E for Elbląg and Elbląg Canal

 

Elbląg is a city in northern Poland situated on Lake Drużno. In its early beginnings, the land was inhabited by Prussian tribes. In Middle Ages, Elbląg, then called Truso, was a Viking settlement. Later, in the 10th century, Truso was destroyed by fire. After the Teutonic Knights conquered the area, in 1237 they built a castle there.

Old Town, Elbląg

In the 13th century, the history of the present city began. A new settlement was founded in 1237 and was granted city rights 9 years later.

Due to the complicated history of the region, Elbląg was part of the Polish Kingdom/German Empire/Prussia/Germany. During WW2, the city was severely damaged and was reconstructed by the Poles after the war.

In 2009 my mom and I visited the city very briefly as our main goal was a boat trip along the Elblag Canal. Everything was organized by PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society).

The Old Town are was being worked on then.

According to the legend, a young baker trainee once saved Elbląg from the Teutonic Knights' siege. With his bread oven shovel, he cut the rope that was holding the city gate, so it went down just before the Knights managed to enter the city. 

And here he is, still standing at the historic remains of the city wall/the gate. It is said that touching his nose brings good luck. Well, we did that, just in case, it was true.

The 50-mile (80.5 km) long canal goes from Lake Druzno through the Elbląg River/Drwęca River to Lake Jeziorak. It was commissioned by the King of Prussia and designed in 1825/1844 by Georg Steenke. What is so special about that canal? It has big differences in water levels (up to 300 feet/100 meters). 

On a higher part of the canal

Navigation on the canal is possible only thanks to its locks and a sort of train carts (inclined planes). The latter carry boats on the ground level and then back to the lower water level again.

Our boat trip lasted 4 hours.

Double lock

The boat is about to get on the cart which is under water - see higher, side part of it

It was interesting to see all the locks and how the boat was transported over a hill, back to the water level again.

However, the time in between was a bit boring. Luckily, the weather was nice and sunny so we were able to sit on the deck and enjoy the landscape. At the same time, due to a lot of still water around, mosquitos bit us quite often.

 

The lock is a sign the ground level of the canal is close

 ... and up on the cart again...

The last part of the trip on Lake Jeziorak was very rewarding, considering the beautiful views. 

 

 

The lake is a habitat for various birds and fish. The previous had their cute nest on the little islands on the lake waters.

Elblag Canal is listed by the National Heritage Board of Poland as one of the Polish Historic Monuments. It has also been recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Poland.

 

Lake Jeziorak

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My Polish Alphabet is related to things, places, and people that come to my mind when I think about Poland. More Alphabet entries here.