Mittellandkanal

The Mittellandkanal (English: Mittelland Canal) is a major German inland waterway and an important artery of the European waterway network. It runs roughly west to east across the North German Plain, linking the Rhine river basin in the west with the Elbe river basin in the east via the Elbe-Havel Canal. The canal traverses several federal states and provides a continuous route for freight traffic between western ports and central and eastern Germany, supporting both economic activity and intermodal transport.

Construction and operation: The Mittellandkanal was developed in the early 20th century, with its main sections completed by the mid-1930s. It has since undergone modernization, including improvements to depth, width, and locks to accommodate larger vessels and higher traffic levels. The canal is operated by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) and remains a central freight corridor for bulk goods, containers, and other cargo.

Connections and significance: By linking the Rhine and Elbe basins, the MLK enables ships to travel from western ports to central and eastern Germany without entering international waters. It connects with other major canals and waterways, forming an integrated network that supports regional economies, industrial activity, and long-distance inland shipping. The Mittellandkanal is one of Germany’s longest artificial waterways and remains a key element of the country’s inland transport infrastructure.