Tour A

Wednesday, September 6, 2017.  from 9:30 a.m. to  1 p.m.

Elbląg Canal (http://www.zegluga.com.pl/) is an unique hydrotechnical construction. It is the only such route in the world where ships do not merely float on water, but are also transported overland. This system has been operating for over 150 years in its unchanged form, connecting the surrounding lakes with the Vistula Estuary, the Vistula River and the Baltic Sea. The uniqueness of this waterway lies in its overcoming of a 100 meter elevation difference with a system of locks and ramps. The waterway was built between 1844-1881, by design of Dutch engineer Georg Jacoby Steinke. Elbląg Canal is 151 km long and thus the longest navigable channel in Poland. It runs through areas which, due to its natural and cultural values, ​​have been under legal protection in the form of Elbląg Canal Protected Landscape Area. While cruising the channel, you can also enjoy the view of Europe's largest castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork. The cruise starts in Ostróda, ends in Miłomłyn, and involves passing through two of the locks. Duration - 2,5 hours.

More details on excursion A: please contact directly Hanna (h.draszkiewicz-mioduszewska@infish.com.pl) or Marek (m.trella@infish.com.pl)

Price: 40 € (including lunch on the boat)

 

Tour B

Wednesday, September 6, 2017.  from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Vistula River, Włocławek dam and Toruń city.

The Vistula River is one of the last European large rivers preserved in a semi-natural state. Although limited by widely spaced dikes, the habitats are very diverse with islands formed with sandy and gravel deposits, side arms and oxbow lakes connected to main channel. It offers reach habitat diversity for aquatic, riparian and avian fauna. The Włocławek dam, constructed in 1968, is located on lower Vistula River, Central Poland. It was built as a first part of planned at that time Vistula River cascade (10 large reservoirs).  So far it is the only one, but the construction of remaining ten dams is currently discussed as a part of planned E40 shipping route connecting Baltic and Black Sea. The dam was equipped with 6 electric turbines (Kaplan type). The hydro power plant at the Włocławek dam is the largest of this type in Poland, generating an average 740 GWh per year. Construction of the Włocławek dam had crucial impact on migratory fish species, as far as the dam cuts off majority of Vistula River catchment, with main historical spawning grounds for sea trout, Atlantic salmon, vimba bream and sturgeon. For many years a technical step-pool fish pass on Wloclawek dam didn’t work correctly, and was obstacle for fish migration. In 2014 fish pass has been modernized and now works properly.

Toruń  is a city in northern Poland, on the Vistula River. Toruń is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Its medieval old town is the birthplace of Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. In 1997 the medieval part of the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2007 the Old Town in Torun was added to the list of Seven Wonders of Poland.

7:00	Depature from hotel
10:00 - 11:45	Sightseeing the dam and fish pass in Włocławek
12:00	Depature to Toruń
13:00 - 13:45	Picnic on the Vistula shore
14:00 - 16:00	Boat trip on the Vistula river
16:30 - 18:30	Sightseeing of Toruń city with a guide
18:30 - 20:00	Dinner
23:00	Return to hotel

More details on excursion B: please contact directly Piotr (p.parasiewicz@infish.com.pl) or Katarzyna (k.suska@infish.com.pl)

Price: 80 €