Dortmund-Ems Kanal
212.24 km | 131.88 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kanal
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The Dortmund-Ems Canal (DEK) is a 223-kilometer-long federal waterway that has connected the Ruhr region with the North Sea since its opening in 1899. It stretches from the Dortmund city harbor in North Rhine-Westphalia to Papenburg in Lower Saxony, where it flows into the Ems River, which continues as a maritime shipping route to Emden. The canal is not only important for commercial shipping but also offers numerous opportunities for recreational sports, particularly for water sports enthusiasts such as canoeists, rowers, and recreational boaters. Along the canal, there are numerous harbors and moorings specifically designed for recreational sports.
Harbors and moorings for recreational sports
The quality and amenities of the moorings vary greatly – from simple moorings without services to well-equipped marinas with restrooms, swell protection, and dining options. Here is an overview of some of the important points along the canal:
Dortmund City Harbor (km 1.44): The starting point of the DEK is a historic harbor that is now also open to recreational boaters. For example, the German eight-person team trains here, and there are moorings for pleasure boats. The harbor offers an urban atmosphere with proximity to the city.
Waltrop Marina (km 19): Located near the historic Henrichenburg ship lift, the Ribbrock Marina (a branch of the DEK) offers protection from swell through a narrow harbor entrance. Ideal for recreational boats, with basic amenities.
Dortmund Canal City Datteln Marina (km 39): This harbor is located near the canal junction with the Wesel-Datteln Canal and the Datteln-Hamm Canal. It is a popular destination for recreational boaters and offers shelter and good infrastructure.
Tomberge Marina (km 50): Another well-protected harbor with swell protection provided by a narrow entrance. Operated by the Tomberge Yacht Club, it is a quiet spot for pleasure boats in the Münsterland region.
Marina Alte Fahrt Fuestrup (km 80): Located in an old arm of the canal, this marina offers an idyllic setting with modern facilities, ideal for longer stays.
Lingen Marina (km 141-142): Several moorings are available here, including the Ems Yacht Club Lingen with a dog-friendly pier and restroom facilities, as well as a small harbor in the Ems weir, managed by the Hotel "Zum Wasserfall." The old harbor in Lingen is located right next to the city center and is perfect for excursions.
Haren Marina (km 178): A newer harbor in the old arm, the "Blue Danube," offers modern moorings and a relaxed atmosphere.
Emstal Marina Park (km 199): A larger leisure harbor with comprehensive services, ideal for longer stops.
Rhede Sportboothafen (km 217.9): A smaller harbor with moorings for pleasure boats, which has limited use during low water levels.
There are also numerous rest areas along the canal, often free of charge but mostly without service. Examples include the mooring at the Bevergern Lock (km 110) or the small harbor in the oxbow near Altenrheine (km 117), which is ideal for overnight stays.
Special Features for Recreational Boaters
The DEK has been open to recreational boaters since 1990, making it a paradise for recreational boaters. The route offers a mix of artificial canal, the dam-regulated Ems River, and tide-influenced sections, making navigation varied. However, recreational canal users should consider a few points when planning their trip:
Locks: The canal has ten canal embankments and five Ems barrages that must be negotiated. The locks vary in size and condition; some, like Rheine (km 132), are modernized, while others offer limited waiting positions.
Swell: Many berths are exposed to the swell of commercial shipping, so harbors with swell protection should be preferred.
Tide and weather: From the Herbrum Lock (km 212.6), the canal is tide-dependent, and strong winds can cause unpleasant seas in the lower reaches. The Ems Lateral Canal from Oldersum offers an alternative.
Preparation: Careful planning is necessary, as buoys, fishing nets, and special regulations (e.g., closures by the Meyer shipyard) can affect the journey.
Conclusion
The Dortmund-Ems Canal combines industrial history with recreational activities and offers water sports enthusiasts a variety of harbors and berths. From urban hotspots like Dortmund to tranquil oxbow lakes in Emsland, there's something for everyone. With proper preparation, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing tour—whether for a day or a longer journey to the North Sea.
Harbors and moorings for recreational sports
The quality and amenities of the moorings vary greatly – from simple moorings without services to well-equipped marinas with restrooms, swell protection, and dining options. Here is an overview of some of the important points along the canal:
Dortmund City Harbor (km 1.44): The starting point of the DEK is a historic harbor that is now also open to recreational boaters. For example, the German eight-person team trains here, and there are moorings for pleasure boats. The harbor offers an urban atmosphere with proximity to the city.
Waltrop Marina (km 19): Located near the historic Henrichenburg ship lift, the Ribbrock Marina (a branch of the DEK) offers protection from swell through a narrow harbor entrance. Ideal for recreational boats, with basic amenities.
Dortmund Canal City Datteln Marina (km 39): This harbor is located near the canal junction with the Wesel-Datteln Canal and the Datteln-Hamm Canal. It is a popular destination for recreational boaters and offers shelter and good infrastructure.
Tomberge Marina (km 50): Another well-protected harbor with swell protection provided by a narrow entrance. Operated by the Tomberge Yacht Club, it is a quiet spot for pleasure boats in the Münsterland region.
Marina Alte Fahrt Fuestrup (km 80): Located in an old arm of the canal, this marina offers an idyllic setting with modern facilities, ideal for longer stays.
Lingen Marina (km 141-142): Several moorings are available here, including the Ems Yacht Club Lingen with a dog-friendly pier and restroom facilities, as well as a small harbor in the Ems weir, managed by the Hotel "Zum Wasserfall." The old harbor in Lingen is located right next to the city center and is perfect for excursions.
Haren Marina (km 178): A newer harbor in the old arm, the "Blue Danube," offers modern moorings and a relaxed atmosphere.
Emstal Marina Park (km 199): A larger leisure harbor with comprehensive services, ideal for longer stops.
Rhede Sportboothafen (km 217.9): A smaller harbor with moorings for pleasure boats, which has limited use during low water levels.
There are also numerous rest areas along the canal, often free of charge but mostly without service. Examples include the mooring at the Bevergern Lock (km 110) or the small harbor in the oxbow near Altenrheine (km 117), which is ideal for overnight stays.
Special Features for Recreational Boaters
The DEK has been open to recreational boaters since 1990, making it a paradise for recreational boaters. The route offers a mix of artificial canal, the dam-regulated Ems River, and tide-influenced sections, making navigation varied. However, recreational canal users should consider a few points when planning their trip:
Locks: The canal has ten canal embankments and five Ems barrages that must be negotiated. The locks vary in size and condition; some, like Rheine (km 132), are modernized, while others offer limited waiting positions.
Swell: Many berths are exposed to the swell of commercial shipping, so harbors with swell protection should be preferred.
Tide and weather: From the Herbrum Lock (km 212.6), the canal is tide-dependent, and strong winds can cause unpleasant seas in the lower reaches. The Ems Lateral Canal from Oldersum offers an alternative.
Preparation: Careful planning is necessary, as buoys, fishing nets, and special regulations (e.g., closures by the Meyer shipyard) can affect the journey.
Conclusion
The Dortmund-Ems Canal combines industrial history with recreational activities and offers water sports enthusiasts a variety of harbors and berths. From urban hotspots like Dortmund to tranquil oxbow lakes in Emsland, there's something for everyone. With proper preparation, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing tour—whether for a day or a longer journey to the North Sea.
