The Great Loop of Wielkopolska is the longest marked water tourism trail in Poland. Spanning 688 km, it encompasses the Warta and Noteć rivers, a chain of picturesque lakes stretching from Gopło to the Ślesińskie and Mikorzyńskie lakes, as well as the navigable Ślesiński and Górnonotecki canals. All of these connect into a single trail that forms a loop-in a nutshell, just sail on forever!
The trail is perfect for both kayakers and motorboat enthusiasts. Numerous marinas and launch sites allow you to easily tailor the distance to your expectations. Whether you want to spend two weeks on the water or just a single day, you are guaranteed to have a blast. An amazing aquatic adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable emotions await you.
The Loop connects Poland’s waterways with those of Europe, allowing for unrestricted sailing far beyond the basins of the Warta and Noteć rivers. A part of the Great Loop is a segment of the International Waterway E70, which runs all the way from Antwerp to Klaipėda. Via the Bydgoszcz Canal, you can sail down the Vistula River to Gdańsk or Warsaw, and through the Oder River and the Oder-Havel Canal, you can easily reach Berlin, Dresden, or Hamburg.
Cruise and Discover
The Great Loop of Wielkopolska is not just a promise of adventure; it is also a fantastic way to explore the Wielkopolska region and its neighbors, as it runs through Kujawy and the northern part of the Lubuskie province. Historic towns, dazzling palaces, and ancient monasteries line the trail. So, moor your boat for a day or two, step ashore, and experience even more.
- In Poznań, try a St. Martin’s croissant and watch the famous mechanical goats on the town hall tower.
- In Konin, see the oldest road sign in Poland.
- In Śrem, swap your yacht for water skis.
- In Czarnków, sample a beer from the local brewery.
Nature lovers won’t be disappointed either. The trail passes through six landscape parks and skirts the edge of the Wielkopolska National Park. The Nadwarciański Landscape Park and the wide valley of the Noteć River are ideal spots for birdwatching-and you will likely spot an otter or a beaver, too.
If you are looking for peace, quiet, and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, we highly recommend a cruise along the Warta River past the Noteć Forest. It is the largest pine forest in Poland, stretching along the river for about 100 km.
An Adventure for Everyone
The Great Loop of Wielkopolska offers adventure and close contact with nature, but it also ensures travel convenience and comfort during your holiday on the water. The days of sleeping in the reeds-known from the tales of old-time sailors-are long gone.
Nearly 60 marinas, harbors, and mooring spots await water sports enthusiasts. Many of them offer not only convenient piers and safe mooring, but also access to showers and toilets, electricity and water on the quay, and even cozy taverns or restaurants with river views.
You don’t need to bring your own gear, either. You can easily charter a motorboat-both classic and flat-bottomed-as well as rent kayaks. Want a completely hassle-free trip? No problem! You can easily find organized kayak trips that include transport to the launch site, kayak pick-up, and a campfire at the end of the day.
