Kanał Bydgoski w bydgoskich przewodnikach turystycznych

Abstrakt

The 26-km long Bydgoszcz Canal connecting the Noteć River with the Brda River and the Vistula River was built in 1773-1774. In 1915, a new part of the canal was opened with two locks, whereas the existing part, known as the old Canal, was decommissioned. Since the beginning of its operation, trees and shrubs were planted on both banks, creating areas perfect for walking known as planty. It was a green belt with restaurants stretching from the Brda River to the 6th lock (4 km). The first German guides highlight recreational values of these areas. After 1920, the old Canal has been a beautiful recreational site with magnificent tree alleys, eateries and tourist attractions, with an active social life. Guides encourage to tour technical heritage landmarks of the new Bydgoszcz Canal, in particular locks. After World War II and political system changes in Poland, planty is treated as a park rather than tourist attraction. Until the end of the period of the Polish People’s Republic, the guides were writing about the need of modernization of the canal, increasing shipping activities and its international role in inland navigation. In 1972, part of the old Canal along with locks no. 2 and 3 was backfilled, and trees were cleared in order to build a new street in this place. The guides did not take into consideration utilization of the canal for the needs of tourist trafficand recreation was promoted in suburban villages. At the turn of the 21st century, transport activities died down on the canal, and it was turned into a historical museum facility. All guides, regardless of their edition, excluding the most recent publications, do not mention tourist traffic on the Bydgoszcz Canal. Sailors and kayakers are not present on this water body, even small leisure boats for tourists are not seen there, choosing instead the Brda and Vistula rivers.