Kraftwerk Birsfelden, Hydroelectric power station in Birsfelden, Switzerland
Description
Kraftwerk Birsfelden is a hydroelectric power station that stretches across the Rhine River, combining a dam, lock system, and electricity generation in one integrated structure. The facility controls water flow while allowing ships to navigate upriver and generates power for homes and businesses across the region.
History
The power station opened in 1954 and played a key role in opening the Rhine for modern shipping traffic above Basel. This development created new opportunities for ports and commerce in the surrounding region.
Culture
The facility represents an important chapter in Switzerland's industrial story and shows how engineering and power generation are woven into the regional landscape. Visitors can observe how the river serves multiple purposes here and the structure shapes daily life and commerce in the surrounding area.
Practical
The site is accessible and offers viewpoints where you can watch the lock and power station in action. Visit during daylight to best see the structure and observe ship movements through the locks.
Did you know?
Thousands of ships pass through the locks daily, making this one of Europe's busiest river crossings. This constant activity reveals the economic importance of the Rhine for continental transport.
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