Canoeing on the Krutynia
A clear, gentle river that flows through lakes and the Pisz Forest, with stretches in the nature reserve where the water runs beneath the treetops.
The story
The classic Krutynia route, from Sorkwity to Ruciane-Nida, is about a hundred kilometres long and takes a week; the most famous stretch, under the trees, starts from Krutyń. Along the way, at Wojnowo, is the monastery of the Russian Old Believers.
Why go
Because it is one of the most beautiful canoe routes in Europe, and suitable for beginners too.
Which wind
Good with Fair weather
Avoid with Thunderstorms
Practical information
- Activities
- Rafting and canoeing
- Level
- Beginners
- Seabed
- Slow, clear river through woods and lakes
- Best time
- May–September
- Seasons
- Summer
- Getting there
- Rentals in Krutyń, Sorkwity and Ukta, with transport to the put-in.
Get directions ↗Marine reserve rules
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Weather and sea forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Ruciane-Nida Zachód station, 7.9 km away. Alternatively: Ruciane-Nida station, 9.9 km away. From the station you need a bus, a taxi or a car.
- By air. The nearest airport is Olsztyn-Mazury Airport (SZY), about 39 km away.
- Parking. There are 7 signposted car parks within a kilometre; the nearest is 500 m away.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate and sea month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from May to September, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. From December to March night-time temperatures drop below freezing on average. The wettest month is July (about 94 mm), the driest March.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from -5 to 0 °C | 0° -5° | 49 |
| Feb | from -4 to 2 °C | 2° -4° | 47 |
| Mar | from -1 to 7 °C | 7° -1° | 38 |
| Apr | from 2 to 13 °C | 13° 2° | 42 |
| May | from 8 to 18 °C | 18° 8° | 65 |
| Jun | from 12 to 23 °C | 23° 12° | 69 |
| Jul | from 14 to 23 °C | 23° 14° | 94 |
| Aug | from 14 to 24 °C | 24° 14° | 72 |
| Sep | from 10 to 20 °C | 20° 10° | 51 |
| Oct | from 5 to 13 °C | 13° 5° | 69 |
| Nov | from 1 to 6 °C | 6° 1° | 46 |
| Dec | from -3 to 1 °C | 1° -3° | 54 |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 131 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
In the guide
Other spots nearby
Wind and thunderstorms can change within hours: before going in, check the forecast and the local rules. Emergencies: 112, water rescue 601 100 100.