Szczyrk

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Szczyrk as seen from Skrzyczne mountain's slope (Poland)

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 around 5,600 people.

The town is a popular winter sports centre, with over 60 km of ski routes served by 30 ski lifts. The principal training centre for Poland's Winter Olympic athletes is based in the town, where they train for events such as skiing, ski jumping and ice skating.

The two mountain ranges that surround the valley are topped by the peaks of Skrzyczne (1257m) and Klimczok (1117m), both of significant interest to tourists. One can observe an astonishing view from the top of either peak. Moreover, there is no difficulty in climbing these peaks. They are easily accessible for everyone.

The Beskidy mountains (the Silesian Beskidy mountain range, in particular) should not be considered high mountains. Bare rock can be seen only on top of the Malinowska Skala peak (around 1200m).

Szczyrk shares a common border with Wisła, an interesting town where the source of the Vistula (Wisła) river can be found (around the Barania Góra mountain).