Dlouhá stoka, Historic canal in Kladská, Czech Republic

Dlouhá stoka is a historic canal that runs approximately 24 kilometers through the Slavkovský les region and connects several water systems together. The construction shows classic water management techniques where water flows downhill gradually over long distances.

The canal was built between 1531 and 1536 to bring water to the mining areas of Krásno and Horní Slavkov. This project was one of the largest water engineering achievements of the region at that time and made it possible to develop these mining areas.

The canal is closely tied to mining in the region and tells of how important water was to the people who worked underground. Locals view this place as a reminder of their area's former prosperity.

The canal is best explored by following marked hiking trails that provide access from different points along the route. The paths are generally good for walking and allow you to observe the water system and its structures up close.

The gradient is 3.5 per mille, about 0.35 m per 100 m, not one metre per kilometre. The channel was surveyed in 1530 by the mining surveyor Hans Rossmeisel, and legend says a stag helped him find the route.