Lock «Nemnovo»

Nemnovo Lock is a unique structure of the Augustow Canal, located in the picturesque area of the Grodno Region, just 7 kilometers northeast of the town of Sopockin. It is the largest hydraulic engineering facility along the entire canal, including both the Belarusian and Polish sections. The Augustow Canal is a rare example of 19th-century engineering thought, recognized as a monument of international hydraulic architecture and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It connects the river basins of the Vistula and Neman, passing through Poland and Belarus and linking seven scenic lakes.

The Nemnovo Lock is of particular interest to tourists and scholars of engineering architecture. It is not just a technical structure — it is a testimony to the large-scale engineering achievements of its time. Visiting it is one of the highlights of many tours around Belarus, especially popular during the warmer months. A tour from Minsk to the Nemnovo Lock is a great opportunity to discover a rare monument, unique nature, and the atmosphere of Belarus’ borderlands.

History of Construction

The construction of the Nemnovo Lock was carried out as part of the grand project to build the Augustow Canal in the first half of the 19th century. The design was developed by the renowned engineer Ignacy Prądzyński, while the construction was directly supervised by Lieutenant Colonel Jan Paweł Lelewel. In recognition of his contribution, a memorial plaque with his name was installed on the lock wall — a historical detail especially appreciated during guided tours of the lock.

Originally, the lock had two chambers. In 1833, a third chamber was added as the project was refined. However, the most significant change to the structure occurred in the 21st century: in 2006, during a large-scale restoration of the canal, the Nemnovo Lock received a fourth chamber. This was prompted by the lowering of the Neman River’s water level caused by gravel mining in the 1970s, which formed the Dmisevichi Bay and led to a drop in water level to 1.5 meters. These engineering and environmental changes are an important part of the historical context shared during tours around Belarus that include a visit to the canal.

Architecture of the Lock

The architectural and engineering design of the Nemnovo Lock is impressive in both scale and precision. With four chambers, it is not only the largest lock on the Augustow Canal, but also one of the most technically complex. The water level difference here reaches about 10 meters, and the entire locking process takes about an hour. It’s a spectacular and educational process that sparks great interest among visitors.

The lock's design includes both metal and wooden gates. The metal ones were manufactured at the Volkovysk Foundry Equipment Plant — each gate weighs up to 6 tons. The wooden gates, though lighter (about 2 tons), are equally impressive: 4 meters wide and 6 meters high. They are equipped with special levers for manual operation, which is particularly fascinating during guided demonstrations. The gates also have openings to let water in and fill the chambers — an essential part of the lock's operation.

Next to the lock stands the lockkeeper’s house, built in 1830. During the canal’s restoration, it was renovated and is now part of the architectural complex accessible to tourists. This historic building adds character to the site and is often featured in photo sessions along the canal.

Excursions with Lock Viewing

The Nemnovo Lock is one of the most interesting sites included in tours around Belarus. It is frequently visited by tourists taking tours from Minsk. Such itineraries typically include not only the lock but also other attractions in the region.

During a guided tour of the Nemnovo Lock, visitors can walk across the drawbridge, watch the locking process, examine the gate mechanisms in detail, and learn many fascinating facts about the canal’s history and reconstruction. These tours are not just a stroll but a full-fledged journey through time that you can book on the website Ekskursii.by.

If you wish to combine time in nature, engineering marvels, and historical context, booking a tour with a guided visit to the Nemnovo Lock is a great idea. This destination is equally appealing to adults and children, to nature lovers, history buffs, technology enthusiasts, and active travelers.