PTTK "Orlica" Hostel

A location almost on the Pieniny Trail, inviting visitors with stunning views of the Pieniny panorama and Szczawnica. The remarkable shelter building dominates the banks of the Dunajec River and the Cypel island. A seasoned tourist's eye can spot the characteristic wooden balconies and terraces of the shelter, as well as its soaring roof, from afar. While wandering along the well-known Dunajec Gorge, it's worth taking a few minutes to climb a small hill (520 m above sea level) to visit the "Orlica."

The history of this place is quite long – the building was erected in 1932 but as a private guesthouse. In 1970, it was purchased for the benefit of PTTK. Since its inception, it has undergone a series of renovations to today offer its guests around 50 accommodation places in 2, 3, 4, and 5-person rooms. It is worth adding that since 1986, a separate building has housed the PTTK Mountain Tourism Culture Centre. One must not forget about the important point of every shelter, which is the kitchen. The building houses a restaurant, where specialities include fresh mountain trout, homemade dumplings made on-site, chicken broth, warm apple pie with ice cream and whipped cream, or chocolate cake.

Nearby the shelter, there are many attractions for outdoor activity enthusiasts. The first is an absolute Pieniny classic, which is a hiking or biking trip through the Dunajec Gorge to the Red Monastery. Another activity is rafting on the Dunajec with a wooden raft or, if we crave a bit more adrenaline, rafting with a kayak or inflatable boat (the final stretch of the rafting is less than half a kilometre from the shelter). Another attraction is the mountains, with numerous Pieniny peaks and passes - suggestions for trips along with maps can be found near the entrance to the Pieniny National Park in Szczawnica. A noteworthy attraction for two-wheeled enthusiasts is the possibility to rent bikes at “Orlica.” Interestingly, if you rent them there, you can return them to the PTTK Shelter “Trzy Korony” in Sromowce Niżne. The shelter is located right next to Szczawnica, so it's worth finding time in your trip plans to explore this spa town with its characteristic wooden architecture.

The PTTK Shelter “Orlica” is undoubtedly a place full of an incredible mountain atmosphere and vibe, which is worth visiting to fully appreciate the potential of the Pieniny. Both seasoned hikers and those starting their adventure with mountain treks feel at home there.                    

Photo and text author: Ewa Bandyk