Szczyt

Szczyrk is a town located in southern Poland, in the Silesian Voivodeship, within the historic region of Żywiecczyzna. It lies in the valley of the Żylica River, in the Silesian Beskids mountain range. The town offers a wide range of sports facilities, including the Central Sports Center with a FIS-certified ski run on Skrzyczne, as well as several large ski resorts such as Czyrna-Solisko and Beskid Sport Arena. Szczyrk is known for hosting sporting events, including the IX Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in 2009, highlighting its importance in sports tourism. The town also has a rich history of settlement dating back to the 15th century, with the development of the tourism industry accelerating after World War I, when former Austrian barracks were converted into lodging facilities. Szczyrk was granted town rights in 1973. Among its architectural attractions are the Church of St. James, built between 1797 and 1800, and the Marian Sanctuary "Na Górce." Szczyrk is also a place of religious worship, with a Roman Catholic parish and an Evangelical church. According to demographic data, the town had 5,734 inhabitants in 2016. Szczyrk is also a partner to towns in Hungary, Poland, and Germany, underscoring its international character. Interestingly, the town features numerous hiking trails, including routes leading to Skrzyczne and Malinowska Skała. The region hosts annual cultural and sporting events that attract tourists, as well as winter recreation activities. Thus, Szczyrk is a place that combines rich historical traditions, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and beautiful natural surroundings.