Śluza Swoboda

The Śluza Swoboda (Swoboda Lock), the seventh lock on the Augustów Canal, is located in the picturesque Augustów Primeval Forest, near Lake Studzieniczne. It was built between 1826 and 1827 under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel and Engineer Jan Paweł Lelewel. Its architecture features metal gates and a reinforced concrete bridge, which were modernized in the 1960s, although the new gate operating mechanism proved inefficient and was eventually restored to the original balance beam system. In terms of dimensions, the lock is 45.77 meters long, 5.95 meters wide, and has a level difference of 1.7 meters. The water intakes cooperate with the surrounding Swoboda Pond, which supplies the lock. Historically, Śluza Swoboda is a significant element of the Augustów Canal, which dates back to the first half of the 19th century. The lock's renovation in 2018, carried out at a cost of 5.1 million PLN, was the last in a series of modernizations on the Polish side of the canal. The official reopening took place during the "Autumn on the Augustów Canal" picnic, highlighting the lock's importance not only as a hydrotechnical structure but also as a venue for cultural gatherings. Śluza Swoboda also attracts tourists due to its surroundings and unique architecture. In addition to functional structures such as the control booth and residential house for employees, there are natural elements like the pond, which adds recreational value. A photo gallery featuring images of the upper gates, the footbridge over the lock, and a commemorative plaque dedicated to its builder provides a rich resource for enthusiasts of architecture and regional history. Thus, Śluza Swoboda is not only an important part of water infrastructure but also a testament to history and a cultural meeting place that brings people together.