Rafting on the Dunajec River-what is it?
23 December 2019
Rafting in Slovenia
27 March 2020Rafting on the Dunajec River-what is it?
23 December 2019Rafting in Slovenia
27 March 2020Kayaking, where is the best place?
Kayak trips are a rapidly developing form of actively spending time in nature in Poland. The popularity of kayaking in Poland results from both very good natural conditions, the tourist development of small towns and modern equipment that also encourages people to take part in kayaking. We will tell you whether it is worth going on a kayaking trip, how to prepare and which route to choose to start your adventure with kayaking on a mountain river.
Is kayaking worth it?
Kayaking is an excellent form of active outdoor recreation at any time of the year, combining sport, adventure and closeness to nature. It's a great way to break away from everyday life and learn new skills.
Regardless of your level of advancement, everyone can find a route suitable for themselves - from calm rivers to rushing mountain streams.
Poland offers mountain rivers of various levels of difficulty that will satisfy both experienced kayakers and those who want to try their hand at more demanding conditions.
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A kayaking trip is an attraction for everyone who likes water, adventure and a perfect opportunity for close contact with nature. This is a form of recreation available to both beginners and advanced kayakers.
For people who have never kayaked, a good idea is to rent an inflatable kayak, which is virtually non-tipping and easy to control. For kayakers who already have experience with whitewater kayaking, we recommend standard tourist kayaks.
Safety during kayaking and children
Children love spending their free time actively in the water, but it is worth ensuring their safety during this time. We suggest that the minimum age for a child participating in a kayaking trip is 10 years. A child of this age can row independently in a 2-person kayak under the supervision of an instructor or an adult.
Children are equipped with appropriately smaller safety equipment (smaller life jacket and helmet). Each participant has two options for rafting with or without an instructor. If we want to take children with us and we are not experienced whitewater kayakers, we should definitely seek the help of a professional who will ensure our safety. Companies organizing rafting trips offer a rafting option with an instructor that you can take advantage of.
Kayaking equipment?
Each participant is equipped with equipment that ensures safety: a helmet and a life jacket. People who have no experience in rafting can choose pneumatic kayaks (inflatable kayaks), which are practically impossible to capsize, but are slower than a traditional kayak. The pneumatic kayak, contrary to appearances, is very durable and certified for mountain rivers. More experienced people who prefer polyethylene kayaks can choose fast but slightly less stable 1- or 2-person kayaks.
Kayak trips on the Dunajec River
During a family holiday in the mountains, the best place for the first kayaking adventure on mountain rivers is the Dunajec River. Which belongs to gentle mountain rivers with a difficulty level of WW1-WW2, i.e. the easiest among the rivers in the world, reaching WW6 (extreme).
Kayaking on the Dunajec River is available to both beginners and more experienced kayakers. Depending on the weather conditions and water level, the trip can be gentle or provide an extra dose of adrenaline.
In places there are sections where you can swim through small waves, and the current itself carries you down the river. There are also sections where the river flows lazily and gives us time to admire the beautiful views and commune with nature. During the holiday season, it is the most popular attraction in the Pieniny Mountains.
You can rent kayaks for a rafting trip on the Dunajec River at our kayak rental in Szczawnica. Our crew will professionally help you choose a kayak appropriate to your skills, and will also train you before you start the rafting trip. However, if you feel unsure, I will suggest you a rafting trip with our instructor.
And for families with smaller children, we can offer rafting trips on the Dunajec River, the so-called rafting, which also takes place under the supervision of experienced skippers.
Kayak trips on the Dunajec River when?
A kayaking trip through the Dunajec Gorge along the most picturesque route in the Pieniny National Park is possible only in the season from April 1 to October 31. In other months, you can kayak along routes starting in Szczawnica and ending in Stary Sącz.
Kayak routes on the Dunajec River
The Dunajec River offers us three attractive kayaking routes in terms of beautiful landscapes ideal for active recreation or difficulty level for more experienced kayakers.
- Raiding along the Sromowce Niżne - Szczawnica section: A 14-kilometer route, undoubtedly the most beautiful section, offering picturesque views of the limestone rocks and the winding river valley. This is the most popular section of the kayaking trip among tourists, perfect for beginners.
Duration: 2 hours
- Raiding along the Szczawnica Section - Wietrznice Kayak Track: An 18-kilometer route with less scenic value, but more technically demanding sections of the river allowing for a bit of madness and adrenaline. It is also an ideal route for whitewater kayaking enthusiasts.
Duration: 3 hours
- Raiding along the section of the Wietrznice kayak track - St. Bridge Kingi in Stary Sącz: The 15-kilometer section is also less spectacular compared to the Dunajec Gorge, but it contains more rapids, which makes it more difficult.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Kayak trip with a touch of adrenaline on the Białka River - for whom?
Białka is a mountain river, one of the few in Poland that offers a truly mountain-style trip for more advanced kayakers. The difficulty level of this river on a six-point scale is WW3. Its sections are full of rapids and rapids, with a faster current, making it an excellent choice for people with experience in whitewater kayaking.
A kayaking trip on the Białka River requires good technique and reflexes, making it one of the most demanding kayaking trips in the country and guaranteeing an unforgettable experience in an equally charming place at the foot of the Tatra Mountains.
Raiding along a section of the Białka River is also possible on a packraft, a pneumatic kayak, and when the water level is higher, you can also organize rafting.
Krutynia kayaking trip
Krutynia is one of the most beautiful rivers in Poland, meandering through the Masurian Landscape Park.
The trail is easy and accessible for beginners, with numerous places to rest and camp.
Episode HighlightsSorkwity – Bieńki – beginning of the route, lakes and wild landscapes
Krutyń – Ukta – the most popular and picturesque fragment
Ukta – Ruciane-Nida – final section, more lakes and the possibility of ending in the Piska Forest
Rospuda kayaking trip
Rospuda is a picturesque river, known for its clear water and wildlife.
The trail is moderately difficult, with several sections requiring more attention.
The most interesting sections
Garbaś - Małe Raczki - wide lakes and a gentle river
Małe Raczki - The Holy Place - beautiful meanders and the Rospuda Reserve
The Holy Place - Augustów - forested banks and a quiet end
Kayak trip on the Brda River
Brda is a popular kayaking river with a length of approximately 240 km, ideal for longer trips. The route is varied, with easy and moderately difficult sections. The Brda flows through the picturesque areas of the Tuchola Forest and the Pomeranian Lake District, offering both quiet sections for beginners and more demanding sections for experienced kayakers
The most interesting sections:
Jezioro Smołowe - Mylof - the beginning of the route, lakes and wild natureMylof - Rytel - a section with a unique water stage in Mylof
Rytel - Woziwoda - forests of the Tuchola Forests, beautiful meanders
Woziwoda - Tuchola - an easy section with the possibility of rest
Tuchola - Koronowo - large Koronowski Lagoon, beautiful views
Koronowo - Bydgoszcz – the last stage, passing through the city locks
Brda is a popular kayaking river with a length of approximately 240 km, ideal for longer trips. The route is varied, with easy and moderately difficult sections. The Brda flows through the picturesque areas of the Tuchola Forest and the Pomeranian Lake District, offering both quiet sections for beginners and more demanding sections for experienced kayakers
The most interesting sections:
Jezioro Smołowe - Mylof - the beginning of the route, lakes and wild natureMylof - Rytel – a section with a unique water barrage in Mylof
Rytel – Woziwoda – forests of Tucholskie Forests, beautiful meanders
Woziwoda – Tuchola – easy fragment with the possibility of rest
Tuchola – Koronowo – large Koronowo Lagoon, beautiful views
Koronowo – Bydgoszcz – last stage, passing through the city locks
Kayak trip Czarna Hańcza
Czarna Hańcza is a river of moderate difficulty, popular among kayakers. The trail is well marked and has numerous camping spots. It flows through the Wigry National Park and picturesque lakes. Rich fauna and flora, including numerous bird species.
Maćkowa Ruda – Frącki – wild nature and wide meanders
Frącki – Dworczysko – we enter the Augustowska Forest
Dworczysko – Rygol – the Augustów Canal and the first locks begin
Rygol – Biebrza – the trip ends near Biebrza
Wda kayaking trip (Czarna Woda)
The Wda River, also called Czarna Woda, is one of the most beautiful kayaking routes in Poland. It flows through the Tuchola Forest, picturesque lakes and quiet forests, offering great conditions for both beginners and more experienced kayakers. This is the perfect route to relax among nature.
The most interesting sections
Lipusz – Wdzydze Kiszewskie – a quiet beginning, flowing through picturesque lakesWdzydze – Borsk – the largest lake on the route, a great place for a camp
Borsk – Tleń – a section through the Tuchola Forest, wild shores and silence
Tleń – Świecie – end of the route, we are approaching the mouth of the river into the Vistula
Is an organized kayaking trip worth it?
If you are a person with no previous kayaking skills, we suggest that you go on your first kayaking trip with a group of experienced people or take advantage of a trip organized by a local company to feel safe and be able to fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
In this way, you will avoid many difficulties and gain skill in rowing. We do not recommend kayaking alone, even on the easiest water bodies or rivers. And if you use a kayak rental company, make sure that the equipment is functional and adequate for your trip.
Poland offers a wide range of kayaking routes that will satisfy both beginners and experienced kayakers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely rafting trip through picturesque landscapes or a more exciting adventure on faster sections of river, you're sure to find something for yourself. Kayaking is a great way to spend time actively, communing with nature and discovering beautiful corners of Poland.
We are passionate about kayaking and we are happy to share our experience with others, feel free to contact us if you have any questions. See you on the water!
