Magdeburg crossing of waterways

The Magdeburg waterway crossing links the Mittellandkanal and Elbe-Havel-Kanal through a 918-meter canal bridge spanning the Elbe River. The complex includes a boat lift, multiple locks, and the distinctive water bridge to handle elevation changes between the different waterways.

The waterway crossing was completed in 2003 as part of the German Unity Transport Project 17, serving as the only waterway initiative in this major national infrastructure program. Its completion created a continuous inland shipping route connecting northern and central Germany.

The waterway crossing functions as a center for professional navigation training, where maritime students learn advanced vessel control techniques in different water conditions.

Visitors can view the structure from cycling paths and observation platforms where ships navigate through different water levels. The best views are from lookout points around the locks and the boat lift.

The boat lift is one of the few facilities in Germany that moves inland ships across large elevation changes without requiring cargo transfers or long waits at locks. This engineering solution significantly reduces transit time through the system.