Green Velo

The Netta River Valley Bike Trail runs, as its name suggests, on both banks of this river. It starts and ends in the locality of Białobrzegi, south of Augustów. It is nearly 40 km long and runs mainly on local asphalt roads and dirt roads over swamps, meadows, fields and villages, typical of these areas.

It is a good proposal for a recreational trip, which is not too difficult and allows you to get to know the Nadbiebrza landscapes. It can be covered also by less skilled cyclists. The more difficult sandy sections account only for about 2 kilometres of the total length of the route. There are practically no ascents and descents.

The general course of the trail is as follows is: Białobrzegi (0.0 km) - Promiski (11.9 km) - Kopiec (16.6 km) – Szonowo Lock (20.9 km) - Netta First bend (33.4 km) - Białobrzegi (38.7 km).

Along the way, the route passes through the locks of the Augustów Canal twice - at the beginning of the route, in Białobrzegi and near the village of Kopiec, by the Sosnowo lock. On the route there are numerous small villages along the Biebrza river where the traditional wooden architecture has survived to date. Numerous stork nests and the omnipresent peace and quiet, so specific to this area, create a unique atmosphere. The trail, although it mainly runs through open, flat areas, is not monotonous. The Netta Valley surprises at every moment – on one occasion with a unique, majestic tree, and on another occasion with the blue colour of the canals that cut the meadows, and the smell of fields and meadows. Several times the trail hides in the depths of dark forests, in contrast to the open world of Podlasie. There is nothing special here, but the whole country radiates with dignity and the solemnity of majestic nature. People are just an addition to nature, and the low buildings of the village emphasize the vastness of the valley even more.

On the trail, your curiosity will be raised by concrete remnants of battle shelters, which during World War II guarded the crossing across the swamps. The trail runs close to several of them, about five kilometres of the route runs together with the Green Velo route between Promiski and Kopiec. Watch out for road traffic at this section.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. The Biebrza River Valley
2. The Augustowski Canal - the Białobrzegi lock, the Sosnowo lock
3. Monuments of rural construction - wooden huts, old shrines
4. Combat shelters dating back to World War II

Not all fragments of the trail are suitable for bicycles with panniers/bike trailers. The trail uses solely roads with no motor vehicle traffic allowed or local roads with a low and very low vehicle traffic; no dangerous intersections. A recreational trail. Trail with outstanding natural beauty.

Starting point:

Białobrzegi, the Białobrzegi lock on the Augustów Canal

Finishing point:

Białobrzegi, road branching off near the old watermill on the Netta River