Elbląg Canal
Elbląg Canal (pronounced [ˈɛlblɔŋk] ⓘ; Polish: Kanał Elbląski [ˈkanaw ɛlˈblɔ̃skʲi]; German: Oberländischer Kanal) is a canal in Poland, in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, 80.5 kilometres (50.0 mi) in length, which runs southward from Lake Drużno (connected by the river Elbląg to the Vistula Lagoon), to the river Drwęca and lake Jeziorak. It can accommodate small vessels up to 50 tonnes (49 long tons; 55 short tons) displacement. The difference in water levels approaches 100 metres (330 ft), and is overcome using locks and a system of inclined planes between lakes.
| Elbląg Canal | |
|---|---|
Aerial view, showing one of the inclined planes | |
| Location | Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship |
| Country | Poland |
| Specifications | |
| Locks | 4 |
| Maximum height above sea level | 99.5 m (326 ft) |
| History | |
| Construction began | 1844 |
| Date completed | 1860 |
| Geography | |
| Beginning coordinates | 53.6996°N 19.8985°E |
| Ending coordinates | 54.253°N 19.3828°E |
Historic Monument of Poland | |
| Designated | 2011-01-14 |
| Reference no. | Dz. U. z 2011 r. Nr 20, poz. 100 |
Today it is used mainly for recreational purposes. It is considered one of the most significant monuments related to the history of technology and was named one of the Seven Wonders of Poland. The canal was also named one of Poland's official national Historic Monuments (Pomnik historii), as designated January 28, 2011. Its listing is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland.