Magdeburg Water Bridge, Splendor River in Upper River

Magdeburg Water Bridge

Magdeburg Water Bridge is the navigational waterways in Germany that connects the Elbe-Havel Canal to the Mittelland Canal and allow the ship to cross over the River Elbe as high as 918 meters. Magdeburg Water Bridge is the longest navigational waterways in the world.

Elbe-Havel Canal and the Mittelland canal previously met near Magdeburg but on opposite sides of the Elbe. Ships from Elbe-Havel Canal to the Mittelland Canal must first take a detour along the 12 kilometers, down from the Mittelland Canal through the giant water Rothensee lift to lift the boat to the Elbe, then sailing against the current.

Before entering the Elbe-Havel Canal had to go through Niegripp Lock. Receding water levels in the Elbe often make the ship loaded cargo crossings can not do this, and it takes much longer for loading and unloading ships.

This aqueduct construction started in 1930 but due to World War 2 and subsequent division of Germany, the work was delayed until 1997. Aqueduct was finally completed and opened to the public in 2003.