Szczyrk

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Szczyrk
Szczyrk as seen from Skrzyczne mountain's slope
Szczyrk as seen from Skrzyczne mountain's slope
Coat of arms of Szczyrk
Coat of arms
Szczyrk (Poland)
Szczyrk
Szczyrk
Coordinates: 49°42′58″N 19°1′37″E / 49.71611, 19.02694
Country Flag of Poland Poland
Voivodeship Silesian
County Bielsko
Gmina Szczyrk (urban gmina)
City rights 1973
Government
 - Mayor Wojciech Bydliński
Area
 - Total 39.07 km² (15.1 sq mi)
Highest elevation 600 m (1,969 ft)
Lowest elevation 500 m (1,640 ft)
Population (2006)
 - Total 5,860
 - Density 150/km² (388.5/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 - Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 43-370
Car plates SBI
Website: http://www.szczyrk.pl

Szczyrk [ʂt​͡ʂɨrk] (German: Schirk) 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 5,810 people (2004).

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 (1,257m) and Klimczok (1,117m), both of significant interest to tourists. One can observe a great view from the top of either peak. Moreover, there is no difficulty in climbing these peaks. They are easily accessible for everyone.

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

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Coordinates: 49°42′58″N, 19°1′37″E