The Żuławy Loop: A Guide to Water Adventure and the Heritage of the Vistula Delta
- Damian Brzeski
- Jun 7
- 13 min read
Did you know that while sailing through the Vistula Delta you can simultaneously discover medieval castles, nature reserves and hydrotechnical wonders straight from the Dutch dream?
The Żuławy Loop is much more than a waterway – it is a journey through history, culture and landscape, where man has been cooperating with the elements for centuries.
What awaits you on the route connecting Gdańsk, Malbork, Elbląg and the Vistula Lagoon? Find out why this “water loop” is one of the most extraordinary adventures in Poland – and why you shouldn’t miss it.
Discover the Żuławy Loop – the Water Paradise of the North
Are you looking for an idea for a holiday close to nature, but with a touch of adventure? The Żuławy Loop is a water route that will take you to a completely different world. This network of rivers and canals wraps around the Vistula delta, creating a unique space for kayakers, sailors and houseboat fans.
Familiar names await you on the route: Wisła, Szkarpawa, Nogat, Pasłęka, Motława and the Jagielloński Canal. In addition, the vast Vistula Lagoon and lesser-known but picturesque branches. In total, this is 303 kilometers of water adventure!
The most popular section, the so-called "Great Loop", is about 200 km long and can be completed in about 6 days.
Interestingly, the Żuławy Loop does not end at the borders of the region. It is part of the International Waterway E70, connecting Rotterdam with Klaipėda. So, sailing on the waters of Żuławy, you are part of the network of European inland waterways!
The region delights with its flat landscape, intersected by drainage channels – a bit like in Holland. And the whole is complemented by modern infrastructure: marinas, piers and ports created as part of the project "Żuławy Loop – development of water tourism".
It is not just a sailing route, but a whole concept of spending time close to the water, comfortably and actively. The Żuławy Loop is a place where nature meets with an idea and hospitality.
The importance of the Żuławy Loop: the heart of the region and the gateway to Poland
The Żuławy Loop is not just a water route for tourists – it is a driver for the local economy, a guardian of nature and a custodian of the cultural heritage of the Żuławy landscape.
The engine of tourism and local development
The "Żuławy Loop - development of water tourism" project was recognized as one of the key pillars of the country's tourism development.
In the first stage alone (completed in 2014), over 300 km of waterways were marked out and 355 mooring places were created with full infrastructure: sanitary facilities, shelters, water collection points and cooking areas.
In addition, a tourist information system that ties everything together. Thanks to this, sailing has become safe, comfortable and accessible even for beginners.
And that's not all. The development of water tourism means specific benefits for residents - new jobs, income from services and catering, the development of local businesses.
Combined with good access (proximity to the Tri-City, S7 expressway, railway, airport), the region opens up to domestic and foreign guests.
A legacy that lives on
The Żuławy Loop is also a treasure trove of history. Gothic castles, arcade houses, historic bridges and locks – there is plenty of that here. And all of that is embedded in the agricultural landscape of Żuławy, where fertile soils give crops and greenery intertwines with water channels.
It is not without reason that the landscape here is called "Dutch". For centuries, engineering has been combined with nature, creating a drainage network that not only protects against floods, but also gives this place character.
Mennonites, Teutonic Knights, modern engineers – each generation has added its own brick to this history.
Nature at your fingertips
It is also a paradise for nature lovers: the reserves of Ptasi Raj , Mewia Łacha, Kąty Rybackie, Vistula Spit Park and Żuławy Gdańskie are perfect destinations for ornithologists, photographers and those who simply want to take a breather.
The Żuławy Loop is a place where water, history and nature create a common story. It is not only a tourist attraction, but a living lesson in the cooperation of man with the elements.
Come and see for yourself that this is no ordinary route – it is a journey through the heart of the region.
The history of the Żuławy Loop and the Vistula Delta region
The Żuławy Loop and the Żuławy Wiślane region are not only picturesque landscapes, but also a story about thousands of years of human presence, the fight against water and brilliant ideas on how to tame the elements for the good of civilization.
From prehistory to modernity
Żuławy began to form over 6,000 years ago, when river sediments filled former sea bays. People left their traces here already around 2,500 BC: they caught fish, seals and processed amber.
The real breakthrough came in the 13th century, when the Teutonic Knights began building drainage systems. They laid the foundation for fertile fields and settlements.
From the 16th century, the Mennonites entered the scene – settlers who brought with them advanced water engineering and a culture of farming in flood-prone areas. They left behind characteristic arcade houses and cemeteries.
The region has not been spared from its turbulent history: floods, wars, border changes, and even the dramatic events of World War II, when in 1945 the German army blew up the embankments and flooded Żuławy once again.
The 19th century saw modernization – a pumping station in Żelichów, the Malbork–Elbląg railway line, and after the war the development of culture and museums with the centre in Nowy Dwór Gdański.
The Żuławy Loop: a new stage in history
The "Żuławy Loop - development of water tourism" project is a contemporary extension of this story.
As part of it, 303 km of trails were marked, 355 mooring places were built, sanitary infrastructure, shelters, kitchen stations and an information system for tourists was created. All this to combine comfort with adventure.
It is not just an investment in tourism. It is a continuation of an age-old tradition of water management, where each generation leaves its mark. From the old Teutonic canals, through the Mennonite systems, to today's marinas and piers - history still flows here.
The Żuławy Loop is not just a weekend route. It is a living trail that tells the story of how man can cooperate with nature, not fight it. And that is why it is worth getting to know.
Attractions of the Żuławy Loop: What to See and Experience?
The Żuławy Loop is a true treasure trove of attractions, offering something for everyone – from history and architecture enthusiasts, through enthusiasts of active recreation in the bosom of nature, to lovers of local cuisine.
Pearls of Architecture and History
The Żuławy Loop region is an integral part of an important cultural route in Pomerania, boasting some of the best-preserved Gothic defensive structures in Europe.
Gothic Castles:
Teutonic Castle in Malbork : This is the largest castle in the world in terms of area, the construction of which began at the end of the 13th century. It offers a particularly breathtaking view from the Nogat River, especially at dusk, when it is beautifully illuminated.
Teutonic Castle in Sztum: A significant 14th-century Teutonic castle that once served as the summer residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights.
Gniew Castle : Strategically located in Kociewie, it is one of the key historical towns in the Żuławy Loop area.
Kwidzyn: Another important town in the region, with its own impressive castle and being part of the picturesque Kwidzyn Valley and Powiśle.
Arcade Houses and the Mennonite Trail: These unique architectural structures are a hallmark of Żuławy, reflecting the rich history of settlement, especially the influence of the Mennonite communities.
Arcaded house in Trutnowy: An exceptionally well-preserved example, built in 1720, characterised by a solid brick ground floor and a distinctive half-timbered first floor and gables.
Żuławki and Drewnica: These charming villages are often described as living open-air museums of Żuławy architecture, featuring the largest number of preserved arcade houses that perfectly reflect the historical atmosphere of the region.
Mennonite Trail: A dedicated walking and cycling trail that connects various places related to the history of Mennonite settlement. The route leads through picturesque villages such as Gdańsk, Krępiec, Trutnowy, Cedry Wielkie, Rybina, Nowy Dwór Gdański and Malbork, offering a unique cultural journey.
Churches and Basilicas:
Parish Church in Stegna: A beautiful, half-timbered church from the 17th century, famous for its historic interior furnishings.
Minor Basilica of St. Catherine (Sztum): A significant 14th-century church that has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, witnessing a turbulent history.
Szawałd village: It has a noteworthy historic church of St. Catherine, also of half-timbered construction.
The Church in Hell: A locally important and intriguing religious building.
Museums and Historical Parks:
Żuławy Historical Park (Nowy Dwór Gdański): The seat of the Żuławy Museum, located in a former cheese factory and dairy from 1902. It offers exhibitions devoted to the history of the region, the influence of the Mennonites, the fight against floods, and a model of pre-war Nowy Dwór Gdański.
Vistula Lagoon Museum (Kąty Rybackie): A branch of the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, where you can see a former shipbuilding workshop, traditional boats and other maritime exhibitions.
Regional Museum (Sztum): Presents exhibitions devoted to the history of the region and the work of local artists, and also has an observation tower.
Outdoor Fortification Museum: An innovative museum trail along the city walls, with interactive equipment.
Stutthof Museum in Sztutowo : A place of deep historical significance, located on the site of a former concentration camp, offering a significant educational experience.
Masterpieces of Hydrotechnics
The Żuławy Loop is extremely rich in unique hydrotechnical structures that are an integral part of the landscape and history of the region. Drawbridges, swing bridges and locks are not only functional, but also constitute an impressive testimony to engineering.
Locks: There are 7 locks on the main route of the Żuławy Loop, 6 of which are considered significant hydrotechnical monuments.
Przegalina Lock: A modern and key lock on the Martwa Wisła River, constituting an important connection with the Przekop Wisły.
Gdańska Głowa Lock: An impressive flood gate and lock, often described as a "masterpiece of hydrotechnics" because of its massive 12.5-meter-high gates. It marks the strategic entrance to the Szkarpawa River.
Locks on the Nogat: Four important locks are located along the Nogat River, including:
Michałowo Lock: A typical, manually opened lock, which is part of the Nogat cascade. It is recommended to call 20 minutes before locking.
Rakowiec Lock, Szonowo Lock, Biała Góra Lock: Other key locks regulating water flow and enabling navigation on the Nogat.
Bielnik Flood Gates: Significant flood gates located at the end of the Jagielloński Canal, marking the entry point to the Nogat River.
Bridges: There are 7 bridges on the Żuławy Loop route, including drawbridges, swing bridges and pontoon bridges. Additionally, 8 drawbridges and 2 swing bridges are distinguished as hydrotechnical monuments.
Drawbridge in Drewnica: A picturesque drawbridge over the Szkarpawa River.
Bridges in Rybina: This key waterway junction includes both a drawbridge over the Szkarpawa River and a unique railway swing bridge over the Vistula Królewiecka.
Drawbridge in Elbląg (Most Niski): A drawbridge in Elbląg, known for its specific opening hours (odd hours from 7:00 to 21:00).
Drawbridge in Nowy Dwór Gdański (Tuga): An important drawbridge over the Tuga River, improving navigability.
Tujsk Drawbridge: Another important drawbridge over the Tuga River.
Drawbridge in Sztutowo: The key drawbridge on the route.
Drawbridge in Sobieszewo : Drawbridge connecting the Island of Sobieszewo.
Swing Bridge in Gdańska Głowa: Swing bridge located near the impressive Gdańska Głowa lock.
Kępki road bridge: It should be noted that this is the lowest permanent bridge on the entire Żuławy Loop, with a critical clearance of 3.3-3.7 metres depending on the water level.
Pumping Stations and Flood Gates: These structures are essential for water management in the region.
Pumping station in Żelichów: Historic, as the first steam pumping station in Żuławy, opened in 1846, which was a milestone in technology.
Pumping stations in Rybina and Osłonka: Important, operational pumping stations.
Centralny Wodociąg Żuławy: Located in Letniki, this large waterworks is described as one of the largest in Europe and is visible from the water, underlining the continuity of regional infrastructure development.
Kamienna Grodza flood gates (Gdańsk): Automatically closing flood gates on the Motława River in Gdańsk, crucial for flood protection.
Nature and Active Recreation
The Żuławy Loop is also a paradise for nature and active recreation lovers, offering numerous reserves, landscape parks and opportunities for water sports.
Nature Reserves: The Żuławy Loop region is home to important nature reserves, particularly important for birdlife and unique ecosystems.
Ptasi Raj Reserve (Sobieszewska Island): Created in 1959, this 188-hectare reserve is famous for its diversity of bird species. It offers a well-developed nature and educational trail, opened in 2003, enabling responsible wildlife viewing.
Mewia Łacha Reserve (Sobieszewska Island/Vistula Spit): Established in 1991, this 19-hectare reserve is located in the northeastern part of Sobieszewska Island and extends into the buffer zone of the Vistula Spit Landscape Park. It is a key habitat for many bird species.
Kąty Rybackie Reserve: A faunal bird reserve (ornithological), integral to the conservation activities in the Vistula Spit Landscape Park.
Buki Mierzeja Wiślana Reserve: A protected forest reserve, preserving valuable beech forests in the Vistula Spit Landscape Park.
The Nogat River River Forest, the Mątowski Forest, the Nogat River Protected Landscape Area: Other important nature reserves and protected landscape areas that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.
Landscape Parks and Protected Landscape Areas: These wider protected areas ensure the conservation of the region’s unique natural and cultural landscapes.
Vistula Spit Landscape Park: It covers the eastern part of the Polish Vistula Spit, including specific areas of the Vistula Żuławy. It is characterized by dynamic dunes, sandy beaches and diverse types of forests. This park also contains several Natura 2000 areas, which emphasizes its European ecological importance.
Sobieszewska Island Protected Landscape Area: This protected landscape area covers the entire width of the Vistula Spit, with the Ptasi Raj and Mewia Łacha reserves as its most valuable and strictly protected parts.
Żuławy Gdańskie Protected Landscape Area: Covers most of Żuławy Gdańskie, focusing on preserving its unique cultural landscape. This landscape has been deeply shaped by Vistula River alluviums and is characterized by an extensive hydrological network, including complex polder systems.
Cycling and Hiking Trails:
Green Velo bicycle route: It runs from the Vistula Lagoon, through the village of Stara Pasłęka, along the river bank opposite the marina.
Mennonite Trail: A pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting sites related to the history of Mennonite settlement in Żuławy, including towns such as Gdańsk, Krępiec, Trutnowy, Cedry Wielkie, Rybina, Nowy Dwór Gdański and Malbork.
Water Activities: The Żuławy Loop offers a variety of opportunities for water sports enthusiasts.
Kayaking: Wild and overgrown rivers such as the Nogat, upper Motława, Liwa, Linawa, Cieplicówka, Tuga and Pasłęka are ideal for kayakers who can explore places inaccessible to larger vessels.
Sailing and motorboats: The Vistula Lagoon and the Bay of Gdańsk offer conditions for sailing and motorboats, and houseboats are becoming increasingly popular, often available without the need for motorboat or sailing licenses. The rivers of the Żuławy Loop are characterized by diverse conditions, from the fast-flowing Vistula, through the lazy Nogat and Szkarpawa, to the wild Vistula Królewiecka, which requires different skills from the helmsmen.
Rentals and Marinas: The infrastructure of the Żuławy Loop is well-developed, offering numerous water equipment rentals and modern marinas.
Rentals : Kayak, water bike and rowboat rentals are available. It is also possible to rent houseboats without motorboat or sailing licenses.
Marinas: The network of ports, marinas and mooring jetties offers European standards and full facilities for water sportsmen. These include: Rybina Marina, Błotnik Marina, Nowa Pasłęka Marina, Biała Góra Marina, Krynica Morska Port, Kąty Rybackie Marina, Braniewo Marina, Tuga Marina (Nowy Dwór Gdański), Malbork Marinas, Osłonka Marina, Tolkmicko Port, Żabi Kruk Marina (Gdańsk). They offer comfortable sanitary facilities, media connections, bike rentals, sports fields, shelters and places for bonfires, as well as slips for launching.
Other Attractions:
Lighthouse (Stegna): Opened in 1951, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions and a landmark for sailors, visible from afar.
Bajkolandia and Rope Park (Krynica Morska): An amusement park for the youngest and a rope park offer additional attractions for families.
The Koźlak Windmill in Drewnica and the Windmill in Palczewo: Historic windmills, a symbol of Żuławy and a testament to their Dutch landscape.
Practical Tips for Tourists
Want to go on a water adventure along the Żuławy Loop ? Great idea! But before you leave the shore, take a look at a few tips that will make your planning easier and make your cruise a pure pleasure.
How to plan a cruise?
Time and distance : The "Great Loop" is about 200 km - to be completed in 6 days. There is also a shorter option: start and finish in Rybina, about 130 km in 4 days.
Pace : Motor boats travel at 6-8 km/h, sailing yachts at 5-6 km/h.
Lock hours : In season until 5:00 p.m., out of season until 3:00 p.m. It is worth checking the current information.
Bridges and draft : The lowest bridge has a clearance of 3.3-3.7 m. Yachts must have a folding mast. Safe draft is up to 1.4 m.
Starting point : A loop is a loop – you start wherever you want. Popular points: Gdańsk, Rybina.
Ready-made routes : Loop + Elbląg + Gdańsk, Small Loop + Vistula Lagoon, Elbląg + Malbork etc.
Water Safety
Swim during the day : From dawn to dusk.
Watch out for obstacles : Wooden posts, spurs, bank debris, garbage.
Fishing nets : May be marked or abandoned. Give them a wide berth.
Weather : Strong winds from the sea can push water inland. On the Vistula, this creates dangerous phenomena.
Vegetation : In summer, salvinia can clog the engine cooling system.
Vessel traffic : In ports and on rivers, commercial traffic has priority.
Power lines : "Wires lower than you think" – watch out, especially on Pasłęka, Tuga, Nogat.
Where to eat, where to rest?
Marinas : Sanitary facilities, water, electricity, outdoor kitchens – everything you need.
Hotels and guesthouses : Hotel Wodnik in Elbląg, cozy guesthouses in Stegna.
Local cuisine : Try the crayfish soup, duck with groats, meatballs with capers, fuśki and potato babka.
Restaurants worth visiting : Gospoda Mały Holender (Żelichowo), Cedrowy Dworek (Cedry Wielkie), Bistro na Fali (Malbork), Four Winds (Piaski).
Events and happenings
International Festival of Ancient Cultures (Malbork, June)
Festival Flavors of the Spit (Piaski, July)
Siege of Malbork (July)
Dominican Fair (Gdansk, August)
European Night of Museums (Nowy Dwór Gdański, May)
Days of Nowy Dwór Gdański and Open Days of Żuławy Monuments (June)
Settler's Day (September)
Garmin Iron Triathlon (Elblag, July)
Castle Triathlon (Malbork)
Why is it worth choosing the Żuławy Loop?
The Żuławy Loop is not just a cruise – it is a journey through history, nature and local flavours. It is a place that combines picturesque landscapes, modern infrastructure and the living heritage of the region.
For history buffs: castles, arcade houses and the Mennonite trail create a story of centuries of human presence. Malbork, Sztum, Trutnowy – each of these places has something to say.
For fans of active recreation: sailing on the Vistula Lagoon and the winding rivers of the delta, kayaking, fishing and bicycle trips among the greenery.
For families: amusement parks, lighthouses and museums that teach and entertain. Plus comfortable accommodation and regional cuisine that surprises.
For everyone: it is not just a water route, but a whole system of attractions supported by solid investments. The loop is a harmonious combination of nature and human ingenuity.
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