PTTK Markowe Szczawiny Shelter

The PTTK Markowe Szczawiny Shelter, located on the northern slopes of Babia Góra in the Żywiec Beskids, has a rich history dating back to 1906, when it was built on the initiative of Dr. Hugo Zapałowicz. Opened on September 15, 1906, the facility was intended to respond to the growing interest in mountain tourism and to compete with the German Beskidenverein. The shelter underwent a series of expansions in the 1920s and 1930s to meet the increasing needs of tourists, including the addition of a second floor and the installation of running water and telephone lines. After World War II, the shelter came under the ownership of the Polish Tatra Society and later the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society, which modernized it by adding a boiler room and a power generator. However, in 2007, the shelter was completely dismantled, and a new facility was built in its place, opening on November 21, 2009. The modern, stone-finished brick building offers 40 sleeping places and a range of amenities, including a communal kitchen, a clothes drying room, and accessibility for people with disabilities. The facility operates in line with modern standards, featuring solar panel installations. Nearby, there is a GOPR (Polish Volunteer Mountain Rescue) outpost, a climbing wall, and two large Swiss pine trees. The shelter is not only a lodging place but also a cultural and historical landmark, witnessing many changes and events in the region. Over its 81 years of operation, the shelter had various managers, each contributing to the development of this tourist destination. An interesting fact is that in 1945, the shelter was saved from a fire by its pre-war manager, highlighting the crucial role of local management during difficult times.