Kayaking the Krutynia River

The Krutynia is called one of the most beautiful kayaking trails in Europe: about 100 km of water from Sorkwity to Lake Bełdany, usually paddled in a week. The river itself is 99 km long and is the largest river flowing into the Great Masurian Lakes.

A week through the Pisz Forest

The route leads across Lakes Warpuńskie, Gielądzkie, Mokre (the largest on the way, 8 km²) and Spychowskie, then through the Pisz Forest and the Masurian Landscape Park. The deepest lake on the way is Lampackie — 38 m. The trail is easy and marked from Sorkwity to the mouth; portages wait in Babięta (a power station in a former mill) and in Zielony Lasek.

The Krutyń reserve and freshwater sponges

The Krutyń reserve protects 27.3 km² of Lake Krutyńskie and the river's upper course; the water here is shallow and clear, with stones, red algae and freshwater sponges. On Lake Ławny Lasek lies the Czaplisko-Ławny Lasek ornithological reserve (7.62 ha) with a stand of pines over 200 years old.

Old Believers on Lake Duś

In the village of Wojnowo, on Lake Duś, stands an Old Believers' monastery, open to visitors — one of the most interesting memorials of this community in Masuria.

In practice

PTTK river stations pace the stages: Sorkwity, Babięty, Spychowo, Zgon, Krutyń, Ukta, Nowy Most and the PTTK water tourism centre in Kamień by Lake Bełdany. Watch for wind and waves on the open Lake Mokre and for the busy Szczytno–Mrągowo road crossing in Babięta.