Gorczańska Hut

Gorczańska Chata, also known as "GoCha," was a student mountain hut located on the southern slopes of the Gorce Range, in the picturesque valley of the Jamne Stream in Ochotnica Górna. The facility offered 43 sleeping places in large rooms equipped with bunk beds. It had electricity, running cold water, and sanitary facilities, although water supply issues occasionally occurred. Since 2012, it was equipped with a biological wastewater treatment plant. The hut operated on the principles typical of student mountain refuges, providing guests with access to hot tea and coffee, as well as a large kitchen for self-catering. A bonfire site was located nearby. Despite its scenic surroundings and proximity to hiking trails, reaching the hut required a trek on foot, as vehicular access was impossible. Its history dates back to the era of the Student Club of Organizers and Supporters of Tourism "Hawiarska Koliba" at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, highlighting its cultural significance to the student community. On the night of October 29, 2022, Gorczańska Chata was completely destroyed by a fire, exacerbated by challenges in evacuation due to its remote location. Following this tragedy, a fundraising campaign for its reconstruction began on November 11, 2022, aiming to restore its original name and function. The hiking trails leading to the hut, including the yellow trail from Ochotnica Górna, remain popular among tourists and mountain hiking enthusiasts. The hiking time from starting points to the hut was approximately 1.5 hours one way, with an elevation gain of up to 240 meters. For years, Gorczańska Chata was an important destination for tourists and students, serving as a witness to countless memories and gatherings in the mountain landscape. Its architectural and cultural legacy remains cherished by the local community and visitors, and reconstruction plans may bring it back to life, continuing the traditions that existed before the fire.