The Augustow Canal. Augustow Canal: excursion. Augustow Canal: description

The Augustow Canal is a grandiose structure that connects Belarus and Poland. It is not only a unique hydrological structure, but also the oldest artificial canal in Europe. In the summer, it attracts many tourists. For a variety of leisure residents and visitors of the city are offered several excursion programs.

Augustow Canal: description

It is a huge artificial reservoir, which stretches for 102 km. The bulk of it is located on the territory of Poland, Belarus "got" only 22 km. It connects the basins of the major rivers - the Neman and the Vistula. A great length has been achieved through the systems of canals, lakes, ponds, canalized sections of rivers and ducts. A total of 7 rivers and 11 lakes are involved. The figure is impressive, but not like the Augustow Canal itself.

Every year there are national holidays and sports competitions for kayaking and rowing. On the banks of the canal lie beautiful tourist routes. All this makes it an interesting place for active recreation. Do not forget that the channel is artificially built, and that navigation functions normally, a gateway system was created. The August channel includes 18 watersheds, 4 of which - on the territory of Belarus. The gateway adds a twist to your journey. The Augustow canal is not too deep, about 2 meters. Originally used for communication between countries, trade and delivery of wood, today it is preserved only as a recreational and tourist facility.

Wealth of the Belarusian River Fund

The local places are very rich in fresh water. A dense hydrographic network includes thousands of rivers and streams. Their total length covers an area of 90,000 km. The most significant are the Dnieper, Berezina and Pripyat. The construction of canals, ponds and reservoirs further increased the number of water sources. It often rides to improve navigability and ensure the delivery of goods to all corners of the country.

The largest channels of Belarus are of great importance for the country - all together and each in its own way. The largest is the Dnieper-Bug Canal. It unites two arteries - the rivers Pripyat and Mukhavets. Built in the XVIII century, it was repeatedly restored.

The second largest is the Augustow Canal, it is currently used only for tourist purposes. The youngest of all is the Vileyka-Minsk water system. In addition, there are Oginsky, Mikashevich and Slavic-Yama channels. This is a brief overview of the rivers and canals of Belarus, and now we will return to the tourism center - the Augustow reservoir.

History of the majestic structure

Not so much time is left until the next anniversary jubilee - the channel will celebrate its bicentennial. Construction began in 1824, in view of the urgent need for a transport corridor from Poland (as part of Russia) to the ports. Prussia at that time blocked the transit of all necessary goods through its territory, and therefore, their access to the sea.

The project was quickly approved by the emperor, and construction began. It lasted 15 years under the guidance of the author, Ignatii Protzinsky. More than 7,000 workers were invited to work, and by 1839 the construction was completed, and the canal was opened for shipping. Most of it is natural reservoirs, channels and lakes, but it also includes 40 km of an artificial bed, which is dug out by hand, with the help of wooden shovels. According to the project, for him laid a trapezoidal shape with a width of 9 meters. Initially, there were 29 dams and 18 locks in operation here. Throughout the perimeter there were service stations and bridges. Gate locks were made of oak with an iron edging. Damper dams were driven by special structures with a gear mechanism.

True, the channel was not used for its intended purpose. Closer to the end of construction, the open railroad showed a much more convenient way for commodity exchange.

How world wars were reflected in the state of the canal

Neither the First, nor the Second World Wars did not escape the Augustow Canal. The map will show many strategically important areas that were guarded from the invaders. And today, throughout its entire length, there are preserved concrete pillboxes, badly damaged by the battles that were transferred. During World War I, some floodgates were destroyed, dams were burned, but in general the canal was preserved.

The Second World War affected him much more. Along its shore lay the famous defensive line of Molotov. Fierce fighting completely destroyed the hydraulic structures of the canal.

Revival of the Augustow Canal

The preserved Polish part of the artificial reservoir prompted the idea of using it as a cultural and historical monument, a recreation center and tourism. In 2004, the leadership of the Republic of Belarus decided to conduct a complete reconstruction of the channel in connection with its inclusion in the list of historical values of the country and the UNESCO World Heritage.

Unique ecosystem

The Grodno region is a place of stunning beauty. Dozens of species of animals live here, which are not found anywhere else. Plants, animals, fish and birds - here opens a whole world, available for viewing during a leisurely walk. The Augustow canal (Grodno) is framed by the famous forest. It is called the Grodno Forest. For walks, it fits poorly, it is a thick, hard-to-reach thicket. In addition, this territory is marked as especially protected. Many trees here for more than 200 years, this is a real relic forest.

It is inhabited by lynx and wild boars, roe deer and beaver, deer and moose, not without wolves. The birds living here, especially the black stork, are few where you can find, except these places. The waters of the canal are full of fish, here live grayling, trout and barbel, listed in the Red Book.

Walking and cycling tours along the banks of the canal

No matter how interesting it is to sail here on the boat, it will not give as much emotion as you get by taking a walk along the banks. Summer is the best time to visit the Augustow Canal. Excursion without a guide will be quite inexpensive, but you can miss a lot of interesting places. The local places are one of the most environmentally friendly on the continent. Grodno Forest stretches for many kilometers, giving the opportunity to admire its pristine beauty.

In the heart of the reserve is a beautiful recreational park with an area of almost 6 hectares. There are areas for family and active recreation.

On both banks of the canal there are beautiful garden and park complexes, churches and churches. Tourists are allowed to visit them, but only in the crypt you can go down only with the excursion group. If you are traveling on your own, then we highly recommend visiting the palace and park complex in the village of Svyatsk, the garden and park complexes dating back to the 17th century, in the villages of Belye Boloty and Radzivilki. Fans of military history will like to see the forts and fortresses of the late XIX and early XX century, as well as the strengthening of the Molotov line. It will be useful for young people to look at the places where their grandfathers heroically defended their homeland.

Excursions by boat

The route runs daily on passenger ships. Depending on the chosen tour, they pass from 20 km or more. Prices are more than democratic, for an hour of walking you will give about one dollar. It is possible to remove completely the entire ship and a friendly company to celebrate a birthday or another holiday. The hour will cost less than $ 30.

Such a holiday is suitable for those who do not like to move on foot, but wants to see all the local attractions. The channel is not wide, it literally allows to absorb the beauty of its shores. In addition, the ship makes stops, so that tourists can see especially important places.

Features of different tours

Tourists can choose different programs, designed for several hours or days. Whether it is a Sunday walk or a vacation in Belarus - be sure that you will have a good time. A full tour is a long swim with a lock. As part of the tour program there is a bicycle rental. Staying in a beautiful place, led by a guide, you will make an exciting trip and look from different directions on the Augustow Canal. The photos made on its shores will long remind you of pleasant moments.

Family and corporate holidays

Quietly sit on the beach, breathe the fresh air, fish - this option is often chosen for family holidays. Ideal for this is the Augustow Canal. Pavilions located along its shores allow for convenient placement of all members of the team, they have tables, barbecues and all necessary accessories. A fragrant shish kebab or a fresh fish baked on charcoal will add romance to your adventure. The only drawback is that you can not swim here. The canal is navigable, so safety measures do not allow the beaches to be equipped.

Local Attractions

It is better to visit them with a guide. In the village of Nemovo, there is an ancient house of the gatekeeper, built in the XVIII century. Be sure to check the Museum of the Augustow Canal, here its history comes to life, there are good examples of ancient maps of the locality and the canal schemes. The exposition presents handwritten documents, photographs and household items.

Then the way of tourists usually lies through the village of Sopockin. There are beautiful monuments of the XVI century, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph Kuntsevich. In addition, you can see the gothic chapels, and lovers of antiquity - even look at the oldest Jewish cemetery.

Augustow canal does not cease to amaze even after a series of excursions. Here, air can not be inhaled, and time stops. The moments spent on the bosom of untouched nature will always remain in your memory, and you want to come back again and again.