The mountain hostel "Strzecha Akademicka" is a large building located on the trail leading to the main peak of the Krkonoše Mountains – Sněžka. It is situated in the middle of Złotówka, the ridge separating the Kocioł Małego Stawu from Biały Jar at an altitude of 1258 m above sea level. It is the second largest hostel in the Polish Krkonoše Mountains.
The name "Strzecha Akademicka" was created shortly after World War II when the hostel was the property of students from higher education institutions in Kraków. Currently, the hostel belongs to PTTK.
The hostel is open year-round. It is a popular stop for hikers and skiers, individual tourists, as well as organized trips and those looking to rest and have something warm to eat before continuing their journey. From here, one can also watch sunrises and sunsets – visibility is very good.
You can reach "Strzecha Akademicka" via several routes. The most popular and scenic route is from the Wang church along the blue signs to "Kozia Mostek", and further without signs. Another route leads along the blue trail from "Kozia Mostek" to "Kocioł Małego Stawu" and the "Samotnia" hostel, and then to "Strzecha" in about 15 minutes.
You can also use the old toboggan track from the lower station of the chairlift along the yellow trail. In summer, we can take the chairlift from the upper station, following the black signs to "Biały Jar", and then along the yellow signs to the hostel.
In winter, we will use the chairlift on the black trail towards the "Śląski Dom", and after about 5 minutes, turn right on the marked trail above the upper edge of "Biały Jar". Another route leads via "Śląska Droga" from the lower station of the chairlift, along the black trail to "Biały Jar", and from there, after about 12 minutes, we will reach the hostel following the yellow signs.
The hostel offers as many as 140 accommodation places in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and even 10-person rooms. Some rooms have private bathrooms. Pets are welcome in the hostel. Additionally, the hostel has a kitchen and a buffet serving delicious, warm food all day.
Guests also have access to two large banquet halls, where various events can be organized. Moreover, there is a professional ski school for adults and children at the hostel. "Zimna Łąka" in Złotówka is a good skiing area, featuring a drag lift and the "Złotówka" ski trail.
