Szczyrk (; ; ) is a town in the Beskid Śląski mountains of southern Poland, situated in the valley of the Żylica river. It is part of the Silesian Voivodeship (since 1999), previously being part of the Bielsko-Biała Voivodeship (1975–1998). It has a population of 5,734 people (2019).

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History

First permanent human settlements in the area of present-day Szczyrk were reported in 16th century. According to chronicles, the village was inhabited by around 100 people in the 1730s. Initially, the majority of inhabitants were exclusively engaged in agriculture and sheep farming. Over the course of time, they began producing cloth from sheep's wool. Timber felling was also carried out in the area.

In the 19th century, the process of timber felling expanded rapidly and numerous water mills and sawmills started to be constructed. In the early 20th century, Szczyrk slowly bagan transforming into a resort town by attracting more and more tourists. In the 1920s, the area was popular with industrialists who erected villas and mountain hostels in the town. In 1927, mountain shelters on Mount Klimczok and Sampolska Pass were built. In 1933, the popular shelter on Skrzyczne was opened.

After World War II, the town experienced a tourist boom. Thanks to its picturesque location and Silesian Beskids mountains, it became a popular and well-known resort town and a winter sports center. In 1959, a chairlift leading to Mount Skrzyczne was opened becoming one of the top tourist attractions of the town. In 1973, Szczyrk was granted city rights.

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File:SZCZYRK, AB. 025.JPG|Square in the town centre

File:SZCZYRK, AB. 070.JPG|Hotel Alpin

File:Szczyrk.Wyciąg krzesełkowy na Skrzyczne. - panoramio.jpg|Ski lift

File:Skocznia narciarska Skalite - Szczyrk.JPG|A ski jumping hill in Szczyrk

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Twin towns – sister cities

Szczyrk is twinned with:

  • Ciorăşti, Romania (2004)
  • Mikołajki, Poland (2007)
  • Zetel, Germany (2008)

References

  • Official website
  • Skiing in Szczyrk
  • TrekEarth - photos from Szczyrk
  • Detailed site about Szczyrk
  • Photo gallery from Szczyrk