PTTK Shelter on Chochołowska Glade

The PTTK Shelter on Chochołowska Glade, known as the Chochołowska Shelter, is the largest mountain shelter in the Polish Tatra Mountains, situated at an altitude of 1,146 meters above sea level. Managed by the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK), it serves as the main accommodation base in the Chochołowska Valley area, offering 121 overnight spots in a variety of rooms. Built between 1951 and 1953 after its predecessor was destroyed by the Germans in 1945, the shelter boasts a substantial volume of 9,543 m³, making it a functional and spacious facility for tourists. It is open year-round, providing access to a shared tourist kitchen, a common room, a ski storage area, and free boiling water. TOPR (Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue) rescuers are on duty near the shelter, highlighting its importance as a mountain base. The surroundings feature Swiss pines and commemorative plaques that recall significant events, such as a TOPR rescue operation in February 1945 and the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to the Chochołowska Valley in June 1983. It is also worth mentioning the hydroelectric power plant launched on the Chochołowski Stream in 1958, which supplies electricity to the shelter and provides heating. The shelter serves as a starting point for numerous hiking trails, with the most popular being the green trail that runs through the entire Chochołowska Valley, as well as various routes leading to nearby peaks such as Grześ and Trzydniowiański Wierch. This allows visitors to enjoy active recreation and immerse themselves in nature. All these elements make the Chochołowska Shelter not just a place to stay overnight, but also a significant point on the Tatra map, combining tourist, cultural, and historical aspects.