In Ateny, you can plan two different nature outings: a blue hiking trail runs through the village, and a kayaking trip on the Blizna starts here. On foot, the trail passes through several villages and landscapes; on the water, the route first crosses Lake Blizno and then continues along the river. The different ways of getting around and the character of each route provide a practical starting point for your plans. Overnight stays are available at agritourism farms in Ateny; dining options are seasonal.

Hiking through forests and lake landscapes

The blue hiking trail is 38.5 kilometres long in total. It runs from Suwałki via Walne and Ateny to Danowskie, then continues via Upustek to Danowskie. Ateny is therefore on the route, while Suwałki and Danowskie are the stated endpoints. Along the route, you can explore various forest communities of the Augustów Forest, as well as the lakes of the Blizna channel landscape and the area around Wigry. Forest communities are different types of forest, so the trail connects forest and lake landscapes. The total distance and sequence of villages help you understand the route. Check the route details locally before setting out.

Kayaking from the lake to the river

The kayaking trip starts in Ateny, crosses Lake Blizno to the area on the opposite shore, and then continues onto the Blizna River. The trip therefore begins with a lake section and is followed by a river section. The route passes through forest, marsh and meadow landscapes of the Augustów Forest; it also runs through Natura 2000 protected areas. Natural obstacles include shallows, fallen trees and beaver dams. Because of these obstacles, the route is more difficult than other rivers in the region. Conditions can vary seasonally, so check them before your trip.

Which activity suits your plans?

Different planning factors can help you choose. For the hiking trail, the total distance, sequence of villages and local route details are important; for the kayaking trip, consider the transition from lake to river, natural obstacles and seasonally changing conditions. This can help you decide whether to focus on a longer hiking route through forest and lake landscapes or a kayaking route with its own river character.

Accommodation and seasonal dining

Overnight stays are available at agritourism farms in Ateny. Individual establishments may change, so check before travelling which options are available for your travel dates. Dining is also seasonal: Ateny has establishments serving fish dishes or regional food. If you would like to plan a meal featuring these dishes, ask about the seasonal menu before your trip. This way, you can take seasonality into account when planning your meals.

Discover more destinations: Jeziorki, Cisówek, Augustow, Sucha Rzeczka, Walne, Bargłów Kościelny, Lipsk, Serwy

Go to the main travel overview: Augustowski.