Gorczyca Lock

Gorczyca Lock is the eighth lock on the Augustów Canal, located in the picturesque village of Gorczyca, 57 kilometers from the canal's outlet into the Biebrza River. It was designed and built in 1828 by engineer Jerzy Arnold, making it an example of early 19th-century hydraulic engineering. Architecturally, it stands out with its wooden gates and well-preserved structure, which was restored to its original condition during a major renovation completed in 2003. The lock is 43.23 meters long, 5.95 meters wide, and has a level difference of 2.81 meters, playing an important role in water regulation on this section of the canal. Historically, the lock has a rich background. During World War II, in 1944, it was damaged in an operation carried out by the Home Army, which conducted a sabotage action aimed at disrupting German infrastructure. After the wartime destruction, the lock was rebuilt in 1947–1948 and again in 1954, highlighting its importance and role in local water transport. In addition to its transport function, the canal and its locks, including Gorczyca, also hold cultural significance as a tourist attraction and a testament to the region's rich history. An interesting fact is that the Augustów Canal, on which the Gorczyca Lock is located, was built as a connection between the Vistula and the Neman Rivers, with its history dating back to the early 19th century. The canal not only facilitated timber transport, which was particularly important at the time, but also became a popular recreational destination for tourists, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for sailing and spending time on the water. Thus, the Gorczyca Lock is not only an important piece of water infrastructure but also a significant point on the historical and tourist map of Podlasie.