Location:

Łupawa passes through the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The river rises in the vicinity of Jasień Lake (20 km away from Bytów) in the Landscape Park of the Słupia Valley. Łupawa flows through Jasień and Oborowo Lakes and further through moraine hills and the seaside lowland. The river, in the end of its course, empties into the Gardno Lake in the Słowinski National Park. The trail is one of the most stunning and wild at the Polish seaside. Łupawa is marked with numerous water-power stations. It is the next trail where you can admire the hydro-technical infrastructure. Some of the hydroelectric power stations are available for sightseeing. Łupawa is one of the rivers which give the opportunity to canoe into Baltic Sea.  

Łupawa statistics:

Length of the river: 98,7 km (61 miles)
Length of the trail: 91,0 km (56 miles)
Estimated time of canoe trip: 4-6 days

The trail is difficult and pretty tough, require some paddling experience, obstacles are not demanding, there is a lot of short-distance portages. Canoes should keep respectable distance. There is a large number of rocky rapids. We recommend the first section of Łupawa trail for less experienced kayakers. You should try and canoe down the river in the single seat kayak with a spray skirt to experience unforgettable moments.    

The underdeveloped infrastructure of the trail is compensated by numerous and wild camping sites. There is a lot of shops in the area, most camping sites are arranged for up to 4-5 tents. Get ready for pioneer expedition.

 The Łupawa Water Trail is one of the most difficult trails of the Polish Seaside. If you love water in the kayak, splashing foam and mountain-type rivers, Łupawa is perfectly tailored for you. The river resembles a very swift mountain stream with rapids occurring more often than calm current. The upper section runs through the scenic landscape of Jasień Lake (the largest lake in the Landscape Park of Słupia Valley), then, just like a mountain river, cuts its way through the belt of moraines and flows into the Gardno Lake. High, steep hills soaring above the water and primeval forest overgrowing the riverbanks add up to the beauty of Łupawa. The trail is believed to be for tough paddlers only.
Paddling down the trail requires a thorough preparation. In spite of the fact, that the trail is not long, it may take more than 4-6 days to finish it. The right-hand tributary, Bukowina, joining Łupawa in Kozin is an alternative choice for the upper section of Łupawa River. Fairly long riverbed is an extension of the central section of Łupawa River. Not only the length of the tributary but also its beauty, abundant forests, wilderness are the foretaste of Łupawa River.

Bukowina is navigable downstream from the Kamienieckie Lake. The trail is short, about 21 km (13 miles), very demanding and difficult in places but picturesque and intriguing in the last section. Swift current, rocky rapids, boulders, shoals and old beech trees obstructing the riverbed require high paddling experience. We recommend using polyethylene kayaks to safely canoe through rocky rapids and avoid the obstacles. Thanks to sparse population, almost whole course of Łupawa has 1st class of purity. Łupawa River Water Trail is more intimate and less busy than other trails of the region.
Canoing down Łupawa  is a great idea for people seeking adventure and intensive trip. One day excursion to Słowinski National Park where you can admire the Baltic Sea from the top of sand dunes reaching 40 meters, may be another advantage of the trail.

Łupawa is not suitable for organized trips – it is just made for pioneer canoeing in a small group of  2-3 kayaks. You will need a permission issued by the management of the Słowinski National Park to canoe into the Gardno Lake which is situated within the borders of the Park. High waves and head-wind, typical for this coastal lake, require physical strength and can be dangerous.

• The Landscape Park “Słupia Valley”
  
• The “Rowokół” Wildlife Reserve (climbing to the Rowokół peak (115 meters) with a view of Baltic Sea)
• The Słowinski National Park
• The 17th century Church in Łupawa
• The late baroque palace with the park complex in Łupawa
• The Neo-Gothic church founded in 1879 in Damno
• The Palace surrounded by old trees in Damno
• The 19th century Brick Mill with the heritage park of old carriages in Poganice
• The Holy Trinity Church in Smołdzin
• The Museum of Nature in Smołdzin (flora and fauna of the national park)
• The Water-power station in Łupawa
• The Water-power station in Poganice (available for sightseeing)
• The Water-power station in Lebien
• The Water-power station in Drzezewo
• The Water-power station in Zelkowo (available for sightseeing)
• The Water-power station in Smoldzino (available for sightseeing)

1. Jasień - Kozin - 12km
2. Kozin - Łupawa - 18km
3. Łupawa - Łebień - 14km
4. Łebień - Drzeżewo - 15km
5. Drzeżewo - Żelkowo - 10km
6. Żelkowo - Gardna Mała - 14km

In order to canoe into the Gardno Lake, you have to obtain permission unconditionally as you will enter the reserves and may face high, dangerous wave which is typical for the lake. We provide contact data necessary to obtain the permission:

ul.Bohaterów Warszawy 1A

76-214 Smołdzino

tel. 059 81 17 204 ; 059 81 17 339 ; 059 81 17 509
email : sekretariat  slowinskipn.pl 
www.slowinskipn.pl

 

 

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