The Warta is the largest river in Greater Poland and the third longest in Poland. Generally, it isn’t associated with kayaking, yet every year it attracts crowds of kayakers and rowers. The Warta is a river for anyone, at any time of the year – even in winter. The trail is easy and pleasant, with no obstacles, offering wonderful scenery along the way. Yet, not everyone will have enough time and energy to paddle the entire route.
Completing the whole trail (783 km) takes about a month, while the section in Greaten Poland from Jeziorsko to Międzychód demands devoting around 12-14 days. The river is well-prepared and kayaker-friendly. Marinas, landing stages, piers and camping sites are situated approximately every 20-30 km. If you don’t have that much time, it’s best to choose just one section. For a short, even a one-day trip, the sections from Konin or Ląd to Pyzdry, from Radzewice to Puszczykowo, or along the Noteć Forest from Obrzycko to Sieraków or Międzychód are ideal options.
Kayaking across the entire Greater Poland
Paddling on the Warta River allows you to admire a wide variety of Greater Poland’s landscapes – from lowland agricultural areas, through forests growing on sandy dunes, to the urban panorama of Poznań.
One of the Warta’s advantages is its natural shoreline (apart from the section in Poznań), which is unusual for such a large river. A natural asset is the last part of the river, home to around 260 species of birds, protected by the Warta Mouth National Park.
The most enjoyable sections, however, are those that pass through Greater Poland National Park and some other landscape parks. In Rogalin Landscape Park, the riverbanks are covered with famous 500-year-old oak trees. Warta Landscape Park, in turn, is considered an excellent birdwatching spot. Finally, Sieraków Landscape Park, known as the Land of 100 Lakes, boasts scenic views of pine forests growing on sandy dunes along the Warta River.
Paddling on the Warta isn’t demanding, so is suitable even for beginners. However, bear in mind that it’s a large and deep river where whirlpools may occur. You should also watch out for other watercrafts such as barges, boats and motor yachts. Fortunately, there are no water obstacles on the Warta River.