Organized, guided kayaking trip; accommodation in comfortable rooms in Augustów, 8 days / 6 days kayaking '2023 DATES.
Czarna Hańcza River and Augustów Canal – one of the most appealing and best known 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.
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: Augustów – rooms in a bungalow / summer houses or campsite at Villa Skomanda.
Catering: HB – breakfasts and dinners.
Arrival in Augustów, check-in. /from 3 PM to 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.
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).
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.
Transportation to the kayaking starting point.
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 with sausages in the evening.
Transportation to the kayaking starting point.
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.
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.
Transportation to the kayaking starting point.
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.
Transportation to the kayaking starting point.
The kayaking trip starts on Gorczyckie Lake, relatively shallow and narrow; later, it continues through the Augustów Canal. There are several bays covered with tall reeds, where you can see several species of aquatic birds and beavers. On the right, there is the mouth of the Cicha Rzeczka to the Serwy Lake. We enter the longest section of the canal (so-called Czarnobrodzki Canal) running in a straight line, surrounded by green forests. There are two locks on the route, and beautiful Studzieniczne Lake at the very end. Transportation from the ending point back to Augustów.
After breakfast, check-out, 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.
Reservation of excursions at the reception desk; pick-up of participants and return transport to Villa Skomanda.
In the backyard you will find:
Parking lot during the kayaking tour – free.
For our regular guests we offer an additional discount.
Spływy kajakowe z pasją, wycieczki autokarowe, imprezy dla firm
ul. Konwaliowa 2
Augustów 16-300, Polska
+48 87 644 67 58