Discover Masurian nature from the water
From Lake Szeląg Mały a network of picturesque kayak routes stretches out, allowing access to the most charming corners of the region, including the very heart of the Taborskie Forest – one of the most valuable natural areas in this part of Poland.
We organize kayaking trips for both organized groups and individual guests. It’s an excellent option for active recreation that combines exercise, relaxation and closeness to wild nature.
For individuals and groups who want to enrich their adventure with stories and local insights, it is possible to hire an experienced kayak guide (an additional paid service, advance reservation required).
1. TRIP FROM THE HOTEL BEACH
From Lake Szeląg Mały, via a canal built in the 19th century, we can enter the wide waters of Szeląg Wielki – one of the most beautiful Masurian lakes. Along the route you can encounter protected bird species, including the majestic white-tailed eagle, as well as cranes, herons and grebes. Because of its natural and cultural values, the area is legally protected as the Protected Landscape Area of the Elbląg Canal.
2. THE SZELĄG ROUTE
Trips also take place on the so-called Szeląg Route between Ostróda and Stare Jabłonki. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the Elbląg Canal. The 18-kilometre route leads through Lake Drwęckie, Lake Pauzeńskie, Szeląg Wielki and Szeląg Mały. Kayaks pass through locks twice, in Ostróda and Mała Ruś. The trip can be started in Ostróda or Stare Jabłonki.
3. ELBLĄG CANAL
The Elbląg Canal, formerly called the Oberland Canal (Oberland – Upper Country, Upper Prussia), is the only waterway of its kind in the world. A global unique feature are the so-called slipways, which allow vessels to be transported over dry land from one section of the canal to another. What is extraordinary is the power of the water that drives the whole mechanism. There are five slipways – Buczyniec, Kąty, Oleśnica, Jelenie, Całuny. The distance between the first and the last is about 10 km, while the height difference is nearly 100 m. To overcome such a large height between the slipways, a kayak is transported on a railway carriage over the so-called “dry ridge”. The best place to learn how the slipways work is Buczyniec (approx. 60 km from the hotel). Here you can observe vessel traffic on the slipway, visit an interesting museum and set off on a canal trip. In Buczyniec we can also see a monument to the builder of this waterway - Georg Jacob Steenke, architect, manager and inspector of the works in one. He designed the system of locks and slipways to overcome the differences in water levels between individual basins. The main section of the canal was put into use in 1860. Subsequent stages were completed until the 1880s. In this way waterways with a total length of about 150 km were created. They connected Iława (Lake Jeziorak), Stare Jabłonki (Lake Szeląg Mały), Ostróda (Lake Drwęckie), Miłomłyn (canal junction) and Elbląg (the Elbląg River, the Vistula Lagoon). Originally the canal was used for transporting goods. Soon this role was taken over by the railway, and passenger services were launched on the canal. Today the Elbląg Canal is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.
4. DRWĘCA
The nearest river where a kayak trip can be organized is the Drwęca. Hotel Anders guests usually paddle the Idzbark – Ostróda route (approx. 10 km).
5. MARÓZKA
One of the most beautiful kayaking routes in this area is the Marózka River, a tributary of the Łyna. The river flows through forest under a canopy of trees; it is shallow and crystal clear. On the Marózka you paddle from Swaderki to Kurki.
6. ŁYNA
You can take a trip on the Łyna River while visiting the Old Town in Olsztyn. The trip can be started right at the Warmian Cathedral chapter castle and finished after about 2 hours still within the city limits. The entire route flows through the charming Olsztyn City Forest, one of the largest in Europe.
