Curious how the Skagerrakkanal got its name? It’s quite a story. This canal in Hamburg-Alsterdorf has a tale to tell.
The Skagerrakkanal is a side canal off the Alster. It stretches 1,125 meters. For most of its length, it’s 20 meters wide. A 70-meter section widens to 40 meters.
Construction of the Skagerrakkanal occurred between 1913 and 1918. During this time, the Alster’s course was straightened from Ohlsdorf to Winterhude. Besides the Ringkanal, the Brabandkanal, Skagerrakkanal and Inselkanal were created. These canals enabled more construction near the water.
The Skagerrakkanal branches from the Alster. It is just behind the Hindenburgbrücke on the left. This is towards the south. The Rathenaustraße crosses the canal there. The Skagerrakbrücke carries this road. The canal curves westward after that. It then runs parallel to the Alster.
After 440 meters, the Alsterdorfer Brücke crosses the canal. This bridge carries the Alsterdorfer Damm. The Skagerrakkanal curves southwest. It continues to run parallel to the Alster. The Wolffsonbrücke follows 225 meters later. It is for pedestrians and cyclists. After another 320 meters, the Rathenaustraße crosses again. This time it is the Rathenaubrücke. Finally, the Skagerrakkanal flows back into the Alster. This is after 70 meters. It’s just before the Inselkanal branches off. The Metzgerbrücke is nearby.
The artificial island between the Alster and Skagerrakkanal stretches 1,000 meters. It is up to 200 meters wide. The Rathenaustraße provides access. The Alsterdorfer Damm crosses the island.
The Skagerrakkanal’s name commemorates the Battle of Skagerrak in 1916. This naval battle was between the German and English fleets. It’s a reminder of a significant historical event.
The Skagerrakbrücke, also in Alsterdorf, crosses the Skagerrakkanal. It is near the Alster. The bridge’s name also commemorates the Battle of Skagerrak. The Skagerrakbrücke was originally built in the 1910s. Fritz Schumacher was Hamburg’s Director of Construction at the time. It was renovated around 1985. The bridge is 20.80 meters long. It is a listed cultural monument.
Interestingly, another bridge existed in 1914. It was at the other end of the Skagerrakkanal. For a few years, it was called the Western Skagerrakbrücke. It is now known as the Rathenaubrücke. So, the Skagerrakkanal area has quite a history of names and connections to the Battle of Skagerrak.