PTTK Shelter at Morskie Oko

The PTTK Shelter at Morskie Oko is located in the Rybi Potok Valley in the High Tatras, at an altitude of 1,410 meters above sea level. Renowned for its beautiful views, it consists of two parts: the Old Shelter, which dates back to the 19th century, and the New Shelter, built in 1908 by the Tatra Society. Architecturally, the shelter combines traditional elements of mountain buildings with modern amenities, making it one of the most popular lodging places in the Tatra Mountains. After a renovation between 1988 and 1992, the shelter offers 79 sleeping places, a restaurant, and a TOPR rescue station. The history of the shelter dates back to 1823, when a structure in this area was first mentioned. The first shelter was built by Emanuel Homolacs in 1827, but over time its condition deteriorated, leading to several fires and renovations. A particularly memorable fire occurred in 1865, after which the Tatra Society constructed a new shelter, opened in 1874. In 1875, the shelter was named after Stanisław Staszic. The building underwent further renovations, and in 1898, a fire destroyed the original structures, leading to the conversion of a coach house into the Old Shelter, which has survived to this day. An interesting fact is that in 1997, the shelter was visited by Pope John Paul II, highlighting its importance as a significant cultural and tourist site in the region. It is also worth mentioning the long-standing conflict with Anna Burowa’s shepherd's hut, which lasted until 1930, as well as the plans to relocate the original shelter to an open-air museum, which were never realized. With its rich history, the Shelter at Morskie Oko remains an essential point on the tourist map of the Tatra Mountains, combining architectural, cultural, and historical values.