Be Active – Paddle and Pedal

A weekend package with full board and an active program in an advanced version – kayaking trip on Czarna Hańcza or Rospuda River combined with a bicycle trip.

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.

Program

Friday

Arrival in Augustów, check-in    /possible from 3 PM till 11 PM/.
SZOT Base (how to find us) – office; water equipment rental – kayaks, canoes, bikes, tents;
Villa Skomanda – hotel; restaurant; bungalow; 4-person summer houses; playground for children; outdoor sauna; sheltered barbeque area with a fireplace; fenced parking area; all surrounded by greenery. The whole area is fenced.
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 individual 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 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!). In Mikaszówka there is an old wooden church built in the traditional architectural style, a perfect match for the wilderness of old-growth forests.Duration: approx. 5 hours (with several stops in the meantime).

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: 3:00 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.

Dinner.

Sunday

Breakfast. Check-out till 11:00 AM.
Individual bicycle trip.

Recommended route: „Around 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.

We offer an extension of stay (or earlier arrival) with an attractive discount of 10% on accommodation.

Optional: Augustów sightseeing, hiking/cycling trip, cruise, etc.

Price

• 489 PLN /person in 2-person room
• 309 PLN /children under the age of 12 (sharing a room with 2 people)
• 359 PLN /3rd person in a room
• 259 PLN /person in the SZOT campsite (tent on your own)
• 219 PLN /children under the age of 12 (tent on your own)

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 individual kayaking trip
• participation in an individual bicycle trip
• accident insurance (AXA; 20000 PLN)
• Guarantee Fund contribution of 2 PLN
• Tourist Relief Fund contribution of 2 PLN
• free Wi-Fi

In the backyard you will find:

• outdoor, wood-burning sauna
• beach volleyball court
• sheltered barbeque area with a fireplace
• playground for children
• rental office: kayaks, bikes, Nordic-walking poles
• parking area

Parking lot during the kayaking tour – free.

For our regular guests we offer an additional discount.

Paid separately

• local fee (cash only) – 2 PLN/person/day
• two lock fees on Augustów Canal – 4,30 PLN/kayak/lock.
• accommodation in a single room – 170 PLN /person/3-day stay
• CAMPSITE option only – warm shower in SZOT Base – 5 PLN/shower
• renting a single SZOT kayak – 10 PLN/trip
• renting a single CAROLINA kayak or kayaking in a double kayak individually – 20 PLN/trip
• renting a 2-person igloo tent – 70 PLN/3-day stay + deposit of 50 PLN
• renting a foam mattress – 4 PLN/3-day stay
• renting a waterproof bag (55l) or barrel (3,5l/10,4l) – 6 PLN/trip + deposit of 50 PLN
• sauna bathing – 150 PLN/2 hours/group
• 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, kettle, bedding, bathroom, shower.
  • Hotel – 2-person rooms with an additional bed – folding sofa. Facilities: fridge, TV, kettle, 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.
• 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
• We provide first-quality 1-, 2-, and 3-person kayaks
• The minimum number of participants: 8
• There is a possibility to book an extra night before or after the kayaking trip – with a discount
• We suggest you to take: comfortable, lightweight footwear – sandals/ slides/ water shoes, mosquito repellant, fleece sweatshirts, warm clothes suitable for night weather conditions, fingerless gloves, raincoats, and of course, a GOOD MOOD!

Attractions in Augustów; distances from 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! 😉