The Tałty Canal and the Grunwald Canal are among the most important waterway connections in this part of Masuria. Together they make the lakes into a single, larger system.
The Tałty Canal connects Lake Tałtowisko with Lake Tałty. It was built as far back as the 18th century as part of a large Prussian programme to develop inland waterways.
After the Napoleonic Wars the canal fell into disrepair and became partially silted up. In the 19th century, however, it was dredged and restored to working order.
The Grunwald Canal connects Lake Tałtowisko with Lake Kotek. Today a road runs alongside it leading towards Giżycko and Węgorzewo.
A major modernisation of the entire canal system was carried out here just a few years ago. It is an interesting example of a place where historical infrastructure is still being developed and maintained.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that modern boats travel along exactly the same water corridor that was designed over 250 years ago.
The canals look calm and natural, but behind them lie hundreds of years of history, labour and hydraulic engineering.
It is one of those things that are easy to overlook on holiday, but that later turn out to be very characteristic of Masuria.