PTTK "Strzecha Akademicka" Shelter

Strzecha Akademicka, considered the oldest mountain shelter in the Karkonosze Mountains, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, when a shepherd's hut on Złotówka Clearing served travelers. In the first half of the 17th century, it was mentioned by Gryphius, and its owners were famous for their pine cone liqueur. As tourism developed, the hut changed its purpose and in the 19th century transformed into a mountain shelter, which was called Hampelbaude after the Hampl family. J.W. Goethe also stayed overnight at the shelter, which is a significant part of its cultural heritage. In 1896, construction began on a new three-story building, which burned down in 1906. After reconstruction, a modern shelter was built in 1906, featuring a restaurant, a buffet, a summer veranda, and 17 guest rooms. Another expansion in 1911-1912 introduced electric lighting, central heating, and comfortable rooms with bathrooms. The shelter organized winter sledding events, which attracted tourists. After World War II, the facility came under the management of the YMCA and was run by students from Kraków. In 1957, Strzecha Akademicka came into the possession of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society. After 1989, the shelter underwent a series of modernizations, including window replacements, restroom renovations, and the installation of a sauna. In 2017, a major renovation of the kitchen facilities was carried out. Today, Strzecha Akademicka offers 140 overnight accommodations and is located on one of the trails leading from Karpacz to Śnieżka, attracting mountain hiking enthusiasts.