Bydgoszcz Canal - History and Role

The Bydgoszcz Canal was the unique hydrotechnical monument. This magnificent monument of genius linked the tributaries of the Oder and the Vistula. The idea of linking waterways of the East and the West was exceptional.

The Bydgoszcz Canal over centuries influenced the economic development of Bydgoszcz, thanks to the new waterway the City on the Brda river in the 19th century became the important economic centre.

In spring 1773 the builders Dornstein, Gilly and Igler started works on the dike for the canal of length 26,77 km. The works were completed by August, when the next stage started. Then, the majority of workers was sent to sawmills and to work on reduction of Noteć bends.

These works lasted to November, when workers started digging supplying canal, which provided water on the highest point of the canal. Simultaneously, workers covered banks with fascine and built locks – 9 locks made of wood on the canal and one on the Brda river.

The most significant works lasted to spring 1774, and as early as 9 June took place the first and as it later turned out the unsuccessful floating of the first transport – two barges with lime. The works were done in a hurry which affected their quality. 

The Bydgoszcz Canal required drying, because peat and soil from the bottom went up and the lock built by the construction adviser Holsche in Prądy was damaged. The work on drying and strengthening of riverbed lasted to the mid September 1774.

From 1882 to 1884 the new lock of unique worldwide trapezoid shape was created. The new lock was located approximately 50 m north of the north head of the old one, in the wide – there- bend of the Brda river.

In order to keep the previous width of the river, the area on its river bank was dug up, cutting the huge part of the cape on the area of the factory of Buchholza of that time (present day University of Economy).

The new lock was an innovative construction, the interesting example of the 19th century technical thought. Peculiar was not only the trapezoid shape of the chamber, but also constructional arrangements, like the location of upper and lower gate in one head.

The disadvantage of this construction was the need of earlier turning of barges, in order to make them sail back to lock.

In the second half of the 19th century inland sailing in Germany slowly gave its way to railway transport. In the society more and mote voices against sailing on waterways could be heard, while the lobby connected with railway transport was becoming stronger.

Even though the strong merchant and industrial zones brought the discussions about waterways not only to parliament but also to press. The concern of Bydgoszcz inhabitants was even greater in view of Russian attempts to build the waterway Vistula – Warta.

In this situation the resolution of German Parliament was made in 1905 in case of redevelopment of the waterway Odra – Vistula. The realization of this resolution was planed for 10 years.

The waterways were planed to be adjusted to the standards dictated by Merchant associations, namely to transport barges with over 400 tonnes capacity (two Finow boats or one of Wrocław type). 

In the mid 19th century Commons Park became the visiting card of the city, and the place of recreation and leisure. At this time first restaurants, dancing halls were created and all types of attractions such as kneesups – 

the most important were open-air balls, painting and photography venues, exhibitions, summer theatres, or during winters – ice rinks. Also during the interwar period the park did not lose its predominant position of one of the major attractions of the city.

All citizens and tourists spend their time on locks, where they were relaxing or having fun. 

Numerous restaurants, cafes and attractions awaited people from the lock II and Mikulski’s restaurant through Holy Trinity street and magnificent Patzer’s Garden near the lock II.

Near present day Jackowskiego street there were restaurants owned by Wieszczyński and Sikorski. However, the most popular were the restaurants located further, in the west side of the Bydgoszcz Canal, near the lock IV - Kleinert’s Garden or Krüger’s restaurant.

The V lock was home of one of the greatest restaurants, one of them belonged to Karl Rasmus, while the other called “Blumenschleuse” – the Flower Lock to Hans Rattey.  

The oldest restaurant boasted of a dancing hall, where magnificent banquets took place. Further at the end of the park one could spend time on Świtały pitch in Buchholz’s and Uliszewski’s restaurants. Holidays went with military bands. 

It was also a venue of painting in the open air, boat rides and dog training. During winters, skaters who gathered between the lock III and IV, were a frequent picture in the areas of present day Grunwaldzkie Roundabout.