By Zbrzyca to the Vistula River

Location:

Zbrzyca River is the right – hand tributary of the Brda River. It flows through the Zaborski Landscape Park in Kaszuby. It’s a beautiful and picturesque river. The river rises in Małe Sarnowicze Lake and ends its course in Witoczno Lake, where it empties into Brda River. An interesting and greatly diversified route is a great idea for a delightful weekend.

Zbrzyca statistics:

Length of the river: 53 km (33 mi)
Length of the trail: 45 km (28 mi) (option to continue the trip on the Brda River)
Estimated time of rally: 2-3 days

Skill Level:

The trail is relatively easy, therefore no previous experience is required; numerous portages may be bothersome. If the water level is low, the kayaks should be occasionally towed.

Description of the trail:

Zbrzyca River is an interesting trail, located in the area of the Zaborski Landscape Park; for starting point of your canoe trip, we recommend the Dywańskie Lake or the Sominńskie Lake.
It is worth to visit the Sominy town with its small heritage park and the beautiful church, erected in 18th century. The first section passes through three lakes: Somińskie, Kruszyńskie, and Parzyn.
The section downstream from Parzyn town is very enchanting – we have high river banks overgrown with a mixed wood. While going down the river, we encounter the left – hand Zbrzyca’s tributary – Młosienica – those who are eager, may paddle upstream until Leśno town (about 3km). Further, we pass Kaszuby and Rolbik.
We may enter the Milachowo Lake. Further down the trail, we encounter the next tributary – 8 km long  Kulawa River.  It’s worth spending some time on sightseeing of the planned landscape reserve of the Kulawa’s River Valley.
Subsequently, we pass Laska town, entering the lake’s Reserve which is named identically as the town. Another lake on the trail is the Księże Lake, with the right – hand tributary – Kłoniecznica. The ribbon lakes start to emerge: Długie, Parszczenica i Śluza – this mean that we approach the river’s estuary. This section may be qualified as one of the most beautiful. The 20 meter wide riverbed and diversified shore line make an unforgettable impression.
While passing Zbrzyca town, we know that our delightful trail is about to end. The Witoczno Lake opens before our eyes, here Zbrzyca empties into Brda at the 150 km long trail.
I think, that despite of numerous portages and some inconveniences that may occur, it’s worth paddling down the beautiful trail of the Zbrzyca River. Communing with nature and primeval wildness of the trail are unforgettable.

Camping conditions:

The accommodation infrastructure is underdeveloped, lack of riverside hostels and harbors; there are only  private farms and unorganized campsites; there are no problems with food supply – the stores are in each encountered village.

Tourist Attractions:

  • Our Lady, Queen of Poland Church in Sominy (built in 18th century)
  • Sominy - Historic farm – house of shepherd and the 19th century sheepfold.


Suggested route:

  1. Sominy-Kaszuba
  2. Kaszuba-Laska
  3. Laska-Zbrzyca