Elbląg Canal

The Elbląg Canal is a historic waterway in Warmia and Masuria, linking the area around Lake Jeziorak with the Vistula Lagoon. On the main route, about 84.2 km long, vessels overcome almost 100 metres of difference in water levels using a system of inclined planes. Instead of passing through a staircase of locks, boats roll onto rail-mounted platforms and are hauled over land.

Boats travelling over land

The highlight is the set of five inclined planes: Buczyniec, Kąty, Oleśnica, Jelenie and Całuny. The mechanism uses the force of flowing water, allowing a boat to leave the canal briefly and cross the dry section on a special platform. Four locks also operate along the waterway: Miłomłyn, Zielona, Ostróda and Mała Ruś. The machinery is easiest to watch from the viewing platforms by the planes, especially at Buczyniec.

History and landscape

The canal was designed by Georg Jakob Steenke and built in the 19th century. It was intended to connect the economic hinterland of Prussia with the port of Elbląg, but today it serves mainly tourism and recreational boating. The Buczyniec inclined plane has a Canal History Chamber explaining how the entire system works.

Cruises and planning your visit

Tourist cruises operate seasonally from places including Ostróda, Elbląg and Buczyniec. You can choose a long trip through the inclined planes or a shorter section. Before travelling, check the current timetable, departure point, journey time and prices with the chosen operator. A windproof layer is useful on deck.