One of the largest ski resorts in Poland, Szczyrk lies in the Zylica River Valley of southern Poland, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Beskid ŚSąski mountains. It serves as a training base for Poland’s Winter Olympics athletes and is a popular summer holiday destination for hiking and mountain biking.
Things to do in Szczyrk
In the winter months, you can hit the downhill runs of Szczyrk, with more than 30 ski lifts serving the slopes. There are options to suit skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels, including four kilometres in the “black” category. Beginners can participate in lessons at the on-site ski school while little ones will love playing in the ski kindergarten.
When the snow melts, the mountains surrounding Szczyrk become a playground for hikers and mountain bikers, with plenty of marked trails to explore. Follow the yellow trail that leads to the summit of Małe Skrzyczne or ride the gondola to the Skrzyczenska Pasture to feast at the Kuflonka Restaurant. Five mountain biking trails of varying levels were established in 2019 as part of the Szczyrk Enduro Trails by TREK bike park.
North of Szczyrk is the distinctly rounded peak of Klimczok, which is topped by a steel telecommunications mast. It offers sweeping panoramas across the Western Carpathians, including views of the Tatra Mountains rising behind the Żywiec Beskids mountain range. On the slopes of Klimczok are two hidden caves, with a highlight being the 328-metre-long Ali Baba’s Cave.
Getting around Szczyrk
Szczyrk is just under two hours’ drive from Krakow and 1.5 hours from John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Szczyrk and exploring the surrounding region.