LOCATION
Elbląg Canal, located in northern Poland in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, runs southward from Lake Drużno, connected by the river Elbląg to the Vistula Lagoon, to the river Drwęca and lake Jeziorak.
An outstanding trip, photo source:
UNIQUE CRUISE
It is one of the two sites in the world where ships can sail over grass and up a hill using a system of inclined ramps. This is the only one site in the world where the original 19th century machinery is still in use. Full cruise from Ostróda to Elbląg takes up to 11 hours and this section has about 82 km. Thanks to the five inclined ramps (Buczyniec, Całuny, Jelenie, Kąty, Oleśnica) and two locks (Miłomyn and Zielona) a ship can be raised the 104 m of difference in the level of the lake waters. During this journey you can admire astonishing view presenting a colourful nature. This opportunity is used by about 40 thousand of tourists each year. Elbląg Canal is fascinating relic, which in 2011 was announced as an official historic monument. The Canal is 151 years old but still, due to the project of Prussian engineer Georg Jacob Stenke, works irreproachable.
ATTRACTIONS
The canal is a combination of nature and machinery.The 9,6 km between Piniewski and Druzno Lake is the most distinctive section. In this site boats are pulled and lowered 99,5 m on rails 2,3 km long. The biggest achievement is the fact that no electricity or fuel is needed to that, power of the water falling on a huge wheel is enough.Inclined ramps are not the only attractions of Elbląg Canal. In this attraction we can find also four lock-chambers, weirs, reduced channel and security gates. Between Miłomłyn and Jeziorak Lake and 1,5 m under the surface is mounded 485 m length dike in which canal is dug up.
It is shame to forget binoculars and camera because Elbląg Canal has many great views as well. Beginning early morning in Elbląg you can see up to 200 different types of birds, especially at Lake Druzno you can find wealth of waterfowl – herons, grebes, coots and swans. During the cruise you can spot a memorial obelisk, which was set to honour the architect George Jacob Steenke. Besides of regular cruises you can rent boats to organize banquets, conferences, integration meetings, school or firm tours and even have a party on a board.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Subclass
Heritage Class: [ C]Cultural Heritage
PHOTO SOURCES
