Locks
The glacial region presents a challenge for shipping: there is a 38-metre difference in height to overcome between the Malzer Canal near Liebenwalde and the Oder-Havel Canal near Liepe. On the Finow Canal, this is achieved with the help of 13 locks, some of which are still operated manually by a lock thrower.
Lock operation Finowkanal
Lock operation times 2026
18.04. – 18.10.:
daily 9.00 – 16.45 Uhr
Please note: the locks Ruhlsdorf, Leesenbrück, Grafenbrück, Schöpfurt, Heegermühle and Wolfswinkel are currently under construction. It is planned to reopen the locks one after another during the season of 2026.
The lock Wolfswinkel will be under construction during the 2026 season so that it wont be possible to navigate the whole length of the Finowkanal.
Maximum speed: 6 km/h
Requirements for navigation: no license required
Maximum boat dimensions L x W x H in meters: 41.50 x 5.10 x 3.86 m
Maximum draught: 1,20 m
Bridge opening times 2026
Lifting bridge Eisenspalterei and bascule Niederfinow: on request
If necessary, you can request that the bridges be opened for boats by calling the Finow Canal Regional Association at +49 151 724 388 71.
Canoes can pass the bridges when they are closed
Information and contact
Lock management Finowkanal:
For further information, please contact the lock management by telephone on +49 151 724 388 71 or send us an e-mail.
You can also find the latest information on lock operations, disruptions, or closures on ELWIS or on our “Notices for Boaters” page.
Current water levels can be found at pegelonline.
Navigability of the Finowkanal
Closed locks:
Ruhlsdorf, Leesenbrück, Grafenbrück, Schöpfurt, Heegermühle, Wolfswinkel
Operation on request:
Kupferhammer, Drahthammer
( 24h in advance under: +49 151 724 388 71)
Open locks:
Stadtschleuse, Ragöse, Stecher, Liepe
Start of season 18.04.2026
Under monument protection
Locks with history
The Finowkanal is the oldest artificial waterway in Germany that is still navigable. For more than 400 years, it has connected the Havel River with the Oder River and was, for a long time, one of the most important transportation routes in the Mark Brandenburg. In 1603, Elector Joachim Friedrich Wilhelm ordered that the Havel River be connected to the Oder River near Liebenwalde via the small Finow River. After its opening in 1620, the canal fell into disrepair during the Thirty Years’ War. In 1743, the Finow Canal was restored with a modified route and more robust locks.
Lock operation Langer Trödel
Lock operation times 2026
18.04. – 18.10.:
- Upstream locking: every hour from 08:50 to 17:50
- Downstream locking: every hour from 09:10 to 18:10
Bridge opening times 2026
18.04. – 18.10.:
- Bascule bridge L100 Zerpenschleuse: hourly 9:35 – 17:35
- Lift bridge Forststr. Zerpenschleuse: 10:15; 13:15; 16:15 and as required
- Bascule bridge L21 Liebenwalde 8:30; hourly 09:45 – 16:45; 18:10 and 19:30
Operating times schip lifts Niederfinow
Operating times of the ship lifts
01.01. – 31.12.: daily from 6:00 a.m. till 10 p.m.
Waiting times are to be expected due to the legally prescribed break times for lock staff. Interruptions to operating times will be announced on notices at the locks. The responsible waterways and shipping authority may temporarily set and announce different operating times for traffic or operational reasons.
Lock operation Werbellinkanal
Lock operation times 2026
28.03. – 30.09.: daily 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
10.10. – 31.10.: daily 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
01.11. – 17.11.: daily 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
To boat from the Finowkanal to Werbellin lake, you will pass through the Rosenbeck and Eichhorst locks. Both locks are automated and monitored remotely. Lock operations are initiated at the user’s request and controlled via a signaling system. Please note that during the summer, due to low water levels in the Werbellin lae, there may be delays of one or even two hours. For more information, please visit:
10 Rules for safe locking
- Follow instructions
Always follow the instructions of the lock staff—for your safety. - Approach slowly
Enter the lock at reduced speed. Overtaking is prohibited in the lock area. - Wait until its your turn
Boat are admitted in the order in which they arrive. Priority is given to commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and government vehicles. - Enter or exit only upon authorization
Vessels may enter the lock chamber only upon instruction from the lock personnel—or, in the case of automated locks, upon receiving a signal—even if the gates are open. - Prepare the fenders and lines
Before entering the lock, deploy the fenders and have the lines and boat hook ready. - Ruhig in die Schleuse einfahren
Beim Einfahren Geschwindigkeit weiter verringern, um Zusammenstöße mit Toren oder anderen Booten zu vermeiden. - Secure the boat properly
Secure within the area marked by the yellow lines. Do not tie the lines tightly; instead, always adjust the tension by loosening or tightening the line as needed. - Watch for currents
Be aware of currents from emtying or filling the lock chamber and created by larger vessels. - Stay on board
No one is allowed to board or disembark during the locking (except in an emergency). - Be considerate and stay calm
Use fenders to cushion impacts, and always keep a safe distance.