WDA RIVER
Location:
Wda is a beautiful river that flows through the forest-upland terrains. It is the left-hand tributary of the Vistula River, into which it flows behind Świecie. The Wda’s springs are located in surroundings of the Wieckie Lake, nearby Bytów. It flows through the Kaszubskie Lake District, the beautiful, overgrown with forests Tuchola Plateau and Wysocznia Świecka. It is one of the most beautiful upland rivers of Poland. Wda is also called – the Black Water. Wda meanders beautifully through the forests, creating numerous curves, frequently changing its direction. The trail is conveniently located in respect of the means of transport. The canoe trip can be performed here even during the drought. The water level never drops significantly.
Wda statistics:
Length of the river: 239 km (148 mi)
Length of the trail: 195 km (121 mi)
Estimated time of canoe trip: 7-9 days
Skill Level:
The trail is not too bothersome, good for family trip, the obstacles are easy to steer around them, there are rare portages, the river is safe and undemanding.
Camping conditions:
Perfect conditions for camping, numerous campsites, stores and well-developed tourist infrastructure. You can easily set out on your trip with the tents and food stock for one day only – every town on the trail has well-stocked stores.

Description of the trail:
The Wda Trail is one of the most picturesque canoeing courses. It is situated in the low-urbanized region, enchanting with its beauty of the wildlife and the marvellous landscapes. The majority of the trail is located within the Wdydze and Wda Landscape Parks, created especially for preservation of unspoiled nature of Wda and Wdzydzkie Lakes.
The Wda trail is very popular, just like the lakes and holiday-resorts that are located by the river. The canoe trip may begun from the Wieckie Lake, but this section is not easy and comfortable.
The upper section of the river is very chimerical and it is not recommended for family trips. It is a fragment of the river for people who like to face the challenges. Majority of trips start in Lipusz and end in Tleń – it is the so called – basic Wda trail. The distance can be averagely covered within a week, those who are willing to reach the river’s estuary need two more days.
The section from Lipusz to Wdzydze is very enchanting, we go down the river, that meanders through the fields and grasslands. Within this section we cross the boundary of Wdydze Landscape Park. The course to Wdzydze is very easy, ideal for family rallies.
The water region of Wdzydze lakes, popularly called the Kaszubskie Sea, is an area where a couple of days could be spent on sightseeing the magic islands and numerous creeks. The main attraction of each trip is visiting of the oldest Polish heritage park – Ethnographic Park of Kaszuby. You have to spend the whole day in order to see the entire collection. It is also worth to taste the local cuisine, it is really delicious!!
For those, who haven’t got enough time for the longer stay at the Kaszubskie Sea, we propose the cruise at the board of the fishing boat, from the “U Grzegorza” harbour across whole reservoir. Another attraction, which cannot be omitted, are the Stone Circles – the archaeological reserve in Odry. Undoubtedly, this point should not be missed during the trip.
Czarna Woda is another worth visiting and staying for a night place. Here, some time should be spent on visiting the exhibition titled : “The Nature of Tuchola Forest”. The river is comfortable for the canoeing on its whole course.
The subsequent attraction is a monumental church, erected in 17th century in Huta Kalna. Abit downstream from Błędno town, we enter the Wda Landscape Park. From this fragment, the most wildest and most beautiful part of Wda starts. The most popular canoeing trail of Wda ends usually in Tleń.
This short description of Wda does not reflect the whole beauty of this river. I think, that there is no need to convince anyone that an active relax in this region is an extremely enjoyable experience .
Tourist Attractions:
- The Wdydze Landscape Park
- The Ethnographic Park of Kaszuby in Wdzydze Kiszewskie
- The wildlife reserve “Kamienne Kręgi” (Stone Circles) in Odry
- “The Nature of Tuchola Forest” exhibition in Czarna Woda
- The manor-house of 19th/20th century in Wdecki Młyn.
- The church of 17th century in Huta Kalna
- Wildlife Reserve “Krzywe Koło in theWda Loop”
Suggested route:
- Lipusz – Wdzydze Kiszewskie 22km (13,6 mi)
- Wdzydze Kiszewskie – Miedzno 17km (10,5 mi)
- Miedzno – Czarna Woda 13km (8 mi)
- Czarna Woda – Czubek 13km (8 mi)
- Czubek – Młynki 19km (12 mi)
- Młynki – Szlaga 22km (13,6 mi)
- Szlaga – Błędno 13km (8 mi)
- Błędno – Tleń 21km (13 mi)





