Kochanówka

The place

Schronisko PTTK "Kochanówka": A Historic Mountain Refuge in the Karkonosze The Schronisko PTTK "Kochanówka", a mountain tourist refuge of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society, is located in the Karkonosze, in the Piechowice area. Location and Description The "Kochanówka" mountain refuge sits at an altitude of 510 metres in the Karkonosze National Park, above the confluence of the Szklarka stream with the Kamienna river. It occupies a historic building constructed in 1868 near the Szklarki waterfall, in the middle of the Wąwóz Szklarki gorge, on the left bank of a rocky outcrop. It is surrounded by rocky, forested slopes with spruce mixed with fir and beech. A small terrace offers a view of the waterfall's cascade. History of the Refuge The first mentions date back to the second half of the 17th century, when the owner Witriolejni Preller built a path to the waterfall. In 1868 the Kochellfalbaude inn was built, which, after many renovations, still stands today. In the 19th century, the refuge's owner "enhanced" the visitor experience: he dammed the water at the top of the waterfall using stones and released it for an appropriate fee whenever a group of onlookers arrived. Hiking Trails Two hiking trails pass near the refuge: The blue trail from Piechowice to the PTTK refuge "Pod Łabskim Szczytem", The black trail around Szklarska Poręba. 300 m from the refuge, at the confluence of the Szklarka and the Kamienna, runs the green trail from Szklarska Poręba to Karpacz, via the Żarska pass. Availability and Booking Opening: July to September. Booking: recommended online.