Finow Canal / Niederfinow – Prussian Memorial Sites

A canal between the River Havel and the River Oder
The Finow Canal is one of the oldest man-made waterways in Germany still in operation. As the first Finow Canal (1605) was destroyed in the Thirty Years’ War, Friedrich II ordered a second canal to be built in 1743. After a three year construction period, on 16 June 1746 a ship carrying 100t of salt became the first voyage along the new waterway. Fifteen barrages were built along the canal to overcome the height difference between the River Havel and the River Oder. The Finow Canal largely advanced economic development along the canal between Liebenwalde and Niederfinow, especially the establishment of metalworking trades.

The first standardised inland shipping baysize, the so-called ‘Finowmaß’, was set in Prussia by royal order. The canal locks were designed in such a way that there was space for exactly two ships side-by-side with these dimensions. These dimensions are still important for planning canals and locks.

Cycle paths and hiking trails along the towpath route

The Finow Canal dating from the reign of Friedrich II still exists but the locks have been repeatedly rebuilt. The oldest dam dated from the early 19th century. The towpath along the canal from Finowfurt to the Niederfinow boat lift is now a cycle path and hiking trail and an attraction for watersports tourists.