Be Active – Paddle and Pedal

A weekend package with meals and an active program – one-day kayaking trip on Czarna Hańcza or Rospuda River combined with a bicycle trip in an individual option. '2023 DATES

Wouldn’t you love to find a quiet oasis far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Pack your suitcase and escape to Augustów to enjoy the mystery of wild and relaxing nature. Get out of your daily routine– energize with nature! Forest and water will calm you down and relax.

Combine two sports into one! Paddle and Pedal through Augustów Primeval Forest and Augustów-Suwałki Lake District.

Comfortable accommodation – hotel or campsite right next to, tasty home-made meals, a few hours’ adventure in a kayak on Czarna Hańcza River or the wilder Rospuda River, and an individual bicycle trip. Lots of additional attractions on-site. Augustów nights… and days 🙂

Accommodation: Augustów – Villa Skomanda hotel or a campsite.
Meals: HB – buffet breakfast, dinner

Program

Friday

Arrival in Augustów, check-in    /possible from 3 PM till 11 PM/.

The SZOT Base (how to find us) is located on 8 hectares of land. There are Villa Skomanda – a hotel with a restaurant, bungalow – rooms with separate entrances from the veranda, 4-person summer houses. There is also the SZOT tourist office, kayak and canoes rental, a playground for children, a traditional wood-fired sauna, a sheltered barbecue area with a bonfire place, and a large car park. Everything in a fenced area, surrounded by a forest and a large green space.
We are situated in a picturesque part of Augustów town, close to Augustów Primeval Forest, Augustów Canal, and “Green Velo” cycle trail.

Dinner.

Saturday

Breakfast.
A short briefing (organizational and safety issues; kayaking instructions). Transportation to the kayaking starting point.

Activities to choose from: 1-day kayaking trip /no guide/:

    1. Czarna Hańcza River and Augustów Canal: Dworczysko – Mikaszówka  /12 km

11:00 AM – transportation to the starting place; the planned return: 5:30-6.00 PM
One of the most appealing and best known kayaking routes in Poland. The river is relatively wide, and it has a mild current that makes it easier to kayak. It meanders calmly along grasslands and woods of Augustów Primeval Forest. Its relaxing atmosphere is driven by the river’s gentle bends, curves, and fallen trees that are easy to pass. In general, the route is not difficult, suitable for beginners and families with children. The last two kilometers we kayak through the Augustów Canal regulated by historic, manually operated locks (must-see!). Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.

Duration: approx. 4,5 hours (with several stops in the meantime). More information is here.

Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.

    2. Rospuda River: Małe Raczki – Święte Miejsce  /15 km

8:30 AM – transportation to the starting place; the planned return: 3:30-4.00 PM.
Along the river there are sections with sharp curves, fallen trees and large boulders, but there are also calmer ones, where the river is mild and free of obstacles. In summertime the route is relatively easy. Surrounded by beautiful, picturesque scenery! On the route there are two unique spots to visit: the ruins of Pac Palace in Dowspuda, and Święte Miejsce nature reserve – cultural and religious site. Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.

Duration: approx. 4 hours (with several stops in the meantime). More information is here.

Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów. Dinner.

Sunday

Breakfast. Check-out till 11:00 AM.
Individual bicycle trip (maps of bicycle routes and necessary information are available at the reception).

Recommended route: „Around the Sajno Lake” /25 km

The route partly leads along the asphalt path of the GREEN VELO trail. Then, picturesque paths surrounded by centuries-old forests of Augustów Primeval Forest, the second largest forest area in our country, as well as on the lakesides. Closeness to nature, beautiful landscapes, richness of forest undergrowth and the opportunity to meet rare species of animals or birds. Easy route, places for stops. Starting and ending point at SZOT Base.

Extend your stay or arrive earlier and get an attractive discount for accommodation of 10%.

Optional: Augustów sightseeing, cycling trip (bike rental on site at Villa Skomanda), a cruise and many other attractions.

We also offer one-day trips: to the Suwałki- Augustów Lake district, to Lithuania – Vilnius and Trakai.

Reservation of excursions at the reception desk; pick-up of participants and return transport to Villa Skomanda.

Price

• 555 PLN /person
• 335 PLN /children up to 12, sharing a room with 2 people
• 525 PLN /children up to 12, sharing a room with 1 person
• 390 PLN /3rd person in a room
  VILLA SKOMANDA Option – in a 2-person room

• 370 PLN /person (tent in members own)
• 340 PLN /children up to 12 (tent in members own)
• 55 PLN /children up to 4 (only participation kayaking trip)
  CAMPSITE Option – SZOT campsite

Price includes

• 2 x night’s accommodation – according to the chosen option
• 2 x allimentation (breakfast, dinner); children under the age of 12 – ½ serving size
• participation in a one-day kayaking trip
• participation in an individual bicycle trip
• free Wi-Fi

Parking lot – free.

Paid separately

• local fee (cash only) – 2 PLN /person /day
• extra charge for the single room – 200 PLN/person/trip
• accident insurance (sum insured PLN 20,000) – approx. 3 PLN / person / day.
• CAMPSITE option only – warm shower in SZOT Base – 5 PLN /shower
• renting a single CAROLINA/ CUSTOMLINE kayak or kayaking in a double kayak individually – 20 PLN/trip
• two lock fees on the Augustów Canal – 4,70 PLN/kayak/lock
• renting a waterproof bag (55l) or barrel (3,5l/10,4l) – 7 PLN/trip + deposit of 50 PLN
• sauna bathing – 250 PLN/2 hours/group approx. of 10 people
• available to purchase in the SZOT office: maps, waterproof mobile phone cases, sun hats and raincoats.

Additional information

• If you want to spend your free time in an active way, you are more than welcome to join us and become a kayaker! No matter how old or fit you are, our kayakers are of different age and shape. They are families with children or students, couples and those kayaking on their own. Simply everyone who just wishes to spend their free time actively, in fresh air and surrounded by beautiful nature. Anyone who wants to meet new people, looks for an adventure, and who enjoys spending free time with family and friends
• trip members must be in an appropriate state of health, which allows to participate in a kayaking trip. Kids and teenagers can take part in a kayaking trip only under supervision of their parents or legal age guardians
• Accommodation:
  • Bungalow (wooden) – 2-person rooms with an additional bed – folding sofa. Facilities: fridge, TV, coffee and tea set, bedding, bathroom, shower.
  • Hotel – 2-person rooms with an additional bed – folding sofa. Facilities: fridge, TV, coffee and tea set, bedding, bathroom, shower.
  • SZOT campsite next to Villa Skomanda. In the backyard you will find: a playground for children, dry sauna, summerhouse with a fireplace, bicycles for rent, showers.

Terms and conditions of Villa Skomanda are here.

In order to ensure safe and peaceful stay, we kindly request you to familiarize yourself with the rules and follow them. Making a reservation “Be Active – Paddle and Pedal” package means you accept these regulations.

• In the backyard you will find: a playground for children, outdoor wood-fired sauna, sheltered barbeque area with a fireplace, bicycle rental (only for Villa Skomanda guests)
• Food: delicious, home-made meals with elements of regional cuisine in Villa Skomanda. Dinner is served on the first; breakfast on the last day of your stay
• Children policy:
  Child up to 4 years old sharing a room with parents, without separate bed – FOR FREE. In case of two children under the age of 4 staying in one room, an extra bed will be charged. It is a possibility to rent a baby crib (without bedding) – for free; bedding – 20 PLN/stay. There is a fee of 50 PLN charged for child up to 4 years for participation in the kayaking trip. A Dinner for children up to 4 years is additionally payable – 38 PLN /child /day (½ serving size). There is a discount for children 4-12 years of age (½ serving size). Children over 12 years old are treated as adults (full serving size).
• Pets are NOT allowed. Small pets are only allowed in summer houses (30 PLN/night/pet)
• Smoking is NOT allowed indoors
• Equipment: kayaks – comfortable double kayak, recommended for both beginners and more experienced kayakers; life jackets in various sizes. For families with a child or 3 adults, we recommend triple kayaks. Kross tourist bicycles designed for driving on paved surfaces and forest paths, also with child seats. Smaller bicycles for children. Protective helmets on your own. For children, we recommend having a helmet when cycling.
• We suggest you to bring: sun-protection hat, UV-cream, light hiking boots for kayaking, e.g. sandals or flip-flops (when getting on or off the kayak it is necessary to put your foot in the water), sports footwear for a trip, rain jacket with hood (in case of rain or wind), and above all GOOD MOOD!

Attractions in Augustów, distances from the SZOT Base:

• Cruises along picturesque lakes and Augustów Canal – 2 km
• Catamaran Port – 3 km
• Marian Shrine located on the island in Studzieniczna – 11.5 km
• Water ski lift on Necko Lake – 3.6 km / car – 3 km / walk
• Ride on the Narrow Gauge Railway in Wigry – 26 km
• Tennis courts – 3.5 km
• Municipal Aquapark (swimming pools, slide, jacuzzi, sauna) – 1.2 km
• Bowling club – 0.9 km

Get into a kayak and get inspired with us! 😉