First permanent human settlements in the area of present-day Szczyrk were reported in 16th century. According to chronicles, the village was inhabited by around 100 people in the 1730s. Initially, the majority of inhabitants were exclusively engaged in
agriculture and
sheep farming. Over the course of time, they began producing cloth from sheep's wool.
Timber felling was also carried out in the area. In the 19th century, the process of timber felling expanded rapidly and numerous
water mills and
sawmills started to be constructed. In the early 20th century, Szczyrk slowly bagan transforming into a resort town by attracting more and more tourists. In the 1920s, the area was popular with industrialists who erected villas and mountain hostels in the town. In 1927, mountain shelters on Mount Klimczok and Sampolska Pass were built. In 1933, the popular shelter on
Skrzyczne was opened. After World War II, the town experienced a tourist boom. Thanks to its picturesque location and
Silesian Beskids mountains, it became a popular and well-known resort town and a winter sports center. In 1959, a
chairlift leading to
Mount Skrzyczne was opened becoming one of the top tourist attractions of the town. In 1973, Szczyrk was granted city rights. ==Tourism and geography==