Vistula Ethnographic Expedition 3

The Vistula Ethnographic Expedition, a project of the State Ethnographic Museum in Warsaw, is now firmly rooted in the tradition of field research. Its aim is not only to document the cultural richness of the Mazovia region, but also to draw special attention to the ecological and hydrological aspects of the area. This year, participants will set off on July 16.

We’re sailing down the Vistula – why and for what purpose?

From the beginning, the goal of the expedition has been to document and analyze cultural and climatic phenomena occurring along the Vistula River, while promoting the region’s cultural heritage. The project not only popularizes Mazovian treasures but also presents the river as a space of dynamic transformations – social, natural, and economic.

The first edition of the expedition (June 8–11, 2022) reached Płock, and a year later (July 12–16, 2023), participants arrived in Toruń. The aim was to show that the Vistula landscapes – often underestimated – hold fascinating stories and that the river itself can become the axis of ethnographic expeditions and cultural tourism.

Videos from the first and second editions of the project can be viewed on YouTube:

Although the expeditions have addressed ecological topics from the start, today – faced with accelerating climate change – these themes are becoming central. Increasing droughts, falling groundwater levels, and drastic reductions in river flow pose a real threat. The Vistula is one of the rivers already facing these challenges.

Less and less water flows down the Vistula…

In 2024, a new expedition from Warsaw to Kazimierz Dolny was planned. However, the river’s low water level made safe navigation impossible on many of its stretches, particularly in the middle course. Despite numerous attempts to reorganize and reschedule the trip, it never came to fruition.

Due to the significant drop in water levels – especially past the Southern Bridge, where sandbanks and shallow waters make navigation particularly difficult – this year’s route has been modified. Participants in the Vistula Ethnographic Expedition 3 will sail mainly on the Narew and Bug rivers, continuing research on ecological phenomena in new field conditions.

The expedition will begin in Warsaw and travel through the Żerański Canal to Zegrze Reservoir, and then through Nieporęt, Serock, Pułtusk, Różan, and finally to Ostrołęka. It’s worth noting that the Żerański Canal, which connects the Vistula with the Narew, is artificially irrigated – it requires systematic water inflow to maintain a navigable level. Water is supplied to the canal mainly by regulating the lock and diverting water from the Vistula, which in recent years has become increasingly difficult due to the low state of the main river.

What’s in the expedition program?

Day 1 (July 16): Warsaw – Zegrze Reservoir – Nieporęt
The expedition will depart from Warsaw, travel through the Żerański Canal, and reach the Zegrze Reservoir. It will stop at the Żerań Lock and the Royal Canal, and the first day will end in the town of Nieporęt. Field research will be conducted at each of these sites to explore the impact of water spaces on local communities and the development of cultural tourism.

Day 2 (July 17): Nieporęt – Serock
On the second day, participants will explore Nieporęt, known as a popular weekend getaway. From late spring to late autumn, it attracts enthusiasts of fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, rowing, kayaking, and motor water sports. How is the changing climate affecting this place?

Day 3 (July 18): Serock – Pułtusk
The expedition route will feature interesting locations such as Serock with its Museum of Fishing Memory and Tradition, the Pablo Picasso House, and the open-air museum in Kuligów. This day will focus on studying the history of regional traditions and modern forms of culture related to crafts and fishing.

Day 4 (July 19): Pułtusk – Różan
The expedition will include visits to Pułtusk and the open-air museum in Długosiodło, allowing an in-depth look at cultural traditions related to folk crafts and regional customs. Here, interviews with residents and folk artists will be conducted to understand how contemporary life is connected to living cultural traditions in the region.

Day 5 (July 20): Różan – Ostrołęka
The final stage of the expedition will conclude in Ostrołęka, home to the Kurpie Culture Museum. Participants will see the exhibition Ostrołęka. 6 x Narew, which presents the Narew River as a key waterway shaping the city’s life throughout history. The display highlights not only the river’s historical significance but also shows how it influenced the development of land routes and the location of crossings that enabled movement across the river and organized land transport around it.

As part of the field research, a standardized set of qualitative questions will be used to collect residents’ observations regarding climate change and its effects on local water resources. The survey will include questions about extreme weather events (such as prolonged droughts, heavy rainfall, floods, hailstorms, thunderstorms, extreme temperatures), observed changes in the river’s behavior, timing of such changes, visible effects, and potential impact on daily life. Respondents will also be asked to assess changes in water quality and describe how and how often they use the river.

Join the Vistula Ethnographic Expedition 3

The Vistula Ethnographic Expedition 3 aims to be a voice in defense of rivers as natural systems threatened by human activity. Participants will examine the impact of water spaces and climate change on the lives of local communities. A documentary film will be produced, as in previous editions. The project will culminate in a discussion panel with experts in culture, ecology, and hydrology. These efforts aim to share knowledge and foster dialogue with communities about the future of our rivers.

source: Państwowe Muzeum Etnograficzne w Warszawie