Wehrgraben, Historic water channel in Steyr, Austria.

The Wehrgraben is a historic works canal in Steyr, drawn off the Steyr at the St. Anna Wehr and rejoining the river just above its confluence with the Enns. Two diversion channels branch back to the Steyr, forming three islands. Its banks hold former mills, hammer forges and factories, including the site of Josef Werndl's arms works, and the Biedermeier houses rebuilt after the 1842 fire.

The canal was created in the 13th century as an engineering project to bring water power to the city's mills. It remained central to industrial production for centuries until steam and modern technology gradually reduced its role.

The canal shaped Steyr's identity as a crafts center and remains woven into the city's character today. Locals and visitors walk its paths to connect with the industrial roots that once made this place a hub for skilled trades.

The Wehrgraben area lies northwest of Steyr's centre, on the left bank of the Steyr, in the Steyrdorf district. The statistical zone covers only the middle section downstream of the Schwimmschulbrücke, plus the Gsanginsel and the small factory island. The canal is fed at the St.-Anna-Wehr and rejoins the Steyr just above its confluence with the Enns.

In the 1980s, the canal nearly disappeared when plans emerged to fill it in, but citizens successfully fought to preserve it. This community effort saved both the structure and a symbol of local pride.