Czarna Hańcza

One of the legends says that the name of the river comes from Lithuanian `gana cze` ( the end, enough). The words, later deformed by Mazurians into ` hana cze`,  were to be said by the Grand Duke Trojden to retreating Lithuania forces during an unsuccessful expedition to north- eastern part of Poland.
The length of kayaking down the river is about 90 km- from the Wigry lake to Augustów. This is the most popular kayaking trail in Poland standing out with crystal clear water of the Czarna Hańcza and the intact nature of wilderness.
The kayaking route goes among ten picturesque lakes, including the biggest lake of Suwałki region - the Wigry ( Jaćwieckie See), the Wigierski National Park, the most attractive parts of Augustowski Forest and monumental Augustowski Canal.

The nature values of this pathway were noticed by John Paul II as a priest paddler who made a sentimental visit to these areas in 1999.

There are many attractions waiting for you during the kayaking trip:


• the Wigierski National Park and Augustowski Forest
• monumental complex of Kameduły`s monasteries in Wigry
• a slideshow with the most beautiful parts of Suwałki region commented by the author Piotr Malczewski himself in his original `Pigpen Gallery`
• taking part in steam saunas- traditional Black Russian Banya with refreshing bath in the river or lake
• seven flood gates on the unique, monumental Augustowski Canal
• water skis on the ski lift in Augustów, windsurfing (on the lakes Wigry, Paniewo, Studzieniczne, Białe), volleyball
• feast for the palate everyday -  delicious, regional dinner

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