The August Canal is a grandiose building connecting Belarus and Poland. This is not only a unique hydrological structure, but also the oldest artificial canal in Europe. During the summer it attracts many tourists. For a variety of leisure activities for residents and guests of the city, several excursion programs are offered.
August Channel Description
This is a huge artificial reservoir that stretches for 102 km. The main part of it is located on the territory of Poland, Belarus "got" only 22 km. It connects the basins of large rivers - Neman and Vistula. A large extent has been achieved through systems of canals, lakes, ponds, canalized sections of rivers and channels. A total of 7 rivers and 11 lakes are involved. The figure is impressive, but not in the same way as the August Canal itself.
National holidays and sports competitions in kayaking and rowing are held here every year. Along the banks of the canal lie excellent tourist routes. All this makes it an interesting place for outdoor activities. Do not forget that the channelartificially built, and in order for navigation to function normally, a system of locks was created. The Augustow Canal includes 18 watersheds, 4 of which are on the territory of Belarus. Gateway adds zest to your journey. The Augustow Canal is not too deep, about 2 meters. Originally used for communication between countries, trade and timber supply, today it is preserved only as a recreational and tourist site.
We alth of the Belarusian River Fund
These places are very rich in fresh water. The 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 was often carried out to improve navigation and ensure the delivery of goods to all corners of the country.
The largest channels in Belarus are of great importance for the country - all together and each in their own way. The largest is the Dnieper-Bug Canal. It unites two arteries - the rivers Pripyat and Mukhavets. Built in the 18th century, it has been restored several times.
The second largest is the Augustow Canal, today it is used only for tourism purposes. The youngest of all is the Vileyka-Minsk water system. In addition, there are Oginsky, Mikashevichsky and Slavichsko-Yaminsky channels. This is a brief overview of the rivers and canals of Belarus, and now let's return to the center of tourism - the Augustow reservoir.
The history of the majestic building
Not much time left before the next solemn anniversary - the channel will celebrate its bicentennial. Construction began in 1824, due to the urgent need for a transport corridor from Poland (part of Russia) to the ports. Prussia at that time blocked the transit of all necessary goods through its territory, and hence 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, Ignaty 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 artificial channel, which was dug out by hand, using wooden shovels. According to the project, a trapezoidal shape with a width of 9 meters was laid for it. Initially, 29 dams and 18 locks functioned here. Around the perimeter were service stations and bridges. The gates of the locks were made of oak with iron edging. The dampers of the dam were operated by special designs with a gear mechanism.
True, the channel was practically not used for its intended purpose. Toward the end of construction, the open railway showed a much more convenient way for the exchange of goods.
How the world wars affected the state of the channel
Neither the First nor the Second World Wars spared the August Canal. The map will show a lotstrategically important areas that were protected from invaders. And today, along its entire length, there are preserved concrete pillboxes, which were badly damaged from the transferred battles. During the First World War, some locks were destroyed, dams were burned, but in general the canal was preserved.
The Second World War affected him much more. The famous defensive line of Molotov ran along its shore. Fierce fighting completely destroyed the canal's hydraulic structures.
Revival of the August Canal
The surviving Polish part of the artificial reservoir prompted the idea of using it as a cultural and historical monument, recreation and tourism center. In 2004, the leadership of the Republic of Belarus decided to carry out a complete reconstruction of the canal in connection with its inclusion in the list of historical values of the country and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unique ecosystem
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 - a whole world opens up here, available for viewing during a leisurely walk. The Augustow Canal (Grodno) is framed by the famous forest. It is called Grodno Forest. It is not suitable for walking, it is a thick, impenetrable thicket. In addition, this area is marked as a specially protected area. Many trees here are over 200 years old, this is a real relic forest.
It is inhabited by lynxes and wild boars,roe deer and beavers, deer and elk, not without wolves. Birds living here, especially the black stork, can be found in few places other than these places. The waters of the canal are full of fish, grayling, trout and barbel listed in the Red Book live here.
Hiking and cycling along the banks of the canal
No matter how interesting it is to sail here on a boat, it will not give as many emotions as you get walking along the shores. Summer is the best time to visit the Augustow Canal. A tour without a guide is quite inexpensive, but you can miss a lot of interesting places. The local places are one of the most ecologically clean on the continent. Grodno Forest stretches for many kilometers, making it possible to admire its pristine beauty.
In the heart of the reserve there is a beautiful recreational park with an area of almost 6 hectares. It allocates areas for family and active recreation.
On both banks of the canal there are beautiful landscape gardening complexes, churches and churches. Tourists are allowed to visit them, but you can only go down to the tombs together with an excursion group. If you are traveling on your own, we strongly recommend visiting the palace and park complex in the village of Svyatsk, garden and park complexes dating back to the 17th century in the villages of Belye Boloty and Radzivilki. Military history buffs will love looking at the forts and fortresses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the fortifications of the Molotov Line. It will be useful for young people to look at the places where their grandfathers heroically defended their homeland.
Boat excursions
Passenger steamers ply the route daily. Depending on the chosen tour, they go 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 rent the entire ship and celebrate a birthday or other holiday with a friendly company. An hour will cost less than $30.
Such a holiday is suitable for those who do not like to walk, but want to see all the local attractions. The channel is not wide, which allows you to literally absorb the beauty of its banks. In addition, the ship makes stops so that tourists can see especially significant places.
Features of different tours
Tourists can choose different programs for several hours or days. Whether it's a Sunday walk or a holiday in Belarus - be sure that you will have a good time. A full excursion is a long swim with locking. Bicycle rental is part of the tour program. Having stopped in a beautiful place, led by a guide, you will make an exciting journey and look at the Augustow Canal from different angles. Photos taken on its banks will remind you of pleasant moments for a long time.
Family and corporate holidays
Sit quietly on the shore, breathe fresh air, fish - this option is most often chosen for a family vacation. The Augustow Canal is ideal for this. Pavilions located along itbanks, allow you to comfortably accommodate all members of the team, they have tables, barbecues and all the necessary accessories. Fragrant shish kebab or fresh fish baked on coals will add romance to your adventure. The only downside is that you can't swim here. The canal is navigable, so security measures do not allow beaches to be equipped.
Local Attractions
They are best visited with a guide. In the village of Nemovo, an old house of a lock keeper, built in the 18th century, has been preserved. Be sure to check out the Museum of the Augustow Canal, where its whole history comes to life, there are good examples of old maps of the area and canal schemes. The exhibition presents handwritten documents, photographs and household items.
Further, the path of tourists usually runs through the village of Sopotskin. Beautiful monuments of the 16th century, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph Kuntsevich have been preserved here. In addition, you can see the Gothic chapels, and lovers of antiquity - even look at the oldest Jewish cemetery.
August Canal never ceases to amaze even after a series of excursions. Here it is impossible to breathe the air, and time stops. Moments spent in the bosom of untouched nature are forever remembered, and you want to come back here again and again.
