Schleuse Kettwig, Schleuse der Ruhr
The Schleuse Kettwig is a lock on the Ruhr River in Essen that helps boats navigate height differences in the waterway. The structure measures about 41 meters long and 6 meters wide, operated with manually controlled gates managed by lock keepers.
The first lock in Kettwig dates to the late 1700s and was built to support ship traffic on the Ruhr. The current lock was completed in 1950 as a modern, more durable replacement to handle growing boat traffic.
The lock takes its name from the nearby district and serves as a gathering point where technology and nature intersect. Visitors observe how water management shapes local life and how residents use the river for leisure boating.
The lock operates on weekdays from early morning through early afternoon, then again in late afternoon, with extended hours on weekends. A small fee is paid at the control tower where the lock operator manages the operation.
Behind the lock is a lake with an unusual painted boat channel marking that changes sides and turns sharply under a railway bridge. This tricky navigation requires careful attention, especially when multiple small boats and occasional large sightseeing ships are moving through the area.
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