Barge cruise in Poland

From Rybina

We hope to see you soon in Northern Poland, more precisely, Rybina. Here, we’ll train you in captaining your licence-free boat, on which you’ll navigate the waterways of Poland. It’ll be up to you to choose your destinations, as well as the activities in which you’ll indulge. Here, waterway tourism lives up to all its promises, so get right on board!

Where are you leaving from?

When are you leaving?

From Rybina to the Baltic Sea, get away from it all on a waterway cruise in Poland

You’ll set off on your house­boat at a slow, gen­tle pace, giv­ing you the oppor­tu­ni­ty to admire Poland’s trea­sures. Here, as else­where, you’ll be able to embrace all the joys of water­way cruis­ing : cycling along the tow­pathsdis­cov­er­ing the Pol­ish riv­er her­itage, impro­vised stop-offs to chat with farm­ers and oth­er hol­i­day­mak­ers, going through the locks, … Your Pol­ish water­way cruise will also pro­vide you with a com­plete change of scenery, bring­ing you clos­er to the tra­di­tions and folk­lore of a coun­try still unspoilt by mass tourism. A few days’ hol­i­day with your fam­i­ly or sev­er­al weeks with friends : it’s up to you to choose. Make the most of this region of Rybi­na to suc­cumb to the charm of the Baltic coast.

Waterway tourism – a holiday full of feeling and emotion

Of course, no water­way cruise from Rybi­na would be com­plete with­out a vis­it to the region­al cap­i­tal : Danzig or Gdan­sk. You’ll mar­vel at a vis­it to this his­toric city, through which the Mot­la­va Riv­er mean­ders. Take in the impres­sive Saint Mary’s Church and don’t for­get to pause in the impos­ing Town Hall Square. You’ll be able to vis­it many oth­er Pol­ish her­itage trea­sures dur­ing your cruise, choos­ing your pre­ferred sites : the town of Drewni­ca with its famous arcad­ed hous­es or per­haps the Teu­ton­ic Fortress of Mal­bork, the largest brick cas­tle in Europe.

discover the region with our photos

Malbork, the largest brick castle in Europe

Malbork, the largest brick castle in Europe

At the turn of a bend during your waterway cruise, you’ll be captivated by a monumental vision: the Teutonic fortress of Marienbourg. Malbork is the home of this gigantic edifice, the largest brick castle in Europe. Built in the 13th century, this imposing fortress quickly became the seat of the Teutonic Knights. The fortress of Marienbourg is also the largest Gothic fortress in Europe and a must-see site that’s easily accessible with your rental houseboat. On the banks of the Nogat, a delta branch of the Vistula, you’ll be able to uncover all the secrets of the castle’s exciting and eventful history.
Polish Gastronomy

Polish Gastronomy

In addition to taking in some grandiose sites aboard your licence-free boat, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover Poland’s folklore and traditions. Polish gastronomy will accompany you throughout your waterway cruise. On your licence-free boat, as well as in the many restaurants you’ll find in the towns along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy kluskis and other zupas, soups that are very popular in the region. Vodka, as well as local beers, will be served as an accompaniment to these dishes, many of which are made using cabbage. Make sure you try bigos, the Polish version of sauerkraut. On your strolls around the traditional market stalls, you should also look out for Karpatka, a local dessert made from Polish-style pudding cream.
Ilawa and its lake

Ilawa and its lake

The town of Ilawa was founded in the 14th century and is well worth visiting during your waterway cruise. Discover this ancient stronghold of the Teutonic Knights by wandering through its shopping streets. At some point in your walk, you’re sure to find yourself on the imposing Town Hall Square. A stop in Ilawa is also a great opportunity for a soothing break. The town is indeed on the shores of the famous Lake Jeezoriack. Many nautical bases have been built around it, and you can make the most of the time you spend away from your boat to enjoy all kinds of water activities.

suggested itineraries Tested and approved

Set off from Rybina and navigate as your desires see fit, or follow our itinerary ideas:

One week
Round trip 250km - 4 locks 30h Canal Ostróda-Elblag : Rybina - Elblag - Canal Elblag - Ilawa et/ou Ostróda - Elblag - Rybina
Round trip 200km - 7 locks 25h The Żuławy Ring : Rybina > Elblag > Malbork > Tczew > Rybina
One or two weeks
Round trip 350km - 4 locks 50h Canal Ostróda-Elblag : Rybina - Elblag - Canal Elblag - Ilawa et/ou Ostróda - Elblag - Rybina
Two weeks
Round trip 500km - 10 locks 60h THE ŻUŁAWY RING + THE OSTRÓDA ELBLĄG CANAL: Rybina - Elbląg - The Ostróda-Elbląg Canal - Ilawa and/or Ostróda - Elblag - Malbork -Gniew - Tczew - Gdansk - Rybina
Round trip 500km - 11 locks 60h The Żuławy Ring + The Ostróda-Elbląg Canal: Rybina > Elbląg > The Ostróda-Elbląg Canal > Iława and/or Ostróda > Elbląg > Malbork > Tczew > Gdańsk > Rybina