Oźna Hut

The Oźna Hut is a former school youth hostel at an altitude of 823 m above sea level, on the eastern slope of Oźna in the Wielka Racza group. Administratively it belongs to Sól in Żywiec County. For years the building stood disused and it is being renovated with a view to reopening, so you need to check before a trip whether it accepts guests.

From school to hostel

The building was constructed in 1963 as a primary school, which operated briefly. In 1975 it was taken over by the Polish Youth Hostels Association (PTSM), which set up a seasonal hostel here. In 1999 the building became the property of Żywiec County. In 2009 it was a year-round second-category hostel with 26 beds, a self-catering kitchen, a common room and a dining room.

Closure and attempts at renovation

Over the years the condition of the building deteriorated and the hostel lost its importance. It ceased to operate, and in 2011 the blue trail linked to it, from Zwardoń to Rycerka Górna, was discontinued, so the building was cut off from the trail network. The county tried to lease it out, and then in 2019 put it up for sale, citing the cost of a thorough renovation. The new owners began the renovation and, together with the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK) and the Rajcza municipality, campaigned for the restoration of the blue trail.

After the renovation the building has a wooden facade, new windows, renovated interiors, a stone foundation and a new terrace. Before a visit it is worth checking whether the building is open yet.

Location

The hut stands in a small clearing surrounded by forest, within the Żywiec Landscape Park, in the Żywiec-Kisuce Beskids. Not far away lies the PTTK mountain hut on Wielka Racza, and nearby is the viewing tower on Wielka Racza.

Practical information

• Address: Sól Oźna 355, Żywiec County.
• Access: the former trail from Zwardoń through the Słanica valley to Rycerka Górna was discontinued in 2011, and its restoration began in 2024. Check the current route with PTTK.
• Before you set off into the mountains, make sure the hut is operating and offers overnight accommodation.