Shipping Canal through the Vistula Spit

The Shipping Canal through the Vistula Spit is a hydrotechnical structure located on the Vistula Spit, connecting the Vistula Lagoon with the Gulf of Gdańsk. The canal is approximately 1.3 km long and was completed in September 2022. Its infrastructure includes locks, two drawbridges, and breakwaters. The purpose of the Vistula Spit Canal is to allow vessels to bypass the Russian Kaliningrad Oblast, shortening the route to the port of Elbląg. From the very beginning, the project sparked controversy due to its costs, environmental impact, and economic justification. Currently, only small yachts occasionally pass through the canal, and it primarily serves as a tourist attraction costing 2 billion PLN. This may change once the port of Elbląg is deepened.
Supporters of the Shipping Canal emphasize its importance for regional security and development.

How to Get to the Vistula Spit Canal?

The only road leading to the Shipping Canal runs through Stegna and Sztutowo, all the way to Krynica Morska. The canal is located about 3 km past the town of Kąty Rybackie, near the former settlement of "Nowy Świat".
Upon arriving at the canal, on the left side past the Southern Bridge, there is a parking area for several dozen cars, including three spaces for people with disabilities. The parking lot is paved with modern cobblestones, although the sloping terrain may pose difficulties for wheelchair users.

How to Visit the Shipping Canal on the Vistula Spit?

Walking along the canal is very accessible for people with limited mobility. The entire route is paved with new, even cobblestones, allowing for an easy walk from the Gulf of Gdańsk to the Vistula Lagoon. The only obstacles may be strong winds and narrow concrete walkways around the canal drop.
Closer to the Northern Bridge, on the eastern side, there is a viewpoint hill offering a panorama of the entire facility. Reaching it by wheelchair may require assistance, as this informal viewpoint is located over 20 meters above sea level.

Is It Worth Visiting the Vistula Spit Canal?

The Vistula Spit Canal is undoubtedly one of the most controversial and spectacular hydrotechnical investments in Poland in recent years. Although its navigational potential remains underutilized—and tourists enjoying fries and waffles from the many food stands along the canal are a more common sight than ships—the facility has become an interesting regional attraction. Well-developed infrastructure, picturesque views, and the opportunity to walk along modern locks and bridges make it worth visiting, if only for educational purposes. Regardless of economic and environmental assessments, the Vistula Spit Canal is an engineering feat that will be remembered in the history of Polish maritime economy and politics.