Apeldoorn Canal
The Apeldoorn Canal ( Dutch Apeldoorns Kanaal ) is a canal in the Dutch province of Gelderland . It runs in a north-south direction from Hattem , through Apeldoorn , to Dieren , which makes it a branch of the river IJssel . The length of the canal is 52 km.
The canal was originally created to promote trade and industry in Apeldoorn. In addition, it should offer shipping an alternative to the IJssel, which often flows too quickly. The excavation work began in 1825 and in 1829 the northern section between Hattem and Apeldoorn was put into operation. Most of the costs of 300,000 fl were borne by King Wilhelm I of the Netherlands . Construction of the southern section between Apeldoorn and Dieren did not begin until 1858. It was completed in 1869. The three-stage lock that made it possible to connect to the IJssel in Dieren was unique .
With the advent of the railroad and motorized road traffic, the importance of the Apeldoorn Canal as a traffic artery decreased. In 1962 the northern section was taken out of service. Nevertheless, the widening and renewal of the southern section was still started. However, it became clear that this would not be worth it and in 1972 this part of the canal was also decommissioned.
Nowadays the Apeldoorn Canal is no longer navigable because the bridges, including bascule bridges , and locks can no longer be operated. In addition, a number of low bridges have now been built at various points, making navigation impossible.
There are several sights along the Apeldoorn Canal, such as watermills and locks. A cycle path runs along the entire southern section and canoeing and pedal boats are offered at various points on the canal . There are plans to re-open the canal to pleasure boats along its entire length. The resulting costs are considerable, however, since all obstacles would first have to be removed and the movable bridges still in place would have to be restored.
