The Linth Works: Switzerland’s First Major Project 200 Years Ago
Published: Sunday, Aug 13th 2023, 13:40
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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The Linthkorrektur, a major engineering project in Switzerland, was completed 200 years ago in August 1823. The project, which included the Escher and Linth canals, was designed to protect the Linthebene region from flooding and improve the living conditions of the people living there. The project was initiated by Hans Konrad Escher, a Swiss politician and engineer, who was inspired by the work of Andreas Lanz. The project was funded by the Swiss government and the public, making it a national undertaking. The project involved diverting the wild Linth river from Mollis in Glarus to the Walensee, which acted as a buffer for the flooding. The 17 kilometer long Linth canal was completed in 1816 and the project was officially handed over to the cantons of Glarus, St. Gallen and Schwyz in 1823. The project was a major achievement for the young Swiss nation and is seen as a symbol of the nation's ability to tame nature. Today, the Linthwerk is more than just a flood protection system, with its canals and dams providing a recreational area for the public. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the project, a permanent exhibition will be opened on August 24th.nnnnnnnn
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