I’m going to be travelling quite a lot this year. When my friend and I were choosing which hotel to spend the night in Denmark, I thought the country had some very interesting architecture. However, one can actually find far greater rarity even closer. If I ever plan to travel to Poland and stay there, the Mercure Szczyrk Resort would probably be the place that would entice me the most. It’s a hotel that is over 330 metres long, making it the longest in Europe.

According to some people, it resembles a snake. But it’s not just its length, but also its unusual curved shape. The hotel, located in the Silesian Beskydy Mountains, is completely unique. The complex is located on Wrzosowa Street in Szczyrk, at an altitude of approximately 660 metres. Personally, I am a fan of modern architecture and staying in this establishment attracts me, but on the other hand, it is questionable whether its location is a happy one.

Like a fist to the eye

When I think of mountains, time spent in nature and a relaxing weekend of hiking, I think of a mountain hut. However, the hotel is huge and at first glance a very modern building that really stands out in the area. In fact, guests have a view of the Silesian Beskydy Mountains and their highest peak, Skrzyczne, from its windows.

Some may find this combination of modern life and nature appealing, but I’m not entirely sure I’m sold on the contrast. In the future, however, modern-looking facilities are likely to spring up in areas that have until recently been untouched by humans, so perhaps it’s just a matter of getting used to it.

The extremely long snake-like building is a real rarity. Poland is famous in Europe for this hotel. ━━ The extremely long snake-like building is a real rarity. Poland is famous in Europe for this hotel. ( Source: Aliaksandra Yadzeshka /  Unsplash+ )

Hotel record holder

The hotel was opened relatively recently, with the first guests being able to stay there on 9 September 2024. It was created from the former Orle Gniazdo Congress and Recreation Centre. The hotel has a total of 447 rooms, all with mountain views. Interestingly, although the building looks very modern from the outside, inside the rooms are decorated in a rather retro style, with interior features such as wood and handmade decorations inspired by traditional Beskydy crafts.

The hotel offers not only accommodation, but of course also the opportunity to visit bars and restaurants, a wellness centre, an indoor swimming pool, and there are a total of 10 massage rooms. You will also find saunas or a fitness centre.

The hotel is located just a few kilometres from the centre of Szczyrk and close to the lower station of the cable car to the top of Skrzyczne, which makes it a great starting point for hiking, mountain biking and winter sports. In many ways, this Polish giant is a record breaker and it is clear that it will also become a major tourist attraction.