Stare Jablonki: Loop Trail by Szeląg Mały and the Elbląg Canal

Stare Jablonki has three distinct travel connections: the yellow loop hiking trail around Szeląg Mały, the Elbląg Canal, which begins here, and the Way of St. James, which passes through the town. This makes it easy to plan a stay around hiking, canal landscapes or a pilgrimage route. The loop around the lake is especially specific; the canal landscape also opens up themes that extend beyond the town into the wider region.

Hiking around Szeląg Mały

The yellow hiking trail “Around Lake Szeląg Mały” is listed as 8.9 km long. It passes through Stare Jablonki and Buńki, loops around the lake and returns to Stare Jablonki. The route runs mostly through forest, so both the lakeside setting and forest sections are part of this hike. The stated distance gives you a concrete basis for planning your day, while the time you need depends on your pace, breaks and trail conditions.

The start and finish are at a crossroads near a shop in the town centre. If you are driving, you can park at Stare Jablonki railway station; the trail can also be accessed nearby by train. Check the local trail signs before setting out, and bear in mind that trail conditions can change with the seasons. If arriving by car or train, you can confirm the local access details in advance.

Elbląg Canal: starting point and route

The Elbląg Canal begins in Stare Jablonki. One of its three main routes runs from Miłomłyn via Ostróda to Stare Jablonki. This distinguishes the canal’s starting point in town from the endpoint of this named main route: one detail identifies where the canal begins, while the other describes its route via Ostróda.

In the wider regional area, the Elbląg Canal (also known as the Upper Elbląg Canal) includes five globally unique inclined planes: Buczyniec, Kąty, Oleśnica, Jelenie and Całuny. On these planes, boats are transported on special carriages powered by water. This engineering also makes the canal an interesting example of technical heritage. Regular boat trips on the Elbląg Canal run every year from the beginning of May to the end of September. Check the sailing dates for your chosen season before your trip.

Lakeshore and kayaking trips

A municipal description dated 9 July 2010 mentioned a landing stage for boats, yachts and smaller watercraft at the recreation beach. It also noted that there was no designated bathing area there at the time. If the landing stage or bathing area is important to your plans, check the current local conditions before your visit.

The PTTK Stare Jabłonki water station is located on the shore of Szeląg Mały, surrounded by the Tabor forests, and serves as a starting point for kayaking trips. This means that, alongside the walking loop, water activities can also be a focus of your trip. For specific kayaking plans, check current launch options in advance.

Local history and other routes

In the 20th century, Stare Jablonki developed into a tourist centre with guesthouses, holiday resorts and restaurants. This development is part of the town’s history and provides a historical context for its tourist character.

The Way of St. James also passes through Stare Jablonki. This means different types of routes converge here: the 8.9 km loop around the lake and a pilgrimage route that runs through the town. If you are planning a circular hike, the yellow trail returns to Stare Jablonki after looping around Szeląg Mały; the Way of St. James passes through the town. You can distinguish between the routes by their layout, rather than planning them as if they were the same route.

Discover more destinations: Lubajny, Ostróda, Kretowiny, Gulbity, Kajkowo, Dabrowno, Międzylesie, Molza

For the broader travel overview: Ostródzki.