Main attractions:
- See a unique world-class hydrotechnical monument
- Experience one of the 7 wonders of Poland
- Check how to swim on grass
We invite you to a trip along the Elbląg-Ostróda Canal, which is a unique world-class hydrotechnical monument, recognized as a historic monument and one of the 7 wonders of Poland. The tour starts in Buczyńiec, and we will be guided by four inclined planes that, thanks to a special system of water-powered winches, will pull boats uphill or lower them down. During the 2-hour trip, we will cover 9.6 km of slopes, where the height difference is 99.5 meters.
Travel itinerary:
Meeting with the guide and departure to Buczyńiec.
Boat cruise through the canal via four inclined planes (Buczyńiec, Oleśnica, Jabłonki, Jelenie)
Ending the boat trip in Jelenie and transport to Elbląg
Coffee break and free time in Elbląg
Return trip to Gdańsk and conclusion of the visit
Time: 6 h
What's included:
- Transport with a private driver
- Tickets for the cruise
- Parking fees
Good to know:
- Pickup from hotels in Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia, please specify the meeting point.
- Children under 7 free of charge (please inform about children)
Departure: from 08:00 to 12:00 (depending on availability, usually 8:30-9:00)
*For large groups, prices are set individually.
History:
The canal was designed between 1825-44 by Georg Steenke, and construction began in 1844. The height difference over a 9.5-kilometer stretch between the lakes was too great to build traditional locks; instead, an ingenious system of inclined planes was implemented, modeled after the Morris Canal, though the canal also includes several locks. Originally, there were four inclined planes, with a fifth added later, replacing five wooden locks. Built under the name Oberländischer Kanal (Upper Land Canal) and situated in the Kingdom of Prussia, it was opened on October 29, 1860. Since 1945, the canal has been in Poland. After repairing war damages, it was restored to operation in 1948 and is now used for tourism purposes.
Inclined planes
The four original inclined planes, in order from the top level down, are Buczyniec (Buchwalde) with a rise of 20.4m and a length of 224.8m, Katy (Kanten) with a rise of 18.83m and a length of 225.97m, Oleśnica (Schönfeld) with a rise of 21.97m and a length of 262.63m, and Jelenie (Hirschfeld) with a rise of 21.97m and a length of 263.63m. The fifth incline was Calony Nowe (Neu-Kussfeld) with a rise of 13.72m, built to replace five wooden locks near Elbląg. They were constructed between 1860-1880.
All inclines consist of two parallel railway tracks with a gauge of 3.27m. Boats are transported on carts that move along these rails. The inclines rise from the lower level of the canal to the top and then down the second shorter slope to the upper level of the canal. The first part of the main incline and the short upper incline were built with a slope of 1:24. The cart is lowered down the incline to balance the cart moving upwards. Once the cart moving down reaches the top and begins its descent down the main incline, its weight helps pull the cart moving upwards. Thus, the inclination of the incline on this section was greater, measured at 1:12.
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