Elblag Canal Tour from Gdansk

The Elblag Canal, also known as the Elblag-Ostroda Canal, is a historic waterway in Poland that has been in use for over 150 years. Stretching more than 80 kilometers, it is the longest navigable canal still operational in the country and one of the most remarkable canals in Europe. Its uniqueness comes from a highly innovative engineering solution used to overcome a steep section of the route where the water level rises by 100 meters. This section is located between Druzno Lake and Piniewo Lake, covering approximately ten kilometers. Because the height difference was too great for traditional locks, engineers designed a system of inclined planes to move boats over the land.

In this system boats are lifted out of the water and placed onto special tracks. They are then transported across the land to the next section of the canal. This clever approach not only solved a major engineering challenge but also created one of the most unusual and fascinating canal systems in Europe. Visitors today can witness boats being moved along these inclined planes and explore the surrounding lakes and landscapes. The Elblag Canal is a testament to human ingenuity and remains a popular destination for tourists interested in history, engineering, and scenic waterways.