Ateny: Hiking and Kayaking on the Blizna

Ateny lies on the blue hiking trail and is also a starting point for a kayak trip on the Blizna. This brings together two different nature experiences in the village: a longer hiking route through forest and lake landscapes, and a water route that leads from Lake Blizno into the Blizna River. When choosing between the two, the route, scenery and level of difficulty are the main factors to consider.

Hiking on the blue trail

The blue hiking trail from Suwałki to Danowskie is 38.5 kilometres long. It passes through Walne and Ateny, then continues via Upustek to Danowskie. This means Ateny is on the route between the mentioned endpoints; the total length refers to this connection. The sequence of places helps put Ateny into the longer route. Check the details of the trail locally before setting off.

Along the way, you can explore various forest communities of the Augustów Heath, as well as lakes in the Blizna glacial valley and the surroundings of Wigry. Forest types, lakes and the wider area around Wigry give the hike several specific natural features. This means the route can be assessed not only by its length, but also by the landscapes it passes through.

Kayaking from the lake to the river

The kayak trip begins in Ateny, crosses Lake Blizno to the opposite shore and then continues into the Blizna River. The similar-sounding names refer to two consecutive bodies of water: first the lake, then the river. This distinction makes the course of the water route easier to understand when planning it in advance.

The route on the Blizna passes through picturesque forest, marsh and meadow landscapes of the Augustów Heath, as well as Natura 2000 protected areas. Natural obstacles such as shallows, fallen trees and beaver dams shape its character. As a result, it has a higher level of difficulty than other rivers in the region. Conditions can vary seasonally; check the route conditions before your trip.

Hiking trail or kayak route?

Ateny plays a different role in each case: the hiking trail passes through the village, while the kayak trip starts here. When hiking, the total length, named places and landscapes are the main focus; for the kayak trip, the transition from the lake to the river and the higher level of difficulty are key. If you are deciding which option suits your plans, you can compare the routes by length and scenery on the one hand, and by the sequence of waterways and level of challenge on the other.

Accommodation and seasonal dining

In Ateny, accommodation is available at agritourism farms. Before booking, check which properties are available for your travel dates. Seasonal dining options include establishments serving fish dishes or regional cuisine. Because these options are seasonal, it is advisable to find out before your trip which places will be open during your visit. This way, you can plan your meals and stay to suit your travel period.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Jaminy, Bryzgiel, Kopanica, Serwy, Rakowicze, Blizna, Sztabin, Bargłów Kościelny

To the main travel overview: Augustowski.