The Masurian Lakeland is one of the best kayaking destinations in Central Europe, and Mikołajki sits at a natural junction of the main waterway routes. The most popular multi-day route — the Krutynia river trail — starts near Sorkwity and ends at Ruciane-Nida, passing through lakes, rivers, and forest channels over about a week of paddling. Shorter loops of two to four days can be assembled from the network of connected lakes around Mikołajki itself.
Single-day routes suit beginners: a paddle north through the narrows to Lake Tałty and back takes three to four hours at an easy pace. Kayak rental is available from several operators on the Mikołajki waterfront; most also offer shuttle services to put-in points upstream. The lakes are calm and well-marked, and camping sites are positioned at intervals along the main routes.