10 Best Facts about Canals of Leiden

In the center of Leiden (NL) – canal Stille Rijn with Catherinebrug and boat restaurants. Author W. Bulach. WIKIMEDIA

10 Best Facts about Canals of Leiden

Canals of Leiden or simply Leidsevaart are canals that are between the cities of Haarlem and Leiden in the Netherlands. These canals are among the oldest to be built and in use in the Netherlands.

They were dug in 1657 with the major purpose being for transport between Leiden and Haarlem before the rail connection. Goods and people used to travel through the canals before this type of transport was abandoned due to the slow speed.

The outer canal was specifically built to protect the city from any external threats and invasions. Leiden’s inner city is surrounded by an immense six kilometres moat.

The moats are among the biggest ever fortifications in a city in Europe with an intact structure that was never brought down. These canals also run through the city, lined by docks on which huge trees have grown well to anchor boats.

Here are 10 Best Facts about Canals of Leiden:

1. They are Among the Oldest Canals in the Netherlands

The Netherland is known to be a country of large water bodies. Several cities of the Netherlands are surrounded by water where canals and several harbours are built for transport and other recreational activities.

The canals of Leiden are on the list of several canals found in the Netherlands. The canals of Leiden are among the oldest canals in the Netherlands.

They were dug in 1657. Canals of Leiden have always been an important part of Leiden and the Netherlands at large.

2. Canals of Leiden were used for Transport in the Early Centuries

Canals in Leiden, Province of North Holland, Netherlands. Author Zairon –WIKIMEDIA

In the 16th and 17th centuries when there were no roads and rails, water transport was used more. Canals of Leiden were significant for transport in those times.

People and goods were transported through the canals by trekschuit. Trekschuit is an old style of sail and a horse-drawn boat that was used as means of passenger traffic between cities.

People used to travel by the use of the trekschuit while goods were transported by barge. The barges were pulled by animals and sometimes by manpower.

This mode of transport was reliable, comfortable and cheap. Travelling through the canals of Leiden through this means was at a speed of seven kilometres per hour.

Wealthy families enjoyed these kinds of transport as they relied on them as they lived near the shores. However, after the railway line was built, water transport through the canals was halted.

3. Outer Parts of the Canals were for Protection

The purposes of the Canals of Leiden were for transport. However, the canals were built specially. There are the outer parts and the inner parts of the canals of Leiden.

The inner canal was used for the transportation of people and goods. The outer parts of the canals were used to protect the city.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, there were several incidents and attempts at invasions. The outer canal was so helpful in fortifying the city.

4. Toll Fees and Taxes were Charged for using the Canals

Canals in Leiden, Province of North Holland, Netherlands. Author Zairon –WIKIMEDIA

Several people were using canals in the 16th and 17th centuries. Estate owners were given a chance to also build canal spurs on their doorsteps.

However, they had to pay toll fees and other taxes for their requests on the canals. Fishing rights, swan keeping and any use of the canals were also charged.

The transporters were also charged while using the canals. This was how cash for maintaining the canals was obtained.

5. The Canals are Surrounded by a Six Kilometres Moat

Fortifications of ancient cities were key to protecting their identity and strongholds from invasions. Leiden city had a huge advantage due to the canals and other structures.

The historic inner part of the Canals of Leiden is surrounded by a six-kilometre moat. Moats of the canals of Leiden and the city are the biggest city fortifications in Europe that are still intact. These moats are tourist attraction centres in the current day.

6. Docks of the Canals of Leiden have Trees for Anchoring

Canals in Leiden, Province of North Holland, Netherlands.Author Zairon . WIKIMEDIA

After the building of the railway line, the canals were never in use for transport like before. This paved way for the growth of trees alongside the canals.

These trees have played an important role since they have not been cut down. Trees near the docks of Canals of Leiden are used to anchor boats.

7. There’s a Beautiful Park within the Canals of Leiden

It is not that usual to find parks within canals or waterways, but this is normal in Leiden. The Canals of Leiden have a special park within its moats.

The Plantseon is the park located within the moats. This is a fantastic city park where residents and tourists pass their time in.

Beautiful trees grow within this well-kept park that attracts several people. This is also a good area where one can nap, take photos or do something else.

8. Sight Seeing within the Canals is always Perfect

Canals of Leiden go through the city of Leiden. They give the visitors a wonderful time picnicking while on boats.

Tourists and other visitors usually go through the canals as they view the beautiful scenes, monuments and sights of Leiden. Merchant houses and several monuments can be viewed perfectly when going across the canals of Leiden.

9. The Canals Paths Lead Underneath Extraordinary Bridges

Canal with bridges – Leiden. Author W. Bulach. WIKIMEDIA

The Canals of Leiden make the city a perfect place to visit while on vacation or on any other duties. Boating across the canals is one of the best experiences that one never misses.

While boating along the canals, visitors have several enjoyable moments. They pass underneath extraordinary bridges which amuse the visitors.

Some of the bridges that visitors pass underneath include Visbrug and Koornbrug. These extraordinary bridges are usually covered with beautiful walkways.

10. There are Several Estates along the Canals of Leiden

Canals in Leiden, Province of North Holland, Netherlands. Author Zairon . WIKIMEDIA

Passing underneath extraordinary bridges, and viewing the merchant shops and other monuments are among the fun experiences while on the canals. However, some other spectacular sights are the estates along the canals.

In the early centuries, the estates were owned by wealthy people but this changed as time went by. Boating along the canals of Leiden enables visitors to view the beautiful estates.

These estates have beautiful lawns, flowers and other family properties. Visitors get to greet one or several owners of these estates while on their trips.

The Canals make up the beautifying components of Leiden city which is among the most frequented cities in the Netherlands. This is one of the destinations no one can miss out on their travel lists.