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.

The Czarna Hańcza runs quicker and narrower than the gentler Masurian routes, winding 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.

Over about a hundred kilometres you get faster water than most Polish routes, quiet forest, and the working canal at the end. Landing is restricted inside Wigry National Park.

Paddle it between May and September, and plan your days around the canal locks, which operate to their own timetable — check current operating hours before you set out, since they gate your progress. This is intermediate-to-advanced water: the current and tight, overhung sections reward some paddling experience.

Rentals and baggage transport are available locally to simplify logistics. Note the camping and landing restrictions inside Wigierski Park, and plan overnight stops accordingly. Base your start around Suwałki or on the upper Czarna Hańcza, and finish along the Augustów Canal for the hand-worked locks.