Hammarbyslussen, Navigation lock in Stockholm, Sweden
Hammarbyslussen is a navigation lock in Stockholm that connects Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea, allowing boats to move between water levels of different heights. The structure features gates and chambers that fill and empty to raise or lower vessels safely between these two bodies of water.
The first lock at this site was built in the 1600s, solving the problem of ships navigating between water levels of different heights. Over centuries, the structure was rebuilt and updated to handle more traffic and use modern equipment.
The lock is woven into Stockholm's identity as a waterfront city where locals and visitors watch boats navigate between two distinct water bodies. This passage demonstrates how the city's geography has shaped its character and remains central to how people experience the water around them.
Visitors can watch the lock operate from walkways around the site without interfering with boat traffic. It helps to visit in the morning or afternoon when more boats are typically passing through.
The lock uses a clever system where water pressure itself helps open and close the massive gates. This water-powered mechanism allows the gates to operate efficiently without requiring large amounts of external power.
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