Kayaking in the Elbląg Canal

The Elbląg Canal climbs about a hundred metres between Lake Drużno and the Iława lakes using five slipways, where boats are hauled overland on rail cradles instead of passing through locks. It is a unique engineering monument, and paddling it links quiet lakes, reed channels and forest.

Easy canal and lake paddling, with the slipways as the highlight; check whether kayaks ride the cradles or are carried round each one. Several days for the full canal, one for the slipway section.

Start at Buczyniec for the slipway section to Całuny, or plan the full canal from Elbląg to Ostróda over several days. Hire kayaks locally and check the slipway operating hours.