Backwater spots

Backwater spots

Szczecin and the surrounding areas are among Poland's most scenic sailing destinations. As the city is increasingly associated with sailing, it has invested in projects targeted at sailing enthusiasts.

Szczecin has constructed four “backwater spots”. Three of them are located on the Święta River: the Kwadrat backwater spot, Głębia backwater spot, Orły backwater spot (near the estuary of the river, where it enters Lake Dąbie), and one on the Wydrnik Canal, the Wydrnik backwater spot.

  • Wydrnik backwater sailing spot (Snake Canal) – constructed in the Wydrnik Canal area in the southern part of Radolin Island. It can accommodate up to 5 sailing or motor yachts and 5 fishing boats of kayaks.
  • Głębia backwater sailing spot – located on the Święta River, in the southern part of Dębinka Island. It can accommodate up to 5 sailing or motor yachts and 5 fishing boats or kayaks.
  • Kwadrat backwater sailing spot – Kwadrat is a small canal which was constructed probably in the Middle Ages between Radolin Island and Dębinka Island. It was used by Germany for Uboot production during World War II. The project is located in the area of the Święta River, in the southern part of Dębinka Island. It can accommodate up to 5 sailing or motor yachts and 10 fishing boats or kayaks.
  • Orły backwater sailing spot – located in the estuary of the Święta River where it enters Lake Dąbie, in the northern part of the Dębinka Island. It can accommodate up to 5 sailing or motor yachts and 5 fishing boats or kayaks.

The purpose of the backwater spot project was to provide recreational berths for small vessels used in the Lake Dąbie area. Intended for various user groups, including sailors, kayakers, tourists and ornithologists, they have made it possible to channel the tourism traffic in the Natura 2000 zone. Since they are partly roofed, they provide shelter during bad weather and can be used for preparing hot meals or holding youth classes on nature-related topics. Their design is intended to reflect the surroundings.

The idea of constructing the backwater spots was proposed by the Yacht Captains' Club back in in 2010 and has been driven by Szczecin City Hall since then.