PTTK "Orlica" Shelter

The PTTK "Orlica" Shelter, located in the Pieniny Mountains at an altitude of 520 meters above sea level, is a mountain tourist shelter offering 44 overnight accommodations in rooms with bathrooms and additional spaces in rooms without bathrooms. It is situated in a picturesque location on the banks of the Dunajec River, near the Pieniny Road, making it an ideal starting point for hikes in the Small Pieniny and the Pieniny Proper. The facility also includes a dining room with a buffet, luggage and sports equipment storage, a viewing terrace, and a play area for children. The history of the shelter dates back to 1932, when it was built as a private guesthouse. As a result of a flood in 1934, guests from another facility of the Polish Tatra Society, which had been destroyed, were evacuated here. After the war, in 1952, the shelter was leased by the PTTK and underwent numerous renovations to improve sleeping and sanitary conditions. Despite difficult times, including a low rating in the 2011 mountain shelter rankings, the facility significantly improved after a renovation in 2016, earning it recognition in subsequent rankings. An interesting fact is that the shelter features a plaque commemorating the stay of Karol Wojtyła, highlighting its significance as a place connected to culture and history. Currently managed by Maciej Śmietana, the shelter is a place where tourists can relax and enjoy the charms of the Pieniny Mountains and local culture.