Be Active – Paddle and Pedal

A weekend package relax with meals and an active program for everyone – one-day kayaking trip on Czarna Hańcza or Rospuda River combined with an individual bicycle trip.

Do you like to relax actively? See what Augustów has to offer. The woods of Augustów Primeval Forests and numerous rivers and lakes are waiting just for you!

Combine two activities into one! Paddle and Pedal through Augustów Primeval Forest and the most amazing kayak routes in Poland.

Augustów – the capital of watersports and kayaking, recognized as a health and relaxation resort. It lies on the Netta River and Augustów Canal surrounded by woods of Augustów Primeval Forest and six beautiful lakes. Here lies “the Green Lungs of Poland” – Wigry and Biebrza National Park, and Suwałki Landscape Park. You will definitely enjoy the endless possibilities of this magnificent place, clean air redolent with essential oils and the power of attractions.

Accommodation:  Comfortable rooms in the Villa Skomanda’s main hotel building or campsite right next to.

Meals:  HB – breakfast, dinner.

Turn off stress – turn on relaxation 😉

Available: Weekends of May – September 2024

The price includes:

• 2 x night’s accommodation
• 2 x rich and delicious buffet breakfasts served between 7:30-10:00 AM
• 2 x tasty dinners served between 4:30-7:00 PM
• participation in a one-day kayaking trip
• participation in an individual bicycle trip
• access to the grill, deck chair
• free Wi-Fi

Nutritional needs and possible diets should be reported at the reception desk no later than two days before arrival.

Price:

• 599 PLN / person in a twin room
• 819 PLN / person in a single room
• 409 PLN / 3rd person in a room
• 369 PLN / child 4-12 years of age in a room with 2 people
• 559 PLN / child 4-12 years of age in a room with 1 person
• 399 PLN / person at SZOT campsite (tent on your own)
• 349 PLN / child under the age of 12 (tent on your own)

Extend your stay or arrive earlier and get an attractive discount for accommodation of 10%.

PROGRAM:

Friday
Arrival at Villa Skomanda hotel, check-in from 3:00 PM.
Dinner.

Saturday
7:30 – 10:00 AM Breakfast
A short briefing (organizational and safety issues; kayaking instructions). Transportation to the kayaking starting point.

Activities to choose from: 1-day kayaking trip /no guide/:

1. Czarna Hańcza River and Augustów Canal: Dworczysko – Mikaszówka  /12 km

11:00 AM – transportation to the starting place; the planned return: 5:30-6.00 PM
One of the most appealing and best known kayaking routes in Poland. The river is relatively wide, and it has a mild current that makes it easier to kayak. It meanders calmly along grasslands and woods of Augustów Primeval Forest. Its relaxing atmosphere is driven by the river’s gentle bends, curves, and fallen trees that are easy to pass. In general, the route is not difficult, suitable for beginners and families with children. The last two kilometers we kayak through the Augustów Canal regulated by historic, manually operated locks (must-see!). In Mikaszówka there is an old wooden church built in the traditional architectural style, a perfect match for the wilderness of old-growth forests.

Duration: approx. 4,5 hours (with several stops in the meantime). More information is here.

2. Rospuda River: Małe Raczki – Święte Miejsce  /15 km

8:30 AM – transportation to the starting place; the planned return: 3:30-4.00 PM.
Along the river there are sections with sharp curves, fallen trees and large boulders, but there are also calmer ones, where the river is mild and free of obstacles. In summertime the route is relatively easy. Surrounded by beautiful, picturesque scenery! On the route there are two unique spots to visit: the ruins of Pac Palace in Dowspuda, and Święte Miejsce nature reserve – cultural and religious site.

Duration: approx. 4 hours (with several stops in the meantime). More information is here.

Transportation from the ending point back to the Villa Skomanda. Dinner.

Sunday
7:30 – 10:00 AM Breakfast; check-out till 11:00 AM.
Individual bicycle trip (maps of bicycle routes and necessary information are available at the reception).

Recommended route: „Around the Sajno Lake” /25 km

The route partly leads along the asphalt path of the GREEN VELO trail. Then, picturesque paths surrounded by centuries-old forests of Augustów Primeval Forest, the second largest forest area in our country, as well as on the lakesides. Closeness to nature, beautiful landscapes, richness of forest undergrowth and the opportunity to meet rare species of animals or birds. Easy route, places for stops.

Starting and ending point at Villa Skomanda hotel.

Additional charges:

• Local fee (cash only) – 3 PLN/person/day
• showers in the SZOT Base – 5 PLN /shower (only CAMPSITE Option)
• possible accident insurance (UNIQA, insurance sum 20000 PLN) – 2 PLN/person/day; possibility of increasing the sum insured,
• Two lock fees – 4,90 PLN/kayak/lock
• Kayaking in a single CAROLINA kayak – 25 PLN
• Renting a waterproof bag (55l) or barrel (3,5l/10,4l) – 7 PLN/trip + deposit of 50 PLN
• Private sauna bathing – 250 PLN/2 hours/group approx. of 10 people
• Available to purchase in the SZOT office: maps, waterproof mobile phone cases, sun hats and raincoats.

Important information:

• Check-in from 3:00 PM, check-out till 11:00 AM
• Check-in possible till 11:00 PM
• We accept payment by debit / credit cards
• Free fenced parking lot
• Children policy:
  Child up to 4 years old sharing a room with parents, without separate bed – FOR FREE. In case of two children under the age of 4 staying in one room, an extra bed will be charged. It is a possibility to rent a baby crib (without bedding) – for free; bedding – 50 PLN/stay. A dinner for child up to 4 years is additionally payable – 45 PLN /child /day (½ serving size). The price of child 4-12 years of age included dinner ½ serving size. Child over 12 years old are treated as adults (full serving size).
• Reservation terms:
  Confirmation of the reservation is a prepayment of 30% of the reservation value. In order to cancel your reservation, please contact the Villa Skomanda reception.
  If the cancellation takes place earlier than 14 days before the planned arrival, the Hotel will refund the prepayment.
  In the absence of notification or notification later than 14 days before the planned arrival, the prepayment is non-refundable.
• Pets are NOT allowed. Small pets are only allowed in summer houses (50 PLN/night/pet)
• In order to ensure safe and peaceful stay, we kindly request you to familiarize yourself with the Terms and conditions of Villa Skomanda and follow them. Making a reservation “Be Active – Paddle and Pedal” package means you accept these regulations.
• Smoking is NOT allowed indoors
• Equipment: kayaks – comfortable double kayak, recommended for both beginners and more experienced kayakers; life jackets in various sizes. For families with a child or 3 adults, we recommend triple kayaks. Kross tourist bicycles designed for driving on paved surfaces and forest paths, also with child seats. Smaller bicycles for children. Protective helmets on your own. For children, we recommend having a helmet when cycling.
• We suggest you to bring: sun-protection hat, UV-cream, light hiking boots for kayaking, e.g. sandals or flip-flops (when getting on or off the kayak it is necessary to put your foot in the water), sports footwear for a trip, a rain coat with hood (in case of rain or wind), and above all GOOD MOOD!

Villa Skomanda’s extras:

One-day kayaking trips

A wonderful adventure in a kayak for everyone – from a beginner to an experienced veteran. Exploring the most beautiful kayaking routes – gentle, meandering along meadows and woods of Augustów Primeval Forest – Czarna Hańcza River; rapid and surprising with its unpredictable character – Rospuda River; a pearl of hydro-technical art – Augustów Canal which connects Poland and Belarus; the “Polish Amazonia” running through Biebrza Marshes – Biebrza River; wild nature that will ensure an unforgettable adventure – Marycha River. We provide safe and stable double and triple kayaks.

Cycling tours

Cycling routes will take you through picturesque areas located near charming lakes and woods of Augustów Primeval Forest. And what is more, the nearby “Green Velo” cycle trail encourages to get on a bike and discover the surroundings along the most beautiful lakes and rivers of Augustów City. Villa Skomanda, has the Cyclist Friendly Place recommendation on the Green Velo East Bike Trail in three categories: accommodation, restaurant, tourist attraction. There are 20 tourist bikes in our rental place.

Sauna

Sauna is a place to rest… It is a way to peace your mind and keep your body in a perfect shape. Sauna bathing is an experience of many senses, which has proven positive effects on our health, and which relaxes us both physically and mentally. Next to the Villa Skomanda hotel building, there is traditional, wood-burning sauna with an area with tables, benches and table football game, perfect for intimate get-togethers. Advance reservation required at the Reception.

Nordic Walking

Walking helps counter mild depression by releasing endorphins. That’s why it is very important to be active in winter and chase away the blues – even a short walk can make a difference. It is said that regularly spending time in the forest lowers blood pressure, detoxes your body and improves your overall mood. Let’s escape to the nature, to experience the mystery of the forests, to feel the cold water of the lakes on your feet and enjoy the sound of the wind in the trees. Take a break from everyday life – recharge your batteries! The forest will calm you down and soothe your senses.

Cruises on lakes and Augustów Canal

Cruise ships, catamarans, gondolas.

Attractions for families

In the backyard you will find a spacious garden area with a terrace and a playground for children. During your stay you can play table football, badminton, and in the holiday season – there is a volleyball court. We have bicycles with child seats for rent. There is also a play area for children next to the restaurant.

VILLA SKOMANDA

– is situated in a picturesque part of Augustów city, close to Augustów Primeval Forest and Augustów Canal; 1,8 km from the city center. The complex also includes a restaurant, a conference-room, and SZOT office. In the backyard you will find a spacious garden area with a terrace and a playground for children, wood-burning sauna. On site, it is possible to rent bikes, Nordic walking poles, or take part in an organized kayaking trip. The hotel has a fenced outdoor parking area.