Its construction under the supervision of Rev. Wojciech Roszek and Leopold Świerz was completed in 1876. At that time, the shelter was named after Wincenty Pol - a distinguished geographer, promoter of mountain tourism, brave patriot, and participant in the November Uprising. Between 1911 and 1912, a new, larger building was erected a little further away fromthe original building, which was enlarged several times between the wars. In the interwar period, the shelter was a mountain base for mountaineers making their first ascents on previously inaccessible routes. In turn, in the 1970s and 1980s, it was a meeting place for Polish Himalayan climbers who made the first ascents of the eight-thousand-metre peaks at that time. The shelter still functions as a mountaineering expedition base- the shelter, together with experienced Tatra guides, organises training and excursions popularising safe tourism for ambitious people, and it has a tourist equipment rental shop. Now remote from the main trail to Morskie Oko, it and its remarkable clearing have retained the charm of yesteryear.

The Shelter has more than 70 beds in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9-bed rooms (bed linen is included in the accommodation price; towel extra; sleeping on the floor is not possible; booking necessary). There is tourist kitchen and clothes drying room, Wi-Fi, screen and overhead projector, and a common room. The traditional kitchen is open from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. and cooks delicious and healthy food - be sure to try what is said to be the best apple pie in the Tatra Mountains, as well as boletus and garlic soups, pierogi made on-site, highlander's potato pancake, strawberry cocktail, sponge cake with seasonal fruit and lemonade.