Straszyn: Hydropower and kayaking on the Radunia

The EW Straszyn hydropower plant was built in 1910. Its capacity is 2,411 kW, and its head is 13.80 m. The seven-kilometre section of the “Szlak Elektrowni Wodnych” kayaking trail between Straszyn and Pruszcz Gdański offers the opportunity to visit historic hydropower plants from the early 20th century, some of which are still in operation. The kayaking route between the two places is said to take about two hours, depending on water levels and group size.

EW Straszyn is a useful stop for anyone interested in the region’s history of technology. The plant dates from 1910 and is defined by two precise figures: a capacity of 2,411 kW and a head of 13.80 m. A visit to the hydropower plant can be included in a kayaking trip on the Radunia between Straszyn and Pruszcz Gdański.

The hydropower plants also give the kayaking trail its name: “Szlak Elektrowni Wodnych” means “Hydropower Plant Trail.” On the seven-kilometre section between Straszyn and Pruszcz Gdański, visitors can see historic plants and hydropower plants from the early 20th century that are still in operation today. Along the kayaking trail, both the history of the plants and their continued use are in view.

The kayaking trail starts in Straszyn and follows the Radunia to Pruszcz Gdański. Fast-flowing river sections alternate with reservoirs at the hydropower plants. The route takes about two hours, depending on water levels and group size. Treat this as an approximate guide: the duration explicitly varies according to water conditions and group size.

Near the “Mielnik” bakery in Straszyn, there is a jetty and a meadow from which a kayaking trip can begin or end—but only after prior arrangement with the “Radunia” kayaking club in Straszyn. If you would like to continue beyond Pruszcz Gdański, the trip can carry on along the Radunia and the Motława to Gdańsk.

There are several ways to explore the area beyond kayaking. A scenic route leads from Straszyn along the Radunia towards Juszkowo and a kayaking landing point. Another sporting event is the recurring “Wojewódzki Bieg Doliną Raduni” run, whose route passes between Juszkowo and Straszyn.

A 9.5-kilometre hiking route is described, on which the Bielkowo and Straszyn hydropower plants were viewed from the outside and Lake Straszyńskie was circumnavigated. This option combines views of two plants with a loop around the lake; the hydropower plants were explicitly viewed from the outside.

Behind St. Jacek Odrowąż Church is a Way of the Cross, with its stations marked by large erratic boulders. Historical tombstones of the Tiedemann family are also located behind the church. The family owned Prędzieszyn, Goszyn, Rusocin, Grabiny-Zameczek and Wojanowo. Their remains were presumably found there during construction work at the church. The Way of the Cross and the tombstones give this part of Straszyn its own cultural and historical dimension, distinct from the experiences along the Radunia.

Other places at the same level of this page: Cedry Małe, Łęgowo, Warcz, Juszkowo, Przejazdowo, Swibno, Kleszczewo and Grabiny-Zameczek.

How long is the kayaking section from Straszyn to Pruszcz Gdański?

The section of the kayaking trail is seven kilometres long.

How long does the kayaking route take?

About two hours, depending on water levels and group size.

Can you start or finish a kayaking trip at “Mielnik”?

There is a jetty and a meadow near the bakery. Starting or finishing a trip there requires prior arrangement with the “Radunia” kayaking club in Straszyn.

To the main travel overview: Gdańsk.