Kayaking in the Augustów Forest

The Czarna Hańcza runs quicker and narrower than the Krutynia, through the Augustów Forest, with enough current and enough overhanging alder to keep you paying attention.

Then it joins the Augustów Canal, built in the 1820s to bypass Prussian tariffs, whose wooden lock gates are still cranked open by hand. Paddling into a stone lock chamber and waiting for the water to drop is a strange and excellent way to finish a river.

A faster river than most Polish routes, restricted landing inside Wigry National Park, and locks that operate to their own timetable.

Check lock operating hours before planning your days around them. Sections inside Wigierski Park have camping restrictions.