The Czech hut was opened on July 16, 1900, and it was blessed by Jakob Aljaž. It is one of the oldest huts in our mountains, and the only one which kept until now – at least on the outside – its original image, which makes it especially popular among mountaineers.
"Everything is just as it was, except for the kitchen. We have no electricity, and we only offer what's old, traditional," said the keeper of the hut Karmen Karničar. But they are among the few in the high mountain range with potable water!
The Czech hut has always been an integral part of the life of the people from Jezersko. Their keepers have left their mark as well – for six decades the keepers have come from the famous Karničar family. The legendary Andrej was the Czech hut keeper for four decades; now the younger members of this large family took his place, who have inherited the love for mountains from their parents. "Along with the attitude towards those who come here – to give them a friendly reception, and also show them how to behave correctly in this kind of environment, which is a bit special," Drejc Karničar explained.
Czech-Slovenian friendship
People often wonder about the name of this popular hut under the North face of Skuta and Kočna. Why the Czech hut? The answer is simple – it was built by the Czechs, i.e. by a subsidiary of the Slovenian mountaineer society from Prague.
It is very popular among the Czech mountaineers as well. "The Czech mountaineers, tourists, know about the Czech hut, and come on purpose to Jezersko," said Jure Rebolj, the mayor of the Jezersko municipality.
The friendship among the Czech and Slovenian mountaineers has a long history, and a rich one as well; it is obvious from the information boards set in the memorial park of the Czech-Slovenian friendship in the centre of Jezersko. The ambassadors of both countries were present as well, and toasted further excellent cooperation.
And another detail should be mentioned: the Czech mountaineers can still come to Jezersko without a passport, just as 115 years ago!
D. S., Marjeta Klemenc (TV Slovenija)
Translated by G. K.
