Rothensee boat lift, Maritime engineering structure in Barleber See, Magdeburg, Germany
The Rothensee boat lift connects the Mittellandkanal with the Elbe through the Elbeabstiegskanal, transporting vessels vertically across a significant elevation change. The structure uses massive steel girders and a sophisticated counterbalance system that safely raises and lowers boats between the two water levels.
The lift was completed in 1938 to connect ships between West German industrial centers and West Berlin. For decades after the war, it served as the main passage for this vital shipping and transport corridor.
The boat lift represents German engineering achievement from the 20th century and shows how people connected waterways to enable trade and navigation. Visitors today can see how the structure still functions and what role it plays in regional infrastructure.
The facility is accessible year-round and visitors can watch from the shore or a viewing platform as vessels are transported through the system. It is best to visit during daytime when boats are passing through to see the machinery in action.
During construction, the ground had to be frozen to minus 40 degrees Celsius to secure and stabilize the excavations. This technique made it possible to build the massive foundations under extreme conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
