Where to stay in the Silesian Beskids? Shelters and tourist attractions worth visiting.
Mountain shelters in the Silesian Beskids are unique and attract tourists like a magnet. Why? Each shelter has its own history and tradition. Just cross the threshold to feel the atmosphere of the place, meet mountain enthusiasts, chat about conquered trails, and plan future routes. Staying in a shelter enriches every mountain expedition.
At first glance, mountain shelters in the Silesian Beskids may seem similar, and there is some truth to that. In each of them, tired hikers can find a warm meal, coffee, tea, and a place to sleep. Perhaps not always in a single room, but certainly in warmth and with the guarantee that nothing will drip on your head. So why do so many people choose to stay in a mountain shelter despite fairly modest conditions? The undeniable advantage is the mentioned atmosphere and location, beautiful natural surroundings, the proximity of mountains, and encounters with wildlife, all of which add authenticity to the adventure.
Silesian Beskids: "Klimczok" Shelter
The shelter is located at an altitude of 1052 meters above sea level, between the Siodło pass and the Magura peak. The name of the place refers to the Klimczok peak, which you can admire from the room windows. The shelter was opened in 1914. The minimalist stone facade has not changed in a hundred years, except for minor repairs, of course. It's worth noting that guests were already welcomed in this location at the end of the 19th century, but the wooden building had no luck. It burned down for the first time in 1895, was rebuilt two years later, and was again consumed by fire in 1910 and 1913. At "Klimczok," you can rest before continuing your journey, enjoy a hot meal, and spend the night. A major attraction is the outdoor pool, ski lift, a seven-meter climbing wall, and a network of hiking trails.
Silesian Beskids: "Stefanka" Shelter on Kozia Góra
The small picturesque shelter building on Kozia Góra looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale, and it truly exists. Called Stefanka, it is situated at an altitude of 676 meters above sea level, not far from Szyndzielnia. It offers just over 30 sleeping places in several-person rooms. The beginnings of the shelter, now a tourist facility, date back to the end of the 19th century when forest workers rested in a small cottage. Over the decades, the shelter in the Silesian Beskids changed hands. In March 2023, due to a new lease agreement, the facility was removed from the list of shelters of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society by the councilors of Bielsko-Biała. However, this name change doesn't affect guests; they can still spend the night and eat well in this enchanted cottage.
Silesian Beskids: PTTK Stożek Shelter
Orłowicz's shelter on Stożek is the oldest in the Silesian Beskids, opened in the summer of 1922. The building offers picturesque views. As some tourists claim, sunrises over the Tatras provide unforgettable experiences. The shelter is located below the summit of Wielki Stożek, at an altitude of 978 meters above sea level, right on the ridge of the Czantoria and Stożek range, which also serves as the Polish-Czech border and the westernmost part of the Polish Silesian Beskids. The shelter is an excellent starting point for lovers of the Beskid Red Trail. After returning from a hike, the hosts invite you to a restaurant with traditional Polish cuisine.
Silesian Beskids: Przysłop Shelter under Barania Góra
This is one of those places where children are always welcome. Inside the building and in its surroundings, you will find attractions and amenities for children, even the youngest ones. The shelter is a typical building from the late 1970s, but its interiors have been transported to the 21st century. Renovated rooms and bathrooms entice you to relax, and the aromas wafting from the restaurant's kitchen tempt weary hikers. The shelter is located in the heart of the Silesian Beskids, where four mountain trails converge. Just an hour's walk will take you to Barania Góra, one of the two highest peaks in this mountain range. The hosts ensure positive guest experiences and a homely atmosphere.
Gościniec Równica (formerly Równica Shelter until 2016)
The two-story building is located at an altitude of 758 meters above sea level on the subpeak meadow of Równica. Formerly known as Diabla Góra, it is a favorite destination for both older and younger mountain climbing enthusiasts. The inn was built by the German Tourist Society in the early 1920s and a few years later passed to the Polish Tatra Society. After a thorough reconstruction, the facility opened to tourists. A road was hardened in the 1930s and subsequently asphalted, allowing guests to reach the inn by car. Since 2016, the place has been run by a couple of mountain climbing enthusiasts, so it no longer functions as a PTTK shelter. Next to Gościniec Równica, a junction of hiking trails awaits tourists, and the Main Beskid Trail marked in red runs through this area.
In the Silesian Beskids, there are many shelters and inns with interesting offerings. If none of the above places meets your expectations, it's worth looking further. Once you visit the Silesian Beskids, you will always want to come back.