PTTK shelter

The PTTK mountain shelter on Magura Małastowska has long been a landmark for tourists traversing the Low Beskids. However, anyone planning a hospedaje there now will have to be patient. The facility, known for its long history and unique atmosphere, was closed in 2021 and subsequently demolished to make way for a completely new structure. This process marks the end of an era, but it also heralds a promising new chapter for tourism in the region.

The Heritage of the Old Shelter: Between Iconic Cuisine and Rude Standard

The old mountain hut, built in 1955 using wood from dismantled Lemko huts, has remained etched in tourists' memories for decades as a place full of contradictions. On the one hand, it offered what's most precious in the mountains – an unforgettable atmosphere and excellent food. Many guests fondly recalled the atmospheric dining room, often inhabited by friendly cats, and the hearty, delicious, and inexpensive meals. A unique experience was the peculiar way of serving meals using a kitchen elevator, which limited contact with the staff but added a certain charm to the place. For many, it was a prime example of a mountain posada , where one could experience the true spirit of hiking.

On the other hand, the standard of accommodation offered left much to be desired and was the main reason the facility required radical changes. For years, the hostel was in a state of endless renovation. Guests complained about the very poor quality of the sanitary facilities, describing the toilets as terrible, as well as the lack of basic amenities, such as the ability to wash hands outside the shower. The rough concrete walls in parts of the building detracted from the coziness, and the habitaciones did not provide the comforts expected by modern tourists. In winter, accommodation conditions could be particularly difficult. This primitive standard meant that, as an albergue , the facility no longer met basic safety and hygiene standards.

The New Face of Magura Małastowska: Plans and Expectations

The decision to completely renovate the shelter was inevitable. A modern facility is being built in place of the old building, combining tradition with comfort. The company managing it, Schroniska i Hotele PTTK "Karpaty," has announced an investment of over 8 million złoty. The new shelter will offer a completely different quality than its predecessor.

What will the new facility offer?

• Accommodation: 29 beds are planned in single, double, quadruple, and six-person rooms located in the attic. Some of these rooms will have private bathrooms, representing a significant improvement over the previous conditions.
• Gastronomy: On the ground floor there will be a spacious dining room that can accommodate up to 50 people, allowing the continuation of the place's valued culinary traditions.
• Amenities: The facility will be partially adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. The ground floor will feature technical rooms, a bicycle room, and public restrooms for tourists.
• Ecology and Architecture: The design envisions an ecologically friendly building that will harmoniously blend into the surroundings of the Beskid Niski Mountains. The architecture will evoke tradition, with a wooden aesthetic and large windows, but with a modern twist.

The new facility is scheduled to open at the turn of 2027 and 2028. This investment has the potential to transform the shelter from a spartan accommodation into a comfortable mountain hostería that will attract a wider range of tourists. Perhaps in the future, the offer will expand to include rentals of small, independent units such as departamentos or apartamentos vacacionales , elevating the place to the level of an intimate mountain resort .

Information for Potential Guests

Currently, the refuge is a construction site, making it completely closed to tourists. It's not possible to book any accommodations or use the restaurants. Tourists planning to stay in the area must seek alternative accommodation options, such as nearby cabañas , hostales , or private lodgings. Despite the closure, the area remains a destination in itself for many hikers, and it's worth noting that a tourist stamp for the booklet can still be found at the entrance to the construction site.

The reconstruction of the PTTK Mountain Lodge on Magura Małastowska is a long-awaited investment. Although it involves a symbolic farewell to a place with a soul and numerous flaws, it offers hope for the creation of a facility fit for the 21st century. Combining high standards with the beauty of the Beskid Niski Mountains and proximity to the Magura Ski Park ski resort, the new lodge has the potential to become one of the most attractive mountain hotels in the region, serving tourists year-round.