“Nightmares.” Tourists disappointed by transformation of iconic shelter in Polish mountains

The situation of Samotnia was already widely known a year ago. Fans were outraged that their beloved shelter was having problems and would probably never be the same. On May 15, 2024, the famous facility on Mały Staw was transferred to new tenants. It is currently managed by the company Wysoka II from Zakopane, owned by Andrzej Szatkowski and Michał Postupalski, and not by the esteemed Siemaszko family.

The controversial appearance of Solitude

The Samotnia shelter, which was associated with the mountains and faithfully reflected the atmosphere of the Karkonosze Mountains, has changed a lot. Currently, it is said that the place has taken on a so-called Zakopane-Ikea character and is kitschy. Attention was drawn to the lack of references to local tradition, folklore or dialect.

The new interior design was noticed by, among others, one of the editors of “Gazeta Wyborcza”. She revealed that she had checked old and historical photos of the interior. “Like oscypek, it has nothing to do with the history of the most beautiful mountain shelter in the Karkonosze Mountains. There are not many archival photos, but you can easily find photos of the interior from a hundred years ago,” she wrote. “Although I spent a few hours looking through old engravings and photos, I could not find the star embroidery that appeared on the bar in Samotnia,” she added.

This is what the new Samotnia looks like

Photos of the Samotnia shelter after its metamorphosis can be seen, among others, on the Facebook profile of Mr. Zbigniew Piotrowicz. “The new interior of Samotnia. I understand that it was agreed with the conservator of monuments. Thanks to this, we moved the Sudetes to Podhale or Sweden. And the axe-hats. I ask, where are the axe-hats?” – he wrote ironically in his post.

It is known that whitewashed benches and simple chairs resembling those from the Ikea chain have appeared on the site. A journalist visiting the shelter pointed out that all of this brings to mind a school canteen or a milk bar.

Internet users who commented on the post did not spare any sarcasm. They did not hide their disappointment. “It was left from Murowaniec, it was used. Apparently the lady at the toilet is modeled on the one from Murowaniec” – they wrote about the materials used to create the decor. “Nightmares” – someone else added. There was also no shortage of mocking remarks that “the lack of ciupag is a scandal” and questions about whether photos of Zenek Martyniuk will now appear on the site.