The history of the hut at Morskie Oko Lake dates back to 1874, when, thanks to the efforts of the Tatra Society, a small building facing the lake was built. During a fire in 1898, the building burned down completely. Work on the construction of another mountain chalet started in 1907. In the meantime, a coach house - known today as the Old Hut - served as a shelter for tourists. It is the oldest existing mountain hut in the Polish Tatra Mountains. In 1976, it was declared a monument and legally protected.

The new hut was opened in 1908 and is still in use today. The inter-war years were a time of constant extension and modernisation of the building. During World War II, a detachment of German border guards was stationed in the hut. The post-war years, in turn, are inseparably linked with the Lapinski family name. The hut was run from 1945 to 1980 by Czeslaw Lapinski (Polish mountaineer, climber, Tatra mountain rescuer) and his wife, Wanda.

The hut has hosted many distinguished guests. In 1997, the hut hosted Pope John Paul II, among others. Several film scenes were shot here, and once even a faithful copy of the hut veranda was built in a film studio for the needs of Krzysztof Zanussi's film "Spirala", borrowing the original photographs and other decorations from its interior for the duration of the shooting.

The hut currently has 79 beds: 36 are in the New Hut and 43 in the Old Hut. There is also a restaurant, a bar and a TOPR (Tatra Mountains Volunteer Rescue Service) rescue station. All Tatra enthusiasts can use the luggage storage room, TOPR information board with the weather forecast and current conditions in the mountains, as well as a shoe and clothes dryer.
Enjoying the phenomenal Kwasnica with ribs and the famous Oscypek from the windows of the veranda, we can admire the view of the turquoise-green lake and the majestic Rysy Mountain towering above it, the vastness of the Mieguszowieckie Peaks and the characteristic silhouette of the mountain of Mnich.

The hut over Morskie Oko Lake is an excellent base for trips to Rysy, Mieguszowiecka Przełecz pod Chlopkiem or Szpiglasowy Wierch. You can also go from here to the Black Pond or around Morskie Oko Lake.

Trails:

Palenica Bialczanska Glade - Morskie Oko Lake - around Morskie Oko - return - A beautiful and pleasant walk provided there are not too many people on the trail.

Morskie Oko Lake – Czarny Staw (Black Pond) - is an excellent and informative trip, an obligatory excursion to Morskie Oko Lake.

Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza Waterfalls - Roztoka Valley - Valley of of Five Lakes - Swistowa Czuba Peak - Morskie Oko Lake - A beautiful, moderately difficult classic trip.

Morskie Oko Lake - Wrota Chorbinskiego Pass - Szpiglasowy Wierch Peak - The Valley of Five Polish Lakes - Morskie Oko Lake - a technically easy trip, rich in views, best with an overnight stay in a hut.

Morskie Oko Lake - Rysy Peak - The most visited peak in the Morskie Oko region. The moderate technical difficulty, good physical condition and insensitivity to the exposure required. The trip is best done with an overnight stay in the hut in the following order: overnight stay, early wake-up call, departure to the peak.

Morskie Oko Lake - Pod Chlopkiem Pass - The most beautiful Tatra trail for many tourists. Interesting views, unique trail, fewer people on the route even in peak tourist season.