Scheitelhaltung, Canal structure in Sulztal, Germany.
The Scheitelhaltung is a canal structure on the Main-Danube Waterway featuring two white granite walls, with the southern wall reaching 14 meters high and 144 meters long. The installation consists of carefully cut granite blocks arranged along the waterway to regulate water movement and flow.
The structure was designed by Hannsjörg Voth in a competition with artists Max Bill and Erich Hauser and was meant to represent the European watershed between the North Sea and Black Sea. This design combines technical function with artistic expression as part of the Main-Danube Canal system.
The granite walls display intentionally varied surface textures, from smooth to rough areas, that catch and reflect light in different ways. Visitors can easily notice and experience these crafted details while walking along the waterway.
The site is easily accessible on foot and sits directly along the publicly accessible canal path near Sulztal. Visitors should be aware that boats pass at regular intervals, making it possible to observe the water movement and regulatory function in action.
This structure marks the highest point in the European waterway network at 406 meters above sea level and manages water flow between the Main and Danube rivers. This elevation is crucial for allowing vessels to navigate between these two river systems.
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