Interesting Facts About Szczyrk

Szczyrk is a small town (about 5,700 inhabitants) that gained town status in the 1970s. Its tourism and recreation-oriented character means that during the winter holidays and summer vacations, it attracts guests from all over Poland. So, what interesting facts about Szczyrk should you know before visiting this charming part of the Silesian Beskids?

Historical Facts: Discovering the Past of the Silesian Beskids

Some associate Szczyrk with ski resorts and downhill runs, while others know the town for its many mountain trails, which can be explored on foot or by bike. There are also visitors who come to sightsee and relax close to nature. Regardless of your reason for coming, it is worth discovering a lesser-known side of Szczyrk, including the town’s fascinating history and unique places that could tell many stories.

Historical Facts About Szczyrk

• It’s unclear when the first inhabitants settled in what is now Szczyrk, but it was a multicultural settlement. Polish fugitives and exiles lived here, as well as the Vlachs (an ethnic group from the Balkans), Germans, Austrians, Hungarian soldiers, Czechs, and Slovaks.
• In 1630, the first population census in Szczyrk was conducted by Father Bartłomiej Kampkowicz (the registry was related to a church tax).
• The first residents of Szczyrk mainly engaged in farming, logging, shepherding, and hunting.
• In the 18th century, Szczyrk’s economy developed thanks to the supply of timber and other raw materials to Upper Silesia and the production of wool from sheep fleece.
• After World War I, tourism began to develop in Szczyrk, with the first tourist accommodations organized in barracks and military hospitals.
• In the late 1920s, Szczyrk absorbed the neighboring town of Salmopol, making the municipality religiously diverse (with Catholics in Szczyrk and Protestants in Salmopol).
• Before World War II, the first guesthouses and mountain shelters were built in Szczyrk, including on Klimczok, Salmopolska Pass, and Skrzyczne.
• In early 1973, Szczyrk was granted town status.

Facts About Szczyrk’s Attractions

On the map of Szczyrk and its surroundings, you’ll find many attractions that draw visitors of all ages and interests. Hiking enthusiasts can explore local peaks, including Skrzyczne, the highest peak of the Silesian Beskids (1,257 m a.s.l.), as well as Magura, Klimczok, and Malinowska Skała. Those more inclined to explore the town can visit the Żylica Riverside Promenade, art galleries, and historical religious sites. So, what interesting facts about Szczyrk are connected to its attractions?

Interesting Facts About Attractions in Szczyrk

• The name Skrzyczne likely comes from the croaking of frogs, which were abundant in the pond between Skrzyczne and Małe Skrzyczne (there is even a frog monument at the summit).
• On Skrzyczne, there is a PTTK mountain shelter (before World War II, there was a second shelter built in 1924), a 90-meter transmission mast, and a radio-television broadcasting center.
• Szczyrk is also attractive to caving enthusiasts who can explore caves such as the Ice Cave, Cave in Trzy Kopce, and Malinowska Cave (nearby is one of the most photographed attractions of Szczyrk – the rocky outcrop on Malinowska Skała).
• Below the summit of Magura, you can find the ruins of a swimming pool built in 1936, which was completely destroyed by Soviet troops in 1945.
• One of the biggest attractions in Szczyrk is the Skalite ski jump complex, consisting of three jumps: a small jump (K40), a medium jump (K70), and a normal jump (K95). An interesting fact about Szczyrk is that the unofficial record on the normal hill after its renovation in 2008 was set by Piotr Żyła, who jumped 102 meters.
• About 700 meters from the summit of Klimczok, you’ll find a PTTK mountain shelter. The building has burned down several times in the past, and at the end of World War II, it became part of German fortifications stretching from Magura through Klimczok and Szyndzielnia to Skoczów.
• Near Salmopolska Pass, there is the White Cross (Biały Krzyż), which, according to different sources, commemorates various events: the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, battles between Confederates and Russians, or a German attack on a group of partisans during World War II.
• The oldest monument in Szczyrk is the Sanctuary of St. James, a wooden church built between 1797-1800. The church is part of the Wooden Architecture Trail in the Silesian Voivodeship’s Beskid loop.
• Szczyrk is also home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady Queen of Poland (also known as the Sanctuary on the Hill), which was built to commemorate an apparition recorded in 1894. Next to the sanctuary is a grotto with a miraculous spring.
• Another interesting fact about Szczyrk is that the year-round cable car to Skrzyczne is one of the town’s top attractions. The cable car is divided into two sections: Szczyrk-Jaworzyna (with the final station at 948 m a.s.l.) and Jaworzyna-Skrzyczne (final station at 1,250 m a.s.l.).

What Else is Worth Knowing About Szczyrk?

Szczyrk is a town with a rich history and numerous attractions that can be enjoyed year-round. Importantly, the town continues to develop, offering more and more amenities for both residents and tourists. So, what other interesting facts about Szczyrk are worth remembering?

• Szczyrk is part of the Beskidzka 5, a project aimed at promoting the Silesian Beskids region both in Poland and abroad (the initiative also includes the municipalities of Wisła, Ustroń, Istebna, and Brenna).
• On January 16-17, 2024, the Ski Jumping World Cup was scheduled to take place at the Skalite complex, but the competition on January 17 was canceled due to strong winds.
• A must-visit spot in Szczyrk is the wide Żylica Riverside Promenade, used by pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers, and cross-country skiers.
• Those seeking adrenaline won’t be bored here. In Szczyrk, you can enjoy mountain biking, caving, and paragliding.
• Lastly, it’s worth noting that Szczyrk is home to one of the largest ski areas in Poland. Winter sports enthusiasts have access to three major resorts: Szczyrk Mountain Resort, the COS Skrzyczne Ski Center, and the Beskid Sport Arena.