Kayaking in Borne Sulinowo: the best routes, Piława river trips and practical tips

Borne Sulinowo and the surrounding area are a great place to explore Western Pomerania from the water. Forest-fringed lakes, calmer stretches of river and scenic backwaters make a kayak trip both an idea for an active day and a way to relax close to nature.

One of the region's most interesting routes is the Piława river, which flows through lakes, forest stretches and the Nadarzyce reservoirs. You can choose a short outing, plan a full-day trip or split the journey into several stages. A lot depends on your group's experience, the weather and how much time you want to spend on the water.

In this guide you'll find kayaking routes around Borne Sulinowo, tips on organising your trip and practical information to help you prepare.

Why go kayaking in Borne Sulinowo?

A kayak lets you see the area around Borne Sulinowo from a completely different angle. Instead of forest roads, you paddle past green banks, watch birds and stop at places that are hard to reach by car.

The region's biggest strength is its variety. There are lakes suited to relaxed recreational paddling, as well as rivers where you can plan a longer journey. You don't have to organise everything yourself, either — local rental companies help you choose a route, provide the equipment and often arrange transport for you and the kayaks.

A kayak trip works for a holiday for two, a family break, a get-together with friends or an active weekend. The key is to pick a stretch that matches your abilities and not to judge a route by its length alone.

The best kayaking routes around Borne Sulinowo

1. The Piława river — a classic paddling trip

The Piława is one of the best-known kayaking routes in the Drawsko Lake District. It links lakes, river sections and backwaters, and with forest all around, you're close to nature for most of the journey.

Depending on the stretch you choose, the trip can be calm and recreational or a longer adventure that needs good planning. There are also places along the route where you need to watch out for obstacles and portages.

Example sections of the Piława:

• Rakowo – Borne Sulinowo: about 18–19 km and roughly 4–5 hours on the water, depending on the variant and conditions. A good choice if you want to combine lakes with river sections. Along the way you'll pass, among other things, the area around Lake Pile.
• Sikory – Liszkowo: about 16 km, according to one local operator's offer. This section runs through lakes linked by short stretches of river. The water may look calm, but on open lakes expect some longer paddling.
• Liszkowo – Nadarzyce: about 16–17 km, depending on the variant. The route covers river and lake sections, and its character changes as you approach the Nadarzyce reservoirs.
• Nadarzyce – Szwecja: about 22 km, according to one operator's description. A longer option worth considering once you've checked current conditions, obstacles and the expected paddling time.

Distances and times are approximate. Operators may suggest different start and finish points, so confirm the route and its current accessibility before booking.

2. Lake Pile — kayaking at a gentler pace

Not every kayak trip has to be a long river journey. Lake Pile is a good choice if you want to paddle at your own pace, enjoy the forested shores and take breaks when you like.

Renting a kayak on the lake gives you more flexibility than a set route with a fixed finish point. You can go for a shorter outing, adjust the time to suit you and return to where you started without arranging transport from another village.

It's also an option for those just getting started with kayaking. Keep in mind, though, that conditions can change quickly even on a lake. Wind and waves can make the way back harder, so check the forecast and ask the rental company which areas are safe to paddle.

3. The Nadarzyce reservoirs — water, forest and natural scenery

The Nadarzyce reservoirs (Zalewy Nadarzyckie) are an interesting spot on the region's kayaking map. Here the water spreads out through the forest, creating picturesque corners best explored by kayak.

You can make them the goal of a shorter trip or part of a longer journey down the Piława. There's a kayak base nearby where you can find out about routes and equipment rental.

On the wider stretches of water, wind and the visibility of route markers matter especially. Before setting off, ask the operator about current conditions, possible obstacles and places where extra care is needed.

4. A longer trip for adventure lovers

If you already have some experience and want to spend more than a few hours on the water, you can plan a multi-day journey down the Piława or combine it with other rivers in the region. Local companies also run trips on the Drawa, Rurzyca, Dobrzyca and Gwda.

On a longer route, think not only about distance but also about campsites, access to drinking water, luggage transport and the time needed to get past obstacles. Plan your stages in advance and check where you can legally stop for the night.

Not sure which route to choose? It's best to contact an operator and tell them about your experience, the size of your group and how long you'd like to be on the water. That makes it easier to find a route that's enjoyable rather than too demanding.

Where to rent a kayak in Borne Sulinowo

Several companies in the area rent out kayaks and organise trips. When choosing one, look at the routes on offer, transport to the start and from the finish, equipment, and whether the trip can be tailored to your group's experience.

Options worth checking include:

• Kajakiborne — a rental company and trip organiser on the Piława and other rivers in the region. It offers kayak transport and helps plan one-day and multi-day routes.
• Kajakarze.pl — a local organiser of trips on the Piława, Drawa and Gwda.
• Przystań Piława — kayak rental for paddling on Lake Pile and the Piława river.

All three websites are in Polish. Contact your chosen company directly before you travel: equipment availability, transport, routes and prices can change with the season and the size of your group.

How much does a kayak trip cost?

The price depends on whether you rent a kayak on your own or book an organised trip with transport. Route length, group size, type of equipment and extra services all play a part too.

When comparing offers, check whether the price includes:

• the kayak and paddles,
• life jackets,
• transport of the kayaks to the start,
• transport for participants after the trip,
• any campsite fees or extra services.

If you're planning a trip with several people, ask about group bookings. For longer trips, sort out transport and any overnight stays up front. It's best to confirm current prices directly with the operator.

When is the best time to go kayaking?

The main kayaking season is spring, summer and early autumn. In the warmer months it's easier to plan a full-day trip, and the longer days give you more time to paddle the route at a relaxed pace and rest.

• Spring: nature is waking up, but water levels and river conditions may differ from summer. Check whether your chosen section suits your group's experience.
• Summer: a great time for kayaking, especially if you want to combine a river trip with time at the lake. Book popular dates and equipment early in high season.
• Early autumn: the forests change colour and the routes may be quieter. Bear in mind the shorter days and changeable weather, though.

Whatever the season, what matters most is the latest forecast, conditions on the water and a route that matches your skills. In strong wind, thunderstorms or other bad conditions, postpone your trip.

What to bring on a kayak trip

Even a short outing is more enjoyable if you're well prepared. You don't need specialist gear, but a few things will definitely come in handy.

Before you set off, pack:

• clothes suited to the weather that you don't mind getting wet,
• shoes that stay firmly on your feet and can get wet,
• a hat and sunscreen,
• drinking water and a small snack,
• your phone in a waterproof case,
• a dry bag or waterproof barrel for documents and other valuables,
• a basic first-aid kit if you're planning a longer trip.

Your life jacket should fit properly and be worn the whole time you're on the water. Before you start, agree with the operator on what to do if you capsize or come across an obstacle.

Is kayaking suitable for beginners and families with children?

Yes, as long as you choose the right route and take care of safety. Beginners can start with a short trip on a lake or a calmer section recommended by a local operator.

Families with children should ask about life jackets in the right sizes, whether family kayaks are available and the minimum age for participants. Don't assume every section of the Piława is equally easy — there may be obstacles, portages and stretches that take more effort.

Before you go, agree on how long you want to paddle, where you can take a break and how transport works after the finish. A well-chosen route lets you focus on enjoying the paddle instead of worrying whether everyone will reach the finish on time.

Safety on the water and respect for nature

Kayaking brings you very close to nature, so enjoy it responsibly.

Before setting off, check the weather forecast and ask the operator about current conditions on the route. Don't approach obstacles you can't get past safely, and if in doubt, follow the operator's advice. On sections with portages, get out of the kayak and carry your gear as instructed.

During the trip, don't leave litter, don't disturb birds and don't paddle into areas with restrictions. Only stop where it's allowed, and remember that some of the surrounding land is of high natural value.

A good trip isn't just about beautiful views — it's also about getting back to shore without unnecessary risk and without leaving a trace in nature.

Where to stay on a kayaking holiday

If you're planning more than one day in the Drawsko Lake District, choose accommodation that lets you combine time on the water with proper rest. Borne Sulinowo makes a convenient base for exploring the nearby lakes, forest trails and local sights.

After a day of paddling, it's lovely to come back to a quiet place, have dinner and rest before the next trip. Slow Life Apartment is for those who want to explore the area at their own pace and combine an active holiday with time to unwind.

Discover Slow Life Apartment, or find the details on the Slow Life Apartment page on Airbnb.

Kayaking in Borne Sulinowo — is it worth it?

Definitely, if you want to spend time outdoors during your stay in Borne Sulinowo and see the region from a different angle. The Piława offers varied sections, Lake Pile is ideal for gentler outings, and the Nadarzyce reservoirs invite you to explore quiet corners of water surrounded by forest.

The best route doesn't have to be the longest. Choose one that suits your abilities, check the conditions and plan transport with the operator. That way your kayak trip becomes a pleasant part of your holiday — full of nature, movement and time away from the everyday rush.