eKajaki.pl • Bukowina • a foothill river of Kashubia • a tributary of the Łupawa

Bukowina – an extreme kayaking trip on a foothill river (a tributary of the Łupawa)

21 km of above-water – and sometimes underwater – adrenaline. Guidebooks described the Bukowina as „unnavigable", and yet: where there's a will, there's a way! Although it lies in northern Poland, in the Kashubian Lake District, it has a decidedly foothill character.

It's a river for those looking for a real challenge – fast current, stony rapids and dozens of natural obstacles. Also great for an adrenaline-fuelled team-building event.

foothill river experienced only 21 km Natura 2000 „Łupawa Valley" wild camping

Location

The Bukowina is a right tributary of the popular Łupawa. Its sources lie near Sierakowice, on the western edge of the Kashubian Landscape Park. In its upper course the river flows through the Trzono, Kamienickie and Święte lakes. The lower course, all the way to its mouth on the Łupawa, runs through a forested ice-marginal valley protected under the Natura 2000 „Łupawa Valley" area.

Route difficulty and camping conditions

There's no hiding it – the Bukowina route is one of the difficult ones. It requires experience in manoeuvring a kayak, can be strenuous due to the numerous obstacles in the current and a few (short) portages. Keep a good distance between kayaks so you don't get stuck on an obstacle, and be ready for stony rapids. The best are nimble single-seat kayaks with spraydecks – thrills guaranteed!

There's no tourist infrastructure here, but there are numerous wild, charming spots for an atmospheric camp (usually for 4–5 tents). You'll find shops in Skrzeszewo, Siemirowice and Oskowo. From the point of view of a trapper-style expedition, these are all advantages.

Route description – what awaits you on the water

Start: Kamienica Królewska or the bridge on road 214

You can start the trip from Kamienica Królewska near Sierakowice and paddle through the Kamienickie and Święte lakes. It's more convenient, however, to start at the road bridge on road 214 (Sierakowice–Bukowina).

Through forests and meadows – a mountain character

The river runs near the villages of Bukowina, Siemirowice and Oskowo. In places it has a strong, fast current and abounds in stony rapids. You'll encounter dozens of fallen trees – most can be cleared without leaving the kayak (by floating onto them or ducking into the cockpit), which requires skill and confidence with the paddle.

The most interesting section: past Oskowo to Kozin

The most beautiful stretch begins past Oskowo. Just before Kozin the river slows and spreads out wide – at low water you'll meet shallows. In Kozin there's a good spot to camp (arrange it with the landowner), a small hydroelectric plant and a trout farm where you can buy fresh fish. From Kozin we suggest continuing the trip down the extreme Łupawa!