Twentekanaal

The Twentekanaal (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈtʋɛntəkaːˌnaːl]) is a canal running through the Dutch provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel, connecting the three largest cities of the Twente region, Almelo, Hengelo and Enschede to the national network of rivers and canals.

The Twentekanaal starts at the IJssel North of Zutphen at the village of Eefde and runs through Almen, Lochem, Goor, Delden and Hengelo to Enschede.

Both canals (Zutphen - Enschede and the fork Delden - Almelo) are managed by Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch government body responsible for waterways).

In 1953 the canal was extended and the fork was constructed, connecting the harbour of Almelo and the Kanaal Almelo-De Haandrik to the Twentekanaal.

Due to a large fire at Vredestein in Enschede the channel section was closed for weeks to prevent spreading pollution.

Furthermore, the canal has a recreational function for both sailing and fishing, drainage and the drinking watersupply of Enschede.

On the part of the canal from Hengelo to Enschede much training of professional rowers takes place.

As a result of a few serious accidents between Cargo ships and skiffs a learning and exchange project was started to generate mutual respect and understanding between these two groups.

Twentekanaal in Enschede
Twentekanaal at the Dochterense bridge in the vicinity of Lochem
The Canal Lock at Eefde