Elbląg Canal (Polish: Kanał Elbląski, German: Oberländischer Kanal) is a canal in Poland, in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, 80.5 km in length, which runs southward from Lake Druzno (connected by the river Elbląg to the Vistula Lagoon), to the river Drwęca and lake Jeziorak. It can accommodate small vessels up to 50 tons displacement. The difference in water levels approaches 100 m, and is overcome using locks and a remarkable system of tracks between lakes.

Today it is used mainly for recreational purposes. It is considered one of the most significant monuments related to the history of technology on the territory of modern Poland.

The canal was designed in 1825-1844 by Georg Steenke, carrying out the commission given by the king of Prussia. Construction began in 1844. As the route was not important enough to justify building expensive, traditional locks between lakes, an ingenious system of tracks was employed instead, though the canal includes a few locks as well. Built originally under the name Oberländischer Kanal (Overland Canal) and situated in the Kingdom of Prussia, it was opened in 1860. Since 1945 the canal has been located in Poland. After wartime damage was repaired, it was restored to operation in 1948 and is now used for tourism.

[Source: Wikipedia]

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