Drwęca, kayaking trips and a peaceful day by Lake Forbin

Drwęca, kayaking trips and a peaceful day on a private beach by Lake Forbin, something for everyone! The Brodnickie Lake District offers tourists as much as the entire Masuria region.

Drwęca is both a wild and calm river, protected as a nature reserve along almost its entire length, lazily winding through meadows and forests. For some, it is associated with kayaking trips, for others with fish, silence, and fishing rods. Lake Forbin, on the other hand, impresses with its intimacy and relaxation away from large kayak groups. So by visiting the Brodnickie Lake District and Głęboczek Vine Resort & SPA, you can experience the picturesque current of the Drwęca and the tranquility offered by a lake hidden from human eyes by hills.

The Drwęca River in figures

Drwęca is the largest right tributary of the lower Vistula in this part of Poland. It originates from the eastern slopes of Dylewska Góra, near the village of Drwęck, south of Olsztynek, at about 191 meters above sea level. From there, it flows southwest and after more than two hundred kilometers it flows into the Vistula near Toruń. Along the way, it crosses two voivodeships: Warmian-Masurian and Kuyavian-Pomeranian, connecting the lake districts with the Vistula valley.

The numbers that visitors most often ask about: the length of the river is about 207 kilometers, and the catchment area exceeds 5,500 square kilometers. The largest tributary of the Drwęca is the Wel. Drwęca is a typically lowland river, with a calm current and a winding riverbed, which is especially important for beginner kayakers.

"Drwęca River" Nature Reserve

Drwęca is a rare case nationally. Since 1961 it has been protected as a nature reserve, practically along its entire course. It is sometimes called one of the longest river reserves in Poland and appears in many descriptions as the only river protected from its source to its mouth.

The protection has a specific reason. Drwęca is a spawning ground and migration route for fish requiring clean, well-oxygenated water. The most characteristic fish is the sea trout, but the river also plays an important role in the restoration program for migratory species, including Atlantic salmon and sturgeon. For anglers, this is a reason to stop here, but also a signal that strict rules apply. Fishing requires a proper permit, and some regulations stem directly from the reserve status, so it is worth checking current rules before casting the fishing rod.

For everyone else, the reserve status simply means one thing: you paddle through a well-maintained area with clean water and rich life on the banks. This is also why Drwęca is considered one of the most pleasant and less crowded kayaking routes in the country.

Kayaking trips on the Drwęca

Drwęca is one of the rivers suitable even for beginner kayakers. The current is calm, the riverbed winding, and the banks along most of the route are covered with greenery that provides shade from the sun. There are no difficult gorges or places requiring experience. Basic fitness and willingness are enough to spend a few hours on the water.
The classic long kayaking route runs from the Ostróda area to Toruń and is nearly two hundred kilometers long. Few people complete it in its entirety. It is much more convenient to choose a shorter section for yourself, especially if your base is staying in one place.

Kayaks are best rented on site, together with equipment delivery to the water and pickup at the end of the route. This way, you do not have to worry about organization or returning to your car. The season usually lasts from late spring to early autumn, and the most pleasant time to paddle is in the morning before others head out. Then the river is the quietest and the chance to see herons or kingfishers is the greatest.

A calmer option: Lake Forbin and private beach

Not every day has to be an expedition. Sometimes you want to be by the water without rowing with the current and watching the clock. Then a better idea is Lake Forbin and the private beach belonging to the Głęboczek Vine Resort & SPA hotel. The beach is available to guests of the property, which guarantees peace, an intimate atmosphere, and space for true relaxation.
It is worth knowing that Forbin is not connected to the Drwęca. It is a separate body of water located near the river, not part of it or a branch. This is precisely why the two places complement each other so well. Where the river means motion and direction, the lake offers a still surface and blissful reset. Importantly, you can enjoy Forbin not only from the beach level. Even during a meal, the lake is within sight – from the hotel restaurant and the summer terrace, there is a beautiful view of the water.

You can rent kayaks and SUP boards (for stand-up paddling) directly by the beach. However, the most attention is attracted by the sauna cabin built right on the shore. The idea is simple and as old as the world: warm up inside, go out and immerse yourself in the lake. In summer this is a pleasant ritual, and in early autumn, when the water is already cold, it becomes a real challenge.

Before you set out on a kayaking trip: a few practical notes

You need to pack and dress appropriately for the trip. Above all, remember that water acts like a mirror reflecting sunlight, so tanning happens much faster in a kayak. For this reason, a high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are absolute essentials. Light, breathable clothing is best but it should cover your shoulders and thighs – these parts burn fastest while paddling. It’s also a good idea to bring effective mosquito and tick repellent, after all Drwęca flows through forests and thickets.

Regular shoes are better replaced by special water shoes (so-called reef boots) – they protect your feet from stones when getting in and won’t be ruined by moisture. Also, be sure to remember a life jacket (buoyancy aid). The rental service will certainly provide it, but it is up to you to make sure you wear it. Since you frequently reach for your phone during the trip – to take pictures or check the map – it’s best to put it in a waterproof case on a lanyard and hang it around your neck. You can keep your documents alongside it.

A change of clothes is also essential, as it’s easy to get splashed on the river (you can leave a dry set in your car or carry it in a waterproof bag). Bring your own food and a large supply of drinks since there are hardly any shops along the way.

The timing of your trip also matters. From late spring to early autumn, the water is quite warm and the days long. July and August are usually the busiest months, so if you want peace, aim for June or September.

Summary

Drwęca and Forbin do not compete – they complement each other perfectly. If you are looking for a trip that doesn’t force a compromise between active recreation and luxurious relaxation, Głęboczek Vine Resort & SPA is a perfect choice. You can spend your morning paddling and absorbing the wild nature on the Drwęca kayaking route, then move to a completely different world in the afternoon – a private, intimate beach by Forbin. Relaxing on a deckchair, warming up in a sauna right on the shore, and enjoying an excellent meal on a terrace with a lake view is the best reward after a day full of experiences. Instead of choosing between adventure on the river and quiet by the lake, just come to the Brodnickie Lake District.

Drwęca, kayaking trips and a peaceful day by Lake Forbin – FAQ

Where is the Drwęca River located and where does it flow?
Drwęca is in northern Poland. It is a right tributary of the lower Vistula. It flows from around Dylewska Góra southwest, through the Warmian-Masurian and Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeships, and ends near Toruń where it joins the Vistula.

What fish live in the Drwęca?
The most characteristic fish is the sea trout. The river also plays an important role in restoring migratory species, including salmon and sturgeon. This is partly why the entire Drwęca is under reserve protection.

Can you fish in the Drwęca and do you need a permit?
Yes, fishing is allowed, but the river is a nature reserve, so special rules apply and the proper permit is needed. It is worth checking current regulations and requirements of the Polish Angling Association for this stretch before your trip.

Is Drwęca suitable for beginner kayaking trips?
Yes. It is a lowland river with a calm current, no difficult gorges, considered one of the easier and less crowded kayaking routes in Poland. The route can be shortened to a half-day trip.

Where to rent a kayak for the Drwęca?
The most convenient option is a rental nearby that offers delivery of equipment to the water and pickup at the end of the route. It’s best to confirm availability in advance, especially on weekends and outside the peak season.

Is Lake Forbin connected to the Drwęca?
No. Forbin is a separate body of water near the river but not connected to it. It works well as a calmer alternative to kayaking – with a beach, kayaks, SUP boards, a raft, and a sauna cabin right on the water, and a great restaurant nearby.