Zalew Zegrzyński Shoreline Path

The Zalew Zegrzyński Shoreline Path follows the Zegrze Reservoir north of Warsaw, in the Legionowo and Serock area of Masovian Voivodeship, Poland. The reservoir was formed where the Narew meets the Bug and is a regional centre for sailing, swimming and weekend recreation. The route starts at the Zegrze Southern Beach area on ul. Zegrzyńska in Zegrze Południowe. Access is by Koleje Mazowieckie train from Warszawa Wileńska or Zachodnia to Legionowo, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes and costs 6 to 8 PLN (about $1.60 to $2.10), followed by a local bus to Zegrze. Drivers can use local car parks, which fill quickly on summer weekends. No permit is required. The path can be walked in sections totalling 10 to 25 km, with a duration of three to seven hours, and it can easily be shortened. The terrain is flat, so elevation gain is negligible and technical difficulty is low. Surfaces are a mix of paved promenade, compacted paths and sandy forest tracks, some of which become soft in dry weather. Much of the route is open and exposed to sun and wind off the water, with shade only where pine forest meets the shore. Landmarks include open water views, marinas and sailing clubs, and beaches that serve as natural rest stops. Because the path follows the shore, turn-around points can be chosen at any beach, cafe or bus stop. Kiosks and cafes operate frequently in season, offering drinks and food, though they are limited outside summer, so water should still be carried. Visitors can swim at designated beaches in summer, and a swimsuit is useful. Mosquitoes can be present near still water in the evening.