The Nysa Kłodzka Valley is the spine and aorta of the Kłodzko Land. It is a river that sculpts the landscape, gives life to unique ecosystems, and tells the story of the region, meandering through its most important cities and most beautiful corners. Its course is a fascinating journey – from a wild, crystal-clear stream springing in the heart of the Śnieżnik Massif, through spectacular mountain gorges, to wide, calm backwaters at the mouth to the Oder.
As hosts of “Gołąbek”, living just a few kilometers from its sources, we feel a deep connection to this river. We want to take you on a journey along its course, creating the most complete guide ever created. We will discover the secrets of its ecosystem, get to know the fauna and flora, indicate the best kayaking trails, and visit historical towns whose fates are inextricably linked to the river.
The Beginning of Everything: The Virgin Springs of the Nysa Kłodzka
Every great river has its humble beginning. The Nysa Kłodzka is born at an altitude of about 1010 m above sea level, on the slopes of Trójmorski Wierch in the Śnieżnik Massif. This is an absolutely magical place, being the confluence of three seas: the Baltic, the North Sea, and the Black Sea. The small, crystal-clear stream that flows out here is the beginning of a river 182 km long. In its highest parts, it is a wild, mountain stream flowing through dense lower montane forests, and its water is so clean that it is home to the most demanding species.
Mountain Course – Land of Trout and Clear Water
From its source to Kłodzko, the Nysa Kłodzka retains its mountainous, rapid character. It flows through picturesque, deeply incised valleys, passing historical towns such as Międzylesie with its mighty castle and Bystrzyca Kłodzka with its perfectly preserved medieval urban layout.
Ecosystem of the Upper Valley
This section of the river is a haven of biodiversity. The stony bottom, well-oxygenated, cold water, and natural, forested banks create ideal conditions for a unique ecosystem. It is here that you can feel the true, unspoiled nature of the Sudetes.
Fauna and Flora: What is Hidden in the Water and on the Banks?
Fauna: The upper course is the kingdom of brown trout and grayling, fish that are bioindicators – their presence indicates the highest water purity. On the banks you can meet the dipper – an unusual bird that can dive and walk on the bottom in search of food. With a bit of luck, you can spot traces of otter activity or the majestic silhouette of the black stork.
Flora: The banks are covered with riparian forests with alder and willow. In the forest floor, you will find many protected species, and in spring the valley is covered with carpets of flowers.
The Bardzkie Gorge – The Most Beautiful Water Trail in the Sudetes
Between Kłodzko and Bardo, the Nysa Kłodzka does the impossible – instead of flowing the easier way, it breaks through the hard structures of the Bardzkie Mountains, creating a breathtaking, 15 km deep canyon called the Bardzkie Gorge. Meandering among steep, wooded slopes, the river creates one of the most beautiful landscapes in Poland.
Kayaking Trails: A Practical Guide to Rafting
The Bardzkie Gorge is a mecca for water tourism enthusiasts.
Difficulty: The route is very easy and safe, ideal for beginners and families with children. The current is calm, and the only “difficulty” is admiring the views.
Organizers: Many companies organizing pontoon and kayak trips operate in Bardo and the surrounding towns. They provide all the equipment and transport back to the starting point.
Duration: Rafting on the most popular section from Ławica to Bardo takes about 2.5 – 3.5 hours.
What will you see? Unforgettable
panoramas of the Bardo Mountains, lush nature, and a sense of complete detachment from civilization.
Historical Towns on the River: From Kłodzko to Nysa
The Nysa Kłodzka has been an axis of settlement for centuries, and important historical cities have grown on its banks.
Kłodzko: The historical capital of the region, with the mighty Kłodzko Fortress dominating the city and the iconic, stone Gothic bridge on the Młynówka (Nysa canal), which is a miniature of the Charles Bridge in Prague.
Bardo: A charming town located in the heart of the Gorge, known for the Marian Sanctuary and Calvary Mountain with chapels.
Nysa: Called the “Silesian Rome” due to the wealth of religious monuments. The river played a key role in the city’s fortification system.
Lowland Course and Great Lakes: Kingdom of Birds
Beyond Nysa, the river leaves the mountains and becomes a typical lowland river with a slow current. It was here that two huge dam reservoirs were created – Lake Otmuchów and Lake Nysa (also called Głębinowskie). They are not only an important element of the flood protection system, but also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and ornithologists. This area is a refuge for birds of European importance, where you can observe thousands of geese, ducks, cormorants and waders. The Nysa Kłodzka ends its journey by flowing into the Oder north of Brzeg.
“Gołąbek” – An Ideal Base for Exploring the Sources of the Nysa Kłodzka
If you want to get to know the Nysa Kłodzka in its most pristine, wild and pure form, you need to start from the beginning. “Gołąbek” in Stronie Śląskie, located just a dozen kilometers from the river’s sources, is the perfect place to do so. Our location is an ideal base for excursions to the trails of the Śnieżnik Massif, including Trójmorski Wierch. After a day spent hiking in the mountains in the footsteps of the river’s birth, you will find peace and comfort with us to plan further exploration of its extraordinary valley.
