Schaalseekanal

The Schaalseekanal is an artificial waterway in Schleswig-Holstein that connects the area of the Schaalsee with that of the Ratzeburger See. It serves as a power plant canal for the Farchau hydroelectric power station.
In the early 20th century, there were also efforts in Schleswig-Holstein to utilize hydropower for electricity generation and thus promote industrialization. In 1909, planning for a hydroelectric power plant that would harness the waters of the Schaalsee area began for the first time. However, this project was not realized due to costs. It was only after the defeat of the German Empire in World War I and the associated territorial concessions that hydropower became interesting again compared to imported coal. In the spring of 1923, the construction of the Schaalseekanal was approved by the district council. Construction began in the winter of the same year, and it was completed in 1925. This artificially altered the watershed between the North and Baltic Seas. The Schaalsee now also drains through the Ratzeburger See, the Wakenitz, and the Trave into the Baltic Sea.

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