It was built in 1682 by the famous military engineer Vauban, principally to transport sandstone from the quarries of Soultz for use in the construction of the fortifications of Strasbourg.

The last commercial load was carried in 1939 and the canal formally closed in 1957, after bridges damaged during World War II were rebuilt with insufficient headroom for navigation.

[1][2][3] The canal is 20 kilometres (12 mi) long and has 11 locks on its course, with a total rise of almost 30 metres (98 ft).

[1][2] Although no longer navigable, the canal is retained in water, and is now managed by the Conseil Départemental du Bas-Rhin.

The towpath has been converted into a cycle path, which forms part of the 3,900-kilometre (2,400 mi) long EuroVelo 5 route that links London with Brindisi.