Krutynia River Trail

The Krutynia trail runs from Sorkwity to Ruciane-Nida, about a hundred kilometres over five to ten days depending on how many stages you take, and it is the route most Poles mean when they say kayaking - it has been paddled as an organised trip since the 1920s and the infrastructure of campsites, hire and shuttle has developed around it accordingly. What it goes through is the appeal: a chain of lakes joined by the Krutynia river, which is small, clear, shallow and slow, running through alder carr and forest with overhanging trees and a sandy bottom you can see, then opening into lakes and closing again. Part of it passes through the Masurian Landscape Park and past Lake Luknajno's biosphere reserve. Krutyn village halfway along has an Old Believers' community history and a monastery at Wojnowo nearby. The water is busy in July and August and much quieter in May and September.

What you actually see

• A hundred kilometres of water - lakes joined by a small clear slow river.
• Alder carr and forest - overhanging trees and a visible sandy bottom on the river sections.
• A route since the 1920s - the oldest organised kayak trail in Poland with the infrastructure to match.
• Old Believer country - the Wojnowo monastery and the community's history near Krutyn.

When to go

May to September; May and September for quiet water. Five to ten days.

Honest expectations

July and August are genuinely crowded on the water and at campsites. Wild camping is prohibited in the park sections. Portages and shallow stretches need lifting the boat. Weather can turn the lake crossings rough.

Nearby

Lake Luknajno is east; Ruciane-Nida is at the southern end.