Lendkanal, Protected heritage canal in Klagenfurt, Austria
Lendkanal is a protected heritage waterway that flows from Lake Wörthersee into central Klagenfurt, with several bridges spanning its length to connect different parts of the city. The renovated Elisabethbrücke footbridge and the Rizzisteg allow people to cross at different points along its course.
Construction of the canal began in 1527 following a major city fire, initially built to supply water for fortifications and move building materials into the city. Over time it became an important trade route for moving goods and supplies.
The Steinerne Fischer statue at Lendhafen marks the tradition of selling fresh fish from Lake Wörthersee at the city market. It shows how fishing shaped the rhythm of daily life for Klagenfurt residents.
The waterway is easy to explore on foot, with walking paths running alongside it and multiple bridges connecting both sides at regular intervals. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer a more peaceful experience when nearby streets are quieter.
In the 16th century, Venetian gondoliers were hired to pilot cargo barges along this waterway, which transported goods throughout the city and region. This trade connection reveals how cosmopolitan Klagenfurt had become during that era.
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