Oder–Havel Canal, Navigation canal in Brandenburg, Germany
The Oder-Havel Canal links two major river systems across Brandenburg, featuring multiple locks that lift vessels across different water levels. The waterway creates a passage between the Oder in the east and the Havel in the west, allowing cargo and vessel movement between distant regions.
The canal was built in the early 1900s as the Hohenzollern Canal to replace an older route through the region. Work started in 1908 and finished in 1914, creating a modern link between river systems that had previously required longer detours.
The canal system represents German engineering excellence through its integration of water management, transportation infrastructure, and regional development near Berlin.
The waterway is accessible to various boat sizes, with locks that enable passage across different water elevations. Visitors can explore the canal from land along pathways or experience it from the water itself.
A special feature is the Niederfinow boat lift from the 1930s, a mechanical structure that transports vessels across large height differences. This engineering solution remains one of the notable technical achievements along the waterway.
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