Wasserstraßenkreuz Minden

After a long period of planning, construction began in 1906 on what was a gigantic project at the time: The Rhine-Weser Canal. A 341-metre-long bridge leads the Mittelland Canal over the Weser, forming one of the largest waterway crossings in the world.

In order to get from the Mittelland Canal to the Weser or vice versa, the shaft lock was built in 1914. As this no longer meets the requirements of today's ships, the Weser lock was opened directly next to the Schachtschleuse in 2017, which now also allows locks for large motor cargo ships.

The information center at the Schachtschleuse provides more information about the German waterway network and inland waterway transport systems. It is open from April to October from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 18:00.

There is also an adventure trail on site that connects the sights at the Oberhafen and the waterway junction in a circular tour. The tour is approx. 4 km long. In addition to the locks, you will see the Sympher monument, the sailing mast of the Holfast skippers' association, the large and small pumping station and many other exciting attractions. The other attractions can also be found as excursion destinations in the Teutonavigator.