The Halden waterway sytem and the canal locks at Ørje
Building the canal locks started in 1852. The canal locks at Ørje lifts 30 feet in 3 stages and fits vessels up to 78 feet.
The steam ships
Several of the steam ships that started sailing the Halden water way from the pioneer period are still existing and going strong. Four of them has Ørje as their homeport The Jewel of the Crown is DS Engebret Soot, built as no. 1 at Nylands Verksted in 1862 and is equipped with a 60 IHP compound engine. This ship has been subject to a complete restoration and is the oldest operative steamship with propeller. DS Engebret Soot is available for charter as well as regular sailings. For further information see also www.dsengebretsoot.no
The Canal Museum
The Canal Museum is located in old wood mill buildings by the canal locks at Ørje. The Museum is documenting biological diversity in the region, the history of forestry and water way transportation, the canals etc. See also www.kanalmuseet.no
