The Halden Canal is one of Norway’s oldest canals, stretching over 75 kilometers from Tistedal near Halden to Skulerud in Aurskog-Høland. Construction began in 1852 under the direction of canal builder Engebret Soot, and the canal was officially opened in 1860.
The canal features several lock systems that allow boat traffic through beautiful lakes and impressive engineering works. Among them are the Brekke Locks, which, with their four lock chambers and a total lift of 26.6 meters, form Europe’s highest consecutive lock system. The Ørje Locks, with three chambers and a total lift of 10 meters, are also remarkable, with lock gates still operated manually.
The Halden Canal is not only a technical masterpiece but also a living cultural monument, offering unique nature experiences and a glimpse into 19th-century Norwegian engineering.
