The Krutynia Tourist Trail in Masuria offers the possibility to sail ,cycle and hike and all of that in beautiful natural and historic surrounding as well as a complex tourist infrastructure. That itself is unique!
The river, which is heart and soul of the route, begins life at Pojezierze Mrągowskie in Warpuński Lake and later on flows through several other lakes and finally empties into the Masurian Lake System. On given stretches of the route the river is called local names like-Sobiepanka. Nevertheless, the whole water route is named after the longest stretch- Krutynia. Along the Krutynia route there are 10 PTTK marinas. The entire distance of the route between the first marina in Sorkwity and the last one in Ruciane-Nida is about 102 km. All routes are signposted and the canoe route the ‘Krutynia route’ is easy and therefore it is recommended for beginners. The PTTK marinas are located at such distances that every day you can reach one of them to get something to eat or stay for a night. Moreover, the marina in Sorkwity offers well-equipped canoe and bike rental conditions.
However, the Krutynia route is not only about canoes. Above all, it has unique nature and landscape. More than half of the route is located in the area of the Masurian Landscape Park and the routes go through 10 nature reserves which protect several fauna and flora species. If you are lucky enough, you may notice a black stork, the biggest owl in Poland- an eagle owl or a white-tailed eagle-the biggest predator bird in this part of Europe. A grey heron sitting on a waterside tree is ‘an inseparable part ‘ of the route. It inhabits mainly the lower section of the river, from Ukta to Bełdany lake. As this section of the river is known for stunning beauty of lush greenery and a large number of waterbirds it is commonly known as the ‘Little Amazon’ (‘Mała Amazonka’).
The upper section of the route is dominated by lakes which are in a silence zone – what gives an opportunity to appreciate the landscape in a specific atmosphere. In this section you can find charming stretches of river bank that are ideal for relaxing and summer bathing.
While going along the Krutynia route, it is good to have a closer look at the history of the region. Human history can be seen in a few places. In Zyndaki, where the Krutynia route starts, there is an old fort which reminds us of the old Prussian tribe which were called Galindians. Another place Babięta took its name from a word ‘baba’ which means ‘ a wizard’.
Endless woods inhabited by numerous wild animals was a good reason for The Teutonic knights to organize hunting trips here and even built a hunting lodge near Krutyń. According to tales from Spychowo environs, the middle section of the route, the last bear in Masuria was hunted in 1804. Along the route there are bunkers and defensive fortifications from World War I and II, for instance in Ruciane-Nida there are bunkers guarding a narrow passage between the lakes. In Ruciane-Nida it is also worth seeing the lock Guzianka which is a hydro technical monument.
In order to learn the history and mysteries of the Krutynia route it’s good to travel with a well-prepared guide. Maps and guides are available in PTTK marinas and a visit to the Masurian Landscape Park in Krutyń will provide you with valuable information. You can travel the Krutynia route individually or you can go on an organised tour. You must spend at least a few days in Krutynia route to feel the atmosphere of the place. The route is beautiful and worth visiting in each season of the year. Spring welcomes you with incredible greenery and bird song, summer with the smell of lakes, autumn with numerous colours and winter with peace and quiet. Anyone who has visited the place just once is sure to come here again. If you are not convinced-let me cite the words of a Masurian poet Karol Małłek ‘Who hasn’t seen Krutynia-hasn’t seen Masuria’.
See you on the route!
More information available on: www.mazurypttk.pl
Kamil Kopyść
