Chata Socjologa, Mountain shelter in Dwernik, Poland
Chata Socjologa is a wooden mountain shelter located at 894 meters above sea level on the Otryt ridge in the Bieszczady mountains. It sleeps around 30 people in shared dormitory-style rooms and offers camping space outside for additional guests.
The shelter was built between 1972 and 1973 by students from the Institute of Sociology at the University of Warsaw under Henryk Kliszka's leadership. It was reconstructed in 2006 after being destroyed by fire in 2003, with its original wooden design restored.
The ground floor centers on a communal fireplace room where visitors gather to sing and play guitar by candlelight in the evenings. This layout reflects how shared spaces encourage people to spend time together without distractions.
Visitors need to bring their own sleeping bag and food since the shelter has no electricity or on-site dining. The trek to reach it requires sturdy hiking boots and reasonable fitness, and being prepared for sudden weather changes is essential.
The shelter intentionally operates without electricity, preserving the character of a traditional 20th-century mountain refuge. This choice makes it a rare place where visitors can experience mountain life disconnected from modern utilities.
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