1. Ińsko
Despite wartime destruction, the town retains its medieval urban layout, remains of the defensive walls and part of its 19th-century development.
About the Ina River
The Ina River flows through the West Pomeranian Lakeland and the Szczecin Coastland. Its largest tributaries are Mała Ina, Stobnica and Krąpiel. It is 129.10 km long, of which just over 104 km can be paddled by kayak.
From Bącznik (Łęsko) to Inoujście, the Goleniów municipality developed a network of river stops known as “Meandry Iny”. At present, the river exits are badly degraded and damaged. The average gradient of the river valley is 4‰ in the upper course and 0.2‰ in the lower course. The historical average discharge for 1951–1990 in Goleniów was 12.4 m³/s, while the maximum range of water-level fluctuations in the lower course reaches 3.5 m.
The Ina rises in peatland north-east of Ińsko. In its upper course it receives water from Lake Ińsko and then flows through several lakes. Near the village of Bytowo, half of the Ina’s water is diverted to the Pęzinka, also known as the “Stolen Ina”. At Pęzino, this diverted water returns to the Ina.
For kayakers: from Recz, the Ina is an accessible kayaking route. The section farther upstream is mainly suitable in early spring for paddlers who enjoy obstacle-filled rivers. Less experienced kayakers are advised to use the section from Stargard to the river mouth.
In theory, the Ina is navigable from Stargard by small barges and from Goleniów by small river vessels. At present, fallen trees in the channel and willow growth encroaching on the current prevent this type of use.
The whole river can be paddled in 5–7 days, while the section from Stargard to the mouth takes 2–4 days. We personally recommend a combined trip on the Krąpiel and Ina rivers — with the Krąpiel being a very scenic tributary of the Ina upstream of Stargard — from Pęzino (Krąpiel) all the way to the mouth of the Ina. This makes for about 75 km of highly scenic paddling and is ideal for a long weekend of 3–5 days depending on the paddlers’ experience.
River character and the most interesting sections
Recz → Stargard
The river valley from Recz to Stargard is broad and marshy, while from Goleniów it becomes narrower and deeper. Below Recz the Ina is regulated: the banks are supported with wooden stakes and the river is only a little over 4 metres wide. Starting just below the sluice, after about 250 metres you reach a cascade of low weirs.
Depending on equipment, paddler experience and water level, the weirs can be either an attraction or an obstacle — requiring a drop or a portage. The banks are fairly steep in places, so carrying kayaks out of the river can be awkward. Starting from the weir in Recz, you should allow for portaging around four more weirs and passing several smaller drops.
Eventually you reach the weir in Stargard. This is a good place to take a break and visit one of the largest towns in Western Pomerania. The waters of the Ina, especially in its upper course, are clean enough for trout to occur. Pollution is introduced by the Mała Ina and wastewater from towns along the river.
Stargard → Goleniów
Below Stargard the Ina flows slowly and gently. The banks, initially low and wet, gradually become higher. Between Stargard and Goleniów the river runs through the forests of the Goleniów Forest. This is the most scenic section of the Ina.
After leaving the town, the Ina is 12–15 metres wide. Extensive meadows with clumps of alder stretch along both sides, while the channel begins to meander through the broad valley. Fallen trees in the water generally do not pose a danger to paddlers and add to the character of the river.
After leaving the forest, the Ina flows through Goleniów, where you can also stop near the long road bridge for a short visit. An 18th-century granary stands on the left bank, while a riverside promenade runs along the right. The river is regulated through this section. At the edge of town, the Ina turns west and crosses broad meadows; from Nadrzecze onward, reeds line its banks.
Below Goleniów and the mouth of the Ina
Below Goleniów the Ina becomes broad, slow and rather monotonous as it flows through meadows and fields with reed-covered banks. The mouth of the Ina into the Odra (Domiąża) lies opposite the southern end of Mnisi Ostrów island.
At the site of the former bridge over the Ina, on the right-hand side, you can finish the trip. There are also several options for continuing farther.
Option: Inoujście / Dąbie
Turning left and following the shore for about 1 km brings you to a peninsula extending into Lake Dąbie, the site of the former village of Inoujście. At its northern end there is a camping spot with a view of the Betonowiec. You can continue to Szczecin Dąbie — about 18 km, suitable as a second paddling day — and reach the base at the Harcerski Ośrodek Morski.
Option: Święta
Turning right takes you to Święta, where a crossing to Police has been planned for many years. You can also finish your kayaking trip here.
Option: Police
A third option is to cross the Odra and reach central Police via the Łarpia, near Goleniowska Street, about 250 metres from the market square. Pass Mnisi Ostrów island on its southern side, turn right and then, after about 900 metres, left. Continue straight to Police — approximately 7 km extra.
Attractions along the route
2. Recz
The town is almost completely encircled by a medieval town wall built of fieldstone, with the Choszczno and Drawno towers and numerous historic buildings. A 14th-century Gothic Church of Christ the King dominates the old town. Recz lies on the European Cistercian Route.
3. Krępcewo
The ancestral village of the princely von Wedel family, with surviving castle ruins and unique entrance gates that reveal the settlement’s former defensive character.
4. Stargard
A famous fortification system consisting of medieval town walls with 9 gates and towers, as well as a huge Gothic collegiate church listed by UNESCO, the medieval town hall and other priceless monuments. The town lies on the European Route of Brick Gothic. There are 22 historic sites in and around the Old Town that can be visited along the city trail.
5. Sowno
A village whose 19th-century Neo-Gothic church contains a Renaissance altar and pulpit.
6. Strumiany
A village with 19th-century half-timbered buildings.
7. Goleniów
Kayakers can see the medieval town walls with seven towers and gates, as well as an 18th-century half-timbered granary, directly from the river as the Ina flows past them. After leaving the kayak, you can explore other monuments, including the 16th-century late-Gothic Church of St Catherine.
Launch and pick-up points
The Ina is ideal for single-day and multi-day trips. Launch and pick-up points include:
ReczGładysz near Suchańbridge near ŻukowoKrępcewoStrachocinStargard – weirKlępino bridgeLubowo bridgePoczernin bridgeSowno bridgeStrumiany – fire access road no. 20Bącznik bridgeGoleniów – Spacerowa StreetGoleniów – granaryModrzewieBolesławice bridgeremains of the Inoujście bridgeKamieniska CanalLubczynaŚwiętaIńsko – for the very determined :)
The Ina River in our services
The Ina River in our services mainly means trips organised on request and Mobile Kayak Rental Points, which we announce on our website.
Other nearby waterways for kayaking
1. Krąpiel
A tributary of the Ina and a training ground for Amazon-style expeditions. It is a wild river flowing through a ravine and can be said to have a mountain-like character.
2. Lake Dąbie
Excellent for trips in calm weather; in windy conditions it can be unpredictable with substantial waves. There are many interesting places, including the so-called Betonowiec and Robien Island. It is also suitable for multi-day trips.
3. Eastern Odra (Regalica)
A branch of the Odra. From Schwedt, the river splits into the Western and Eastern Odra (Regalica). It provides several options for entering the channels of Międzyodrze and connects with the Western Odra via Przekop Ustowski, Kanał Leśny and Przekop Parnicki. It flows into Lake Dąbie.
4. Łarpia
An Odra backwater connecting Police with the Odra and, via Iński Nurt, with Lake Dąbie. Ideal for trips to the Betonowiec for residents of Police and for two-day Police – Szczecin Dąbie trips.