Between Szarvas and Békésszentandrás on the Holt-Körös

At the Szarvas free beach, you can choose from several comfortably low piers and among the sand in the small bathing bay – the latter can be naturally crowded in summer. There is also a buffet here, as well as toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a playground – these can be useful both at the start and on arrival. After launching the boat, we head south toward the Szarvas road bridge. We do not have to expect heavy boat traffic, but the two Szarvas tour boats, Boglár and Katalin II, can appear at any time, either arriving from under the Arboretum or the bridge, so be prepared.

Before reaching the bridge, we pass on the right the Holy Crown memorial standing in the water. The mentioned boats also have a dock here; be attentive. Looking left, we see the beautiful, classical Bolza Castle and its protected park. After passing under the bridge, move to the right. Here begins Elizabeth Park, on the shore with the famous Szarvas swamp cypresses standing in the water. We can also row among them; the roots emerging from the water give a special, exotic atmosphere.

Continuing, we pass on the left the open-air Szarvas Water Theater, then go under the Elizabeth Bridge. A big right turn follows; here, on both sides, houses and holiday homes' piers line up, so keep centered not to disturb fishermen. After the turn, paddling straight ahead, near the end, a gentle left turn shows the Anna Park water regulator structure. It serves to control and hold back the water; for us, it practically means a narrow section and a bridge overhead.

Then comes a 1 km straight section, which used to cut off the left-turning Bikazugi arm, then we start to meander naturally again. We row between areas called Dinnyelapos on the right and Gondalapos on the left. After a sharp left turn, at the seventh kilometer of our route, we arrive at the Békésszentandrás free beach where we dock. There is a playground, toilets, changing rooms, and a buffet in summer. If we swim, be careful because there are many mussels in the water; children especially should wear sandals or water shoes.

Continuing, we pass the center of the Békésszentandrás kayak-canoe sports club, next to the Sinka József Water Site after the beach. A right hairpin turn follows, and only 500 m to the modern 44 road bridge, then another 300 m to the Old Bridge. Békésszentandrás is less visible from the water, but after the bridge, on the left, you can see the beautiful building of the former carpet factory, which also means the turning point of our route. From here, the end of the backwater begins, where the industrial monument, the Békésszentandrás pumping station, is located. It is still 2.8 km further; go further or not depending on your time, strength, and mood. If you row the entire distance, the total length is about 22.7 km.