Summer is the time when Szczyrk comes alive. Hikers, mountain biking enthusiasts, holidaymakers, and even adrenaline seekers all head to the town to enjoy everything it has to offer. Let’s take a look at what makes Szczyrk such a perfect summer destination.
Social Life: Events and Festivals in Szczyrk
Before visiting Szczyrk, it’s worth checking the local events calendar available on the city’s official website. For example, during the summer season of 2024, Szczyrk hosted creative workshops, inclusive mountain hikes (“Beskidy Without Barriers”), concerts, family festivals, outdoor games, open-air cinema screenings, and the largest folklore festival in Europe – the “Beskid Culture Week.” As you can see, summer in Szczyrk is packed with attractions, so there’s no chance of getting bored and everyone can find something for themselves.
Active Adventures on Two Wheels at Szczyrk Enduro Trails
Cyclists feel right at home in Szczyrk. The area offers numerous cycling routes leading to some of the most beautiful spots in the region, and bikes can be rented, among others, at our hotel – Mercure Szczyrk Resort (both regular mountain bikes and e-bikes are available).
Since 2019, riders have also been able to enjoy the Szczyrk Enduro Trails complex – a network of one-way mountain biking trails located on Hala Skrzyczeńska (approx. 1,000 meters above sea level). The area can be reached either by a 10-person gondola or a 6-person chairlift. Cyclists can enjoy a variety of attractions, including the Skill Zone bike park, advanced trails such as Otesanek and Bestyja, intermediate trails like HipHopA, Otik, and Zbój, as well as the beginner-friendly Loop 1 trail.
A Fantastic Attraction for Children: An 80-Meter Water Slide
Summer days in Szczyrk can get really hot, but the town is prepared for that too. At Górska Street 7a, visitors will find one of the longest inflatable water slides in Poland. The slide is 80 meters long and ends in a small pool, ensuring a safe landing after an exciting ride downhill.
The attraction is available only during the summer season and on warm days, so it’s worth visiting while you can – children are guaranteed to love it!
Cave Exploration for Experienced Adventurers or Guided Tours
On hot days, visitors can cool off not only in the water but also in the caves around Szczyrk. One of the most popular is Malinowska Cave, recommended mainly for experienced explorers equipped with climbing gear. The cave can be reached from Salmopolska Pass (red trail) or from Szczyrk Solisko (green trail).
Caving enthusiasts or tourists accompanied by a guide can also explore the Cave in Trzy Kopce, one of the longest and largest caves in the Beskids. Experienced visitors (or those with a guide) may also visit Salmopolska Cave, located just beyond the road junction at Salmopolska Pass.
An Adrenaline Rush: Paragliding Flights
While exploring narrow caves may not be for everyone, paragliding is an attraction available to almost anyone – including children with parental consent.
In Szczyrk, paragliding flights take off from Skrzyczne Mountain. A typical tandem flight with an instructor lasts around 30 minutes or less, depending on weather conditions. Visitors can also receive a video recording of the experience as a souvenir, making it easy to share the adventure with friends or on social media.
It’s the perfect attraction for anyone looking to experience something exciting and unforgettable.
Celebrating a Wedding Anniversary
Early and late summer are popular times for couples celebrating wedding anniversaries. The Silesian Beskids provide the perfect setting for a romantic getaway at Mercure Szczyrk Resort.
A stay in a comfortable apartment with mountain views is a wonderful escape from everyday life. Couples can enjoy a delicious dinner at Flame Restaurant and later visit Luna Bar with its terrace to admire the starry sky together. It’s also worth relaxing in the Flow pool area or enjoying wellness treatments at the spa to make the anniversary truly carefree and rejuvenating.
Sports and Training at COS-OPO Szczyrk
Szczyrk offers plenty of attractions for active visitors. Hiking and cycling are just the beginning.
The Central Sports Centre – Olympic Preparation Centre in Szczyrk is a large sports complex featuring three tennis courts, an indoor sports hall (for volleyball, basketball, handball, and indoor football), a stadium with team sports fields, a running track, jumping and throwing facilities, as well as a beach volleyball court.
It’s a fantastic place both for professional athletes and groups looking for fun and active ways to spend time together.
Relaxation at the Flow Pools
The water slide is not the only aquatic attraction in Szczyrk. At Mercure Szczyrk Resort, guests can enjoy the extensive Flow pool area.
Children can have fun on two water slides and in a paddling pool designed for the youngest guests, while adults can relax or train in the swimming pool and recreational pool. The water park also features indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, perfect for soothing tired muscles after an active day.
Guests can also enjoy snacks at the bistro or drinks at the pool bar, making it easy to lose track of time and spend the entire day there.
A Full-Day Hike on the Stanisław Hula Trail
This route is recommended for the most dedicated hikers, as the entire trail stretches for 31 kilometers and may take up to 12 hours to complete.
Summer is the best season for tackling the full route, as daylight lasts around 16–17 hours. Hikers can start as early as 6 or 7 a.m. and finish around 6 or 7 p.m.
The trail begins near the city hall and leads through Skrzyczne, Malinowska Skała, Salmopolska Pass, Karkoszczonka Pass, and Klimczok Mountain.
The hike can end near the “Sanctuary on the Hill,” close to Mercure Szczyrk Resort, where guests can relax in a comfortable room overlooking Skrzyczne Mountain.