The Brodnica Lake District has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Poland for kayaking. Dozens of lakes connected by rivers, the silence of the forest, clean water and well-prepared infrastructure make it an ideal destination both for your first-ever trip and for an ambitious multi-day expedition.
Below you will find an overview of the best kayak routes in the Brodnica Lake District for the 2026 season, practical tips and concrete information about prices, logistics and accommodation at the PTTK Water Station in Bachotek.
Why the Brodnica Lake District is a great place for kayaking?
The Brodnica Lake District is a dense network of lakes, canals and rivers, including the picturesque Skarlanka and the wild, protected Drwęca. It lies within the Brodnica Landscape Park, where:
- the water has a high cleanliness class (Lake Bachotek – class II),
- the shores are mostly forested and little urbanized,
- traffic on the water is moderate – even in high season you can find quiet and peace.
The PTTK Water Station in Bachotek is the oldest holiday center in the Brodnica Lake District (operating since 1954), located directly on the lake. Most popular trips start from here, making it the most convenient base for planning outings.
Best one-day routes
All one-day routes described below are organized by the PTTK Water Station in Bachotek. The package includes: 2-person polyethylene kayaks, life jackets, paddles, a route map, transport for people and equipment, and free parking.
1. Skarlanka – Lake Wielkie Partęczyny → Bachotek
Distance: approx. 12 km\ Paddling time: 3–4 hours\ Price 2026: 90 zł/os. (weekends, holidays), 80 zł/os. (weekdays)
This is one of the most scenic kayak routes in the Brodnica Lake District – ideal for a relaxed family day on the water.
Route character:
- calm, meandering Skarlanka River,
- stretches through lakes and narrow, wooded channels,
- slight current – a good option for beginners.
Who is it for?
- families with children,
- people trying kayaking for the first time,
- school groups (in combination with the PTTK Brodnica green school offer).
What to watch out for?
- in summer there may be heavier traffic on the water – it’s worth starting in the morning,
- at lower water levels there may be shallows and fallen trees, but the route is regularly navigated and safe.
2. Drwęca – Topiele → Bachotek
Distance: approx. 20 km\ Paddling time: 4–6 hours\ Price 2026: 90 zł/os. (weekends, holidays), 80 zł/os. (weekdays)
This is a suggestion for those who want to experience the true “river” character of a trip. Drwęca has a livelier current and is protected as an ichthyological reserve.
Route character:
- a distinct current that helps with paddling,
- wild, forested banks, few buildings,
- in places fallen trees and rapids – an attraction for more experienced paddlers.
Who is it for?
- people who have already completed their first trip,
- groups looking for a full-day, active excursion,
- kayakers who want to “taste” the Drwęca before a longer trip.
Tip: When planning the route, allow for a longer paddling time (closer to 6 hours) for less experienced groups or those with children. PTTK Brodnica provides transport from Bachotek to the start point in Topiele.
3. Drwęca – Bachotek → Brodnica
Distance: approx. 16 km\ Paddling time: 4–5 hours\ Price 2026: 95 zł/os. (weekends, holidays), 85 zł/os. (weekdays)
This is a classic “into town” route – you start at the PTTK Water Station on Lake Bachotek and finish the trip in Brodnica.
Route character:
- start from Lake Bachotek, then enter the Drwęca,
- along the way, sections that are completely wild and more open landscapes,
- finish in Brodnica – possibility to combine the trip with sightseeing of the town and the castle.
Who is it for?
- groups who want to combine kayaking with sightseeing,
- people planning a one-day outing with accommodation in Bachotek or in Brodnica.
What next? After finishing the trip you can return to Bachotek using transport organized by PTTK Brodnica or stay in Brodnica and visit, among others, the castle, the Masurian Tower or take advantage of the museum offer.
Multi-day trips – how to plan the route, accommodation and transfers?
If a one-day trip is not enough for you, the Brodnica Lake District and the Drwęca offer great possibilities for 2–5‑day routes. PTTK Brodnica prepares offers individually – you can combine lake sections, the Skarlanka and the Drwęca.
Planning a multi-day route
Example itinerary for a 3–4 day trip:
- Day 1: lake route + Skarlanka (e.g. Wielkie Partęczyny → Bachotek),
- Day 2: Drwęca (Topiele → Bachotek or another section),
- Day 3: Bachotek → Brodnica,
- Day 4 (optional): another downstream section of the Drwęca.
PTTK Brodnica can provide:
- kayaks and equipment,
- transport of kayaks and people (van for up to 8 people and 12 kayaks – 4,00 zł/km, calculated round trip),
- luggage transport between campsites (400 zł/day),
- guide–instructor (500 zł/day),
- NNW insurance (2 zł/person/day – data should be provided the day before the trip).
Accommodation along the route
The most convenient base is the PTTK Water Station in Bachotek:
- 3–7‑person cabins (some with bathroom and kitchenette),
- 2–3‑person rooms in a pavilion with bathroom and balcony,
- campsite in the forest (approx. 70 places, sanitary facilities and a shared kitchen, possibility to connect to electricity).
In May, June, September there is an attractive 6‑day offer (5 nights) available, e.g.:
- 3–4 person cabin with bathroom – 1000 zł/stay,
- 5 person cabin with bathroom – 1200 zł/stay,
- 2 person room – 600 zł/stay.
Included: free use of kayaks and Nordic Walking poles (limited quantity) and access to the shared kitchen. It’s a great base for the Bachotek kayak trip 2026 combined with hiking and cycling tours.
Food and catering on the trip
On site in Bachotek there is a canteen with homestyle food (also vegetarian and vegan options) as well as a shop and a bar. For groups on multi-day trips PTTK Brodnica offers catering at the stage finish, e.g.:
- soup + bread + sausages for the bonfire + coffee/tea – 45 zł/person,
- two-course lunch – 45 zł/person,
- barbecue meal (fish, pork neck, kebab, blood sausage, sausage, salads, bread, drinks) – 90 zł/person.
Minimum number of catering participants: 10 people.
Equipment, safety and practical tips
Equipment – what PTTK Brodnica provides?
For day and multi-day trips you receive:
- Protour 470 polyethylene kayaks (stable, 2‑person),
- life jackets in various sizes,
- paddles matched to height,
- route map.
If you want to paddle independently (without an organized trip), you can use the rental:
- Protour 470 kayak – 35 zł/hour, 105 zł/day, 85 zł/day from the 2nd day of the trip,
- Nordic Walking poles – 10 zł/day.
Water safety
- Life jacket mandatory – for adults and children, at all times on the water.
- Current:
- Skarlanka – calm, ideal for beginners,
- Drwęca – distinct current, in places faster; requires basic maneuvering skills.
- Time planning: always add 30–60 minutes buffer for breaks, potential portages and slower group pace.
- Weather: check the forecast before going on the water; in case of storms and strong wind it’s better to postpone the trip.
What to bring for the Bachotek kayak trip 2026?
Basic equipment checklist:
- ID, cash/card,
- quick-drying clothing + a spare change of clothes,
- water shoes (sandals, neoprene shoes, old trainers),
- rain jacket or poncho,
- cap with a visor, sunglasses,
- sunscreen with UV protection,
- waterproof cover for phone and documents,
- small first aid kit (plasters, insect repellent, personal medications),
- water (min. 1.5 l/person) and provisions for the route.
Logistics and prices 2026 – rental, transport, guides
One-day trips – prices and organization
Routes:
- Skarlanka – Lake Wielkie Partęczyny → Bachotek – 12 km, 3–4 h, 90/80 zł/person,
- Drwęca – Topiele → Bachotek – 20 km, 4–6 h, 90/80 zł/person,
- Drwęca – Bachotek → Brodnica – 16 km, 4–5 h, 95/85 zł/person.
Included: kayak, life jacket, paddles, map, transport of people and equipment, parking.
Trip reservations: +48 690 817 940.
Multi-day trips – additional services
Available options (2026):
- guide–instructor: 500 zł/day,
- luggage transport: 400 zł/day,
- NNW insurance: 2 zł/person/day,
- transport of people and kayaks (van for up to 8 people, 12 kayaks): 4,00 zł/km (round trip).
Thanks to this you can plan a “light” trip – with luggage transported by car and supervision by an experienced guide.
Accommodation and food – practical information
- Check-in: from 13:00 on the first day, check-out: by 10:00 on the last day.
- In cabins and rooms (without kitchenette) there are no kettles, dishes or cutlery – it’s worth bringing your own.
- Towels – bring your own (bedding provided).
- Dogs welcome, but on a leash and owners must clean up.
Current price list for accommodation and the campsite for 2026 can be found in the PDF on the website:\ https://brodnica.pttk.pl (tab “Offer” → “Accommodation and food” / “Campsite”).
Map, pre-departure checklist and summary
Map of kayak routes in the Brodnica Lake District
For every organized trip you will receive a route map. It’s also worth:
- familiarizing yourself with the map of the Brodnica Lake District and the Brodnica Landscape Park,
- marking campsites, piers and potential evacuation points from the route,
- saving phone numbers of the organizer and the station manager.
Pre-departure checklist
- Reserve the date of the trip and accommodation (limited places).
- Check the 2026 price list and set the budget (trip, accommodation, food, transport).
- Determine the group skill level – choose the route (Skarlanka vs Drwęca).
- Report any special diets (vegetarian, vegan).
- Prepare personal equipment (clothing, shoes, waterproof covers).
- Provide data for NNW insurance (for multi-day trips).
- Check the weather forecast for the trip.
Summary – plan your Bachotek kayak trip 2026
The kayak routes of the Brodnica Lake District combine what is most valuable in kayaking: wild nature, clean water, varied trails (from the calm Skarlanka to the more demanding Drwęca) and comfortable accommodation and dining infrastructure.
Whether you plan a family outing for a few hours or a multi-day trip with friends, the PTTK Water Station in Bachotek is an ideal starting point. Over 70 years of experience in organizing tourism, positive guest reviews and a flexible offer for 2026 mean you can focus on what matters most – the adventure on the water.
Book your Bachotek kayak trip 2026 today:\ Phone (trips): +48 690 817 940\ Reservations and accommodation: +48 56 49 859 19, e‑mail: poczta@brodnica.pttk.pl, pttk4@wp.pl\ More information and the current price list: https://brodnica.pttk.pl
