VAAJAKOSKEN KANAVA

• Latitude: 62.2453
• Longitude: 25.8806
• Baltic Sea
• Marina in Finland

Location: Finland

Vaajakosken Kanava, also known as the Vaajakoski Canal, is a notable canal located in the city of Jyväskylä, in the Central Finland region. It is an integral part of the waterway system in the area, facilitating navigation and connecting different parts of the water network. Here’s a detailed description and specification of the Vaajakoski Canal:

Description

Location:

• The Vaajakoski Canal is located in Vaajakoski, a district of Jyväskylä, which lies approximately 6 kilometers east of the city center of Jyväskylä.

Historical Background:

• The Vaajakoski Canal dates back over a century, having been an important route for transporting goods and people.
• It has seen several phases of renovation and enhancement to meet modern needs.

Functionality:

• The primary purpose of the canal is to facilitate smooth navigation between different water bodies in Central Finland.
• It provides crucial connectivity between the Keitele-Päijänne waterway, making it a key infrastructural element for both commercial and recreational boating.

Surrounding Area:

• The area around the canal is characterized by scenic landscapes, with lush greenery and picturesque surroundings typical of Finnish nature.
• The canal vicinity includes walkways, parks, and other recreational areas, making it a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

Specifications

Dimensions:

• Length: Approx. 200 meters (Can vary slightly based on specific channel sections and renovations over the years).
• Width: Sufficient to accommodate medium-sized vessels commonly used in Finnish inland waterways.

Locks:

• The canal features locks that manage water levels and facilitate the passage of boats through various sections.
• Typically, each lock has a drop of around 2-3 meters, though this can vary.

Water Depth:

• The canal maintains a navigable depth, typically ranging between 2.5 and 3 meters, allowing for the safe passage of both commercial and recreational vessels.

Capacity:

• The canal is capable of handling a significant amount of boat traffic, particularly during peak tourist seasons in the summer months.

Operations:

• The Vaajakoski Canal operates primarily from late spring through early autumn, with exact dates subject to yearly variations and maintenance schedules.
• There may be scheduled operating hours during which the locks and other canal infrastructure are staffed and functional.

Additional Features:

Boating Services:

• The canal area often provides essential services for boaters including docking facilities, refueling stations, waste disposal points, and water supply.

Tourism and Amenities:

• Since the canal and its surroundings are popular among tourists, there are various amenities such as cafés, restaurants, and picnic spots.
• Boat rentals and guided tours might be available, providing a way for tourists to explore the canal and its network comfortably.

Environmental Considerations:

• There are ongoing efforts to maintain the canal’s ecological balance, ensuring that the natural environment is preserved while supporting navigation and tourism.

The Vaajakoski Canal is not only a functional piece of waterway infrastructure but also a scenic and historically rich area that reflects the harmonious blend of natural beauty and human engineering. It plays a vital role in the local community, supporting both economic activity and leisure.