Straszyn on the Radunia: Hydropower and Routes
Accommodation in Straszyn
If you want to combine an active trip with the history of technology in Straszyn, the Radunia offers a range of opportunities for kayaking, cycling and hiking. Hydropower features in several of the experiences described here: the EW Straszyn facility was built in 1910 and has a capacity of 2,411 kW and a head of 13.80 m. The Stations of the Cross behind St. Jacek Odrowąż Church also add a distinctive cultural touch.
Hydropower on the Radunia
The “Szlak Elektrowni Wodnych” kayaking route starts in Straszyn and follows the Radunia to Pruszcz Gdański. Along the seven-kilometre stretch between the two places, visitors can see historic hydropower plants from the early 20th century, some of which are still in operation. The route thus combines river scenery with insights into the history of hydropower. A visit to the EW Straszyn facility can be included in the kayaking trip.
The character of the trip changes with the course of the river: fast-flowing stretches are followed by reservoirs at the hydropower plants. The kayaking trip from Straszyn to Pruszcz Gdański takes about two hours, depending on water levels and group size. This estimate can help with planning your day; the actual time required depends on the conditions mentioned. If you want to continue downstream, you can extend the trip from Straszyn via Pruszcz Gdański along the Radunia and Motława to Gdańsk.
Near the “Mielnik” bakery in Straszyn, there is a landing stage and a grassy area that can serve as possible starting or ending points for a kayaking trip. They can be used by prior arrangement with the “Radunia” kayaking club in Straszyn. This means that using this access point requires a specific agreement. Another recurring connection with the Radunia is the “Wojewódzki Bieg Doliną Raduni” race, whose route runs between Juszkowo and Straszyn.
Straszyn on Foot and by Bike
There are also routes linked to the Radunia beyond kayaking. A scenic route leads from Straszyn along the river in the direction of Juszkowo, ending at a kayaking landing stage. If you prefer to explore on foot, you could consider a 9.5-kilometre hike: the Bielkowo and Straszyn hydropower plants are viewed from the outside, and the route goes around Lake Straszyńskie. The route thus links two facilities with a circuit around the lake; the power plants are viewed from the outside.
The Church and Historic Traces
Behind St. Jacek Odrowąż Church is a Stations of the Cross, with each station marked by a large erratic boulder. Nearby are also historic tombstones belonging to the Tiedemann family. The family owned Prędzieszyn, Goszyn, Rusocin, Grabiny-Zameczek and Wojanowo. Their mortal remains were presumably found there during construction work at the church.
Straszyn therefore offers several distinct highlights to help you plan your trip: a kayaking route with its alternation of fast-flowing stretches and reservoirs, paths along the Radunia, and historic traces at the hydropower plants and the church. You can choose based on the type of activity you want your trip to focus on, without combining the different routes into a single tour.
More town pages: Pszczółki, Kleszczewo, Ząbrsko Górne, Pręgowo Górne, Trzepowo, Cedry Małe, Cedry Wielkie and Warcz.
For the main travel overview: Gdańsk.
