Szczyrk is a winter sport resort of about 6,000 inhabitants in southern Poland in the Silesian Voivodeship, situated southwest of Kraków, in the vicinity of Bielsko-Biała. It is located in the Silesian Beskids.
Get in
By plane
- 1 Katowice International Airport (KTW IATA). The most convenient way to get to Szczyrk by plane is by flying to the airport of the regional capital Katowice. The airport is the fourth biggest in Poland.
- 2 Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK IATA). An alternative that is worth considering is Kraków International Airport. Generally this airport serves more destinations than the one in Katowice.
By public transport
There are quite frequent buses from Bielsko-Biała to Szczyrk. The buses cover the distance in 30 minutes. If traveling by public transport this is almost the only option, since there is no train station in the town.
Get around
See
Do
There are a number of ski runs at Szczyrk Salmopol as well as a ski-jump hill, and in the mountains above the town there is a network of hiking trails. The town continues to operate year-round.
Buy
Shopping is limited to small stores, with most focusing on souvenirs for tourists, however, there are two small supermarkets.
Eat
There are over a dozen pubs and restaurants serving local food and a few international cuisines (e.g. Mexican, Italian).
Drink
Silesia is beer country with the renowned and local Żywiec and Tyskie beers available almost everywhere with a typical price in a bar starting at 5zł.
Sleep
As a ski resort town there are a number of accommodation options, ranging from bed & breakfast to 3-/4-star hotels. Ensure to book in advance if visiting during peak season. The hotels may appear dated by modern international standards but clean.
Connect
As of April 2024, Szczryk has 4G from all Polish carriers, but the signal is patchy on the approach roads. 5G has not reached this area.
Go next
- Bielsko-Biała — at the Biała River with a beautiful market square and several protestant churches. The whole city is located at the foot of the hills.
- Żywiec — the town where one of the most popular Polish beers is brewed, and also with a pretty but small historical center.