Despite the fact that the Rurzyca River is only 25 km long, its first-class water clarity, calm current and several picturesque lakes guarantee an excellent way to spend your free time. The well-maintained kayaking trail along the river makes it a perfect choice for a family weekend kayaking trip.
The route is well-marked and kayaker-friendly. It can easily be completed in a single day, and importantly, there are no major obstacles along the way. Please note that the trail is very popular and can get crowded on weekends.
The source of the Rurzyca River lies in the Diabli Skok Nature Reserve, which protects a scenic old-growth beech forest growing on the slopes of the gorge. A microclimate typical of mountain areas prevails here. In order to experience it, you need to paddle about 5 kilometers upstream after launching your kayak in the village of Trzebieszki.
In the footsteps of the Pope
The first stage of the trail runs through a system of several of interconnected ribbon lakes, including Lake Krąpsko Małe, Krąpsko Długie, and Trzebieszki. On the left shore of the Lake Krępsko Średnie, the fifth lake in the series, you’ll see the monument commemorating the 1978 visit of Karol Wojtyła (then still a bishop) to the Rurzyca. The kayaking trail is named in his honor.
Other highlights of this trail include two historic railway viaducts: one on a disused railway line and another on the active Piła-Kołobrzeg line. After passing these viaducts, the previously calm Rurzyca slightly moves faster.