PTTK Szyndzielnia Shelter

The PTTK Szyndzielnia Shelter, located in the Silesian Beskids at an altitude of 1,001 meters above sea level, is the first brick-built mountain shelter in this range, opened in 1897. Its construction was initiated by the Bielsko branch of the German Beskidenverein after the fire of the former "Klementynówka" shelter. Designed by Wilhelm Schlesinger and built by Karol Korn, it features mixed brick-and-wood construction, along with a typical Alpine-style bell tower with a bell and a light kept on at night. From the very beginning, the shelter enjoyed great popularity, hosting 5,381 visitors in 1900 alone. After World War II, it was taken over by the Polish Tatra Society and renovated. Between 1954 and 1957, it was expanded, but a fire in 1985 destroyed the roof, which was later rebuilt using sheet metal. The shelter now offers 49 beds in rooms of various sizes and has a permanent volunteer mountain rescue service (GOPR) station. Nearby, there is an alpine garden (alpinarium) established by Eduard Schnack. The shelter has witnessed numerous historical changes, including its use for paramilitary purposes during World War II and its post-war management under a new Polish manager, Anna Maciejna. As a witness to many historical events, the shelter remains an important landmark in the region, blending tradition, history, and mountain architecture.