Żylica Riverside Promenade in Szczyrk

The Żylica Riverside Promenade (Deptak nad Żylicą) is a walking and cycling path that follows the mountain river through the centre of Szczyrk – from the Town Hall at ul. Beskidzka 4, past St James's Square and the amphitheatre, to the Skalite ski jumps. It is the easiest way to get to know the resort without setting foot on a mountain trail: flat, close to cafés, with views of the Silesian Beskids' slopes and several interesting stops along the way.

The route

According to the town's guide "50 Attractions of Szczyrk", the promenade starts at the Town Hall and runs to St James's Square (plac św. Jakuba), then on to the Skalite amphitheatre, past the Skalite ski jumps and the Central Sports Centre, as far as Skalite. There it joins the cycle route to Buczkowice and on to Rybarzowice – about 20 km there and back in total. You can just as well walk a short stretch in the centre and save the longer trip for a bike.

What to see along the way

• St James's Square – the heart of the resort. Here stands a monument to the founders of mountain rescue in the Beskids, unveiled in October 2018: two sandstone boulders leaning against each other, with bronze skis, an ice axe and a rope – the basic kit of GOPR rescuers in the 1960s. It was created by rescuer Włodzimierz Lach. Two of Szczyrk's four Beskid Benches from 2022, shaped after Wallachian gateways, stand on the square and by the promenade.
• Skalite amphitheatre – the stage for major events, including concerts of the Beskidy Culture Week folk festival. The grandstand building houses the Mountain Museum, devoted to the history of winter sports in the Beskids, Beskid Olympians and regional folk culture.
• Skalite ski jumps of the Beskid Olympians – the first jump was built here in 1937 and allowed jumps of up to 40 m. Today the complex has three hills: K-95 (HS 104) from 2007–2008, K-70 (HS 77) and K-40 from 2009–2010.

Did you know

The path is used all year round: by walkers and cyclists in summer, and – when there is enough snow – by cross-country skiers. From the promenade you get a good view of the slopes of Skrzyczne, the highest peak of the Silesian Beskids; boulders brought down from it form the nearby 2009 obelisk to Stanisław Hula, long-time head of the Szczyrk branch of the PTTK hiking society.

Tripto tips

• Who it suits: the route is flat and wide, good for children, pushchairs, bikes and running. It can get busy in season – keep to your side of the path.
• Time needed: the stretch from the Town Hall to the Skalite jumps and back makes an easy hour; if you continue towards Buczkowice, plan half a day by bike.
• Access: free, open all year round.
• Getting there and parking: the easiest option is one of the car parks in the centre, near St James's Square or the Town Hall. By bus, use stops such as Szczyrk Skalite.
• Note: after rain or in icy weather the surface can be slippery.