Czarna and Biała Hańcza, Augustowski Canal – kayaking trip Comfort – 8 days

Fast flowing water and natural obstacles on Biała Hańcza River. Relax and lazy paddling on Czarna Hańcza River. Poland and Lithuania - "Black and White" in kayak. Accommodation in Villa Skomanda in Augustów, 6 days of kayaking trip. NEW OFFER.

Every kayaker knows the Czarna Hańcza trail, but not everyone has yet discovered Biała Hańcza – less crowded river of southern Lithuania.

If you want to experience something new and exciting, kayak with us! Survival and comfort – “Black and White” in kayak.

Biała Hańcza (Baltoji Ancia) – while passing Kapciamiestis, the river flows in a deep gorge. Further on, the riverbed widens (200-300 m), due to the dam and hydroelectric plant. From the dam to the mouth, on the 4,5 km stretch, Biała Hańcza has a strong current. There are a lot of boulders, rapids, sharp curves and fallen trees. This is the most exciting section on the entire route. The river flows into the Nemunas at the Paančia settlement. Right next to this is Belarus and the border area.

Czarna Hańcza – the queen of Augustów Lakeland rivers. The kayaking trail starts from Lake Wigry, the area of Wigry National Park. At the very beginning of this route, the current is slow, and riverbanks are covered with tall reeds. While passing Wysoki Most, the river speeds up. It meanders along swampy grasslands surrounded by the deciduous woods of Augustów Primeval Forest. It is the the second largest dense forest complex in the country with an area of over 114 thousand ha. In Rygol, Czarna Hańcza connects to the water system of the Augustów Canal, and flows into Belarus with its waters.

Augustów Canal – a unique artificial waterway, on a European scale, which combines both natural forces of Mother Nature and the ingenuity of men.

Biała Hańcza trail is a slightly difficult due to many natural obstacles and fast current. Czarnej Hańcza route is not difficult, suitable for beginners.

Convenient and comfortable accommodation at Villa Skomanda in Augustów, tasty home-made meals, daily transfers, plenty of additional attractions available on-site, comprehensive organization.

Accommodation: Villa Skomanda in Augustów – rooms in a bungalow; summer houses or a campsite.
Catering: HB – buffet breakfast, dinner

Kayaking trip:  Czarna Hańcza River and Augustów Canal – 6 days – check the offer

Real emotions and blissful rest – two rivers, two countries and two different natures! 

Program

1^st day:

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.

2^nd day:

9:00 AM

Transportation to the kayaking starting point – Wigry Lake. We start with a short individual sightseeing of the Post-Camaldolese monastery complex, a place where Pope John Paul II rested during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1999. From here extends admiring view on the panorama of Wigry Lake.

Before we start the kayaking, a short briefing will be provided (organizational and safety issues; kayaking instructions).

Kayaking route: Wigry – Maćkowa Ruda   /10 km

Our starting point is the area of Wigry National Park – Wigry Lake; Postaw Lake; Czarna Hańcza River meandering among tall reeds and water plants. While passing some small villages, the river occasionally divides, and thus we can see multiple small grassy islands along the way. Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.

3^rd day:

Transportation to the kayaking starting point.

Kayaking route: Maćkowa Ruda – Gulbin   /14 km

This section of the river is very calm and attractive. It is surrounded by high, steep riverbanks overgrown with trees. At the very beginning, the current is fast-flowing but safe; then, the speed decreases. Multiple bends, bifurcations, and backwater areas covered with rustling reeds are common here. The river is pretty wide and overgrown with numerous water plants, what makes the view even more magnificent.

Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.

Bonfire party in the evening.

4^th day:

Transportation to the kayaking starting point.

Kayaking route: Gulbin – Okółek   /13 km

At the very beginning the river flows in a valley with its banks covered with forests, from time to time passing small villages with its buildings on the shores. Then it enters into the dense forest complex of the Augustów Primeval Forest, meandering more and more. Finally, it meanders among marshy meadows and high rushes. The current is lazy but it facilitate paddling, the bottom of the river is covered with lush rush plants. The river is not very wide, with convenient places for a stop and a bath. Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.

5^th day:

Transportation to the kayaking starting point.

Kayaking route: Okółek – Mikaszówka   /17 km

This section of the river is calm and runs mostly along primeval grasslands. The current is slow, and riverbanks are covered with tall reeds, there are no obstacles. After 4 km the landscape changes, we kayak into the very “heart” of the Augustów Primeval Forest. The Czarna Hańcza River runs through deep corners of forested swamplands. Then, the river narrows and strongly meanders. On the route there are some natural obstacles in form of fallen trees, which can be kayaked over. 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.

6^th day:

Transportation to the kayaking starting point – Jezdas in Lithuania /approx. 1,5 hour

Biała Hańcza kayaking route: Jezdas – Menciške  /17 km

The river is rather narrow with a sandy bottom, it meanders rapidly in forest areas. The banks once rise up and then fall flat into the water. The river narrows, creating some rapids. On the route there are some natural obstacles in form of fallen trees. Around there is a light pine forest and beautiful views.

Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów approx. 18:00.

7^th day:

Transportation to the kayaking starting point.

Kayaking route: Mikaszówka – Płaska   /12 km

In Mikaszówka town there is an old wooden church built in the traditional architectural style, a perfect match for the wilderness of old-growth forests. The route starts on Augustów Canal; then we reach picturesque lakes that perfectly blend into the surrounding landscape of Augustów Primeval Forest. There are three locks on the route, and one of them (Paniewo lock) has two chambers (the difference in water levels is 6,40 m!). Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.

8^th day:

After breakfast, check-out (till 11 AM), Guests departure.

Or extend your stay and: sightseeing Augustów, 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.

Price

• 2679 PLN /person
• 1899 PLN /children up to 12, sharing a room with 2 people
• 2489 PLN /children up to 12, sharing a room with 1 person
• 2119 PLN /3^rd person in a room
  BUNGALOW Option – in a double room

• 2439 PLN /person
• 2239 PLN /children up to 12
  SUMMER-HOUSE Option – in a 4-person house

• 2619 PLN /person
• 2419 PLN /children up to 12
  SUMMER-HOUSE Option – in a 3-person house

• 2959 PLN /person
• 2759 PLN /children up to 12
  SUMMER-HOUSE Option – in a 2-person house

• 2089 PLN /person
• 1889 PLN /children up to 12
  CAMPSITE Option – SZOT campsite

Price includes

• seat in a double polyethylene kayak with paddling gear (paddle, life jacket, soft seat) – 6 days
• 7 x night’s accommodation – depending on your chosen option
• 7 x catering (breakfast, dinner); children up to 12 – ½ servings
• bonfire party with sausages
• daily transportations of people to the kayaking starting point and back (in accordance with the schedule)
• lifeguard / kayaking instructor guidance – 6 days
• Wigry National Park ticket
• kayaks’ launching fees
• access to the grill, deck chairs
• free Wi-Fi
• accident insurance (EUROPA 20 000 PLN) – Poland and NNW + KL (EUROPA NNW 5000 euro + KL 40000 euro) Lithuania
• Guarantee Fund contribution of 2 PLN
• Tourist Relief Fund contribution of 2 PLN

Nutritional needs, any diets, should be reported at least two days in advance at the Reception.

Parking lot during the kayaking tour – free.

For our regular guests we offer an additional discount.

Paid separately

• local fee (cash only) – 21 PLN/person/trip
• accommodation in a single bungalow room – 710 PLN/person/trip
• locks on Augustów Canal (7 on the route) – 5,40 PLN/per kayak/per lock (payable on the spot; at the lock; daily operated till 7 PM),
• CAMPSITE option only – warm shower in SZOT Base – 5 PLN/shower
• renting a single CAROLINA/ CUSTOMLINE kayak or kayaking in a double kayak individually – 115 PLN/trip
• renting a waterproof bag (55l) or barrel (3,5l/10,4l) – 30 PLN/trip /+ deposit of 50 PLN/
• sauna bathing in Villa Skomanda – 250 PLN/2 hours/group
• possibility of increasing the insurance sum
• additional insurance against trip cancellation costs – 2,5% of the total price. General Insurance Terms and Conditions Cancellation Costs – EUROPA
• available to purchase in the SZOT office: maps, waterproof mobile phone cases, sun hats and raincoats.

Additional information

• When rafting in Lithuania, you should have your passport or ID card with you; children – passport or temporary ID. Lithuania belongs to the European Union. Euro currency. Time zone difference +1 hour.
• The route is recommended for people with kayaking skills, who are not afraid of obstacles in the form of fallen trees. 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, coffee and tea set, bedding, bathroom, shower
  • Summer houses – Designed for 4 persons; with a wooden terrace and bedroom in the attic. On the ground floor there is a living room with a bathroom.
  • SZOT campsite next to Villa Skomanda; toilets with sinks are available, showers are charged extra.
• In the backyard you will find: a playground for children, outdoor wood-fired sauna, sheltered area with a fireplace, bicycles for rent
• 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

We are a licenced touroperator listed in the Central Register of Tourism Organizers No. 17/00/04 issued by the Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship and the Insurance Guarantee of the Insurance Company EUROPA.

Get into a kayak and get inspired with us! 😉