The Mittelland Canal, also known as the “Waterway of the Middle”, is one of the most important and longest man-made waterways in Germany. With a length of around 325 kilometers, the canal stretches from the Ems in North Rhine-Westphalia to the Elbe in Saxony-Anhalt, connecting numerous important rivers and canals. Construction of the canal began in 1906 and was completed in various sections, with the main section being opened in 1938.
The Mittelland Canal plays a central role in German and European inland waterway transport. It enables the efficient and environmentally friendly transport of goods between the west and east of Germany and to neighboring countries. Its connection to other waterways, such as the Dortmund-Ems Canal, the Weser-Elbe Canal and the Elbe-Havel Canal, creates a comprehensive network that facilitates the transport of goods such as coal, steel, grain and containers.
One of the most impressive engineering feats along the Mittelland Canal is the waterway junction near Minden. Here, the Mittelland Canal crosses the Weser, and ships can switch between the different waterways using a ship lift. This waterway junction is not only of great functional importance, but is also a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors every year.
There are numerous ports and transshipment points along the Mittelland Canal, which are important hubs for freight transport. Cities such as Hanover, Braunschweig, Wolfsburg and Magdeburg benefit from their location on the canal, as this gives them direct access to international trade routes. The canal contributes significantly to the economic development of the region and is an important location factor for local industry.