A route through a national park
The Czarna Hańcza is the longest river in the Suwałki region. The classic kayaking stretch runs from Lake Wigry through the forests, meadows and peat bogs of the national park to the Augustów Canal. The current carries you along and the difficulty is slight — the route suits beginners and families too.
What to know
- The start — usually Stary Folwark or the Wigry monastery
- Hire — kayaks and transport at Stary Folwark and Gawrych Ruda
- Stages — a one-day trip or several days with overnight stops
- Wildlife — beavers, herons and the wild river valley
Practical notes
Hire places at Stary Folwark and Gawrych Ruda provide kayaks and transport back. Nature protection rules apply inside the national park. The season runs from spring to autumn; in high summer it is worth setting off early to have the river to yourself.
How to get there and practical info
- Character
- A winding, calm river, easy going
- Start
- Stary Folwark / the Wigry monastery
- Hire
- Kayaks and transport at Stary Folwark and Gawrych Ruda
- Destination
- The Augustów Canal
- Season
- Spring to autumn
- Time needed
- One day or several stages
When to go
High water and lush green, but cold — best for the experienced.
The height of the kayaking season, warm, and worth starting early.
Golden banks, fewer kayakers and a calm, picturesque trip.
Out of season — the kayak hire places are closed.
Other sights in Suwalszczyzna
Straight-line distances from „The Czarna Hańcza — kayak trips" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have The Czarna Hańcza — kayak trips within walking distance or a short drive.
