Die Großen Seen: Pioniergeist an malerischen Seen

Your lock passage through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal is like a journey through time. While you watch the captain and crew manoeuvre the ship through the lock gates, experts on board will tell you all about the history of the canal. The historic Power House, with its original 19th-century machinery, is a reminder that it was once the world’s first power-operated lock. Even today, the Soo Locks are still the largest lock system in the world and a masterpiece of engineering. As you stand on deck, the 2,000-year-old culture of the Indigenous peoples living here will pass before your eyes. On the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, Canada’s past and present merge impressively.The small town of Marquette welcomes you on the shores of Lake Superior. Once a centre of iron mining, today you can relieve stress here – for example, by hiking to numerous waterfalls and taking part in other outdoor activities. The Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, the 19th-century lighthouse painted bright red, signals how maritime heritage is preserved on the Great Lakes. As you stroll along the coast and through the laid-back city, the state of Michigan shows itself from its most beautiful side.Charming Bayfield is the ideal starting point for numerous excursions into nature. It is the gateway to the spectacular Apostle Islands*, a group of 22 islands in Lake Superior. The town itself boasts historic architecture, picturesque streets and a vibrant arts scene. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural charm, it’s an essential stop on your cruise. The region is also a paradise for ornithologists: from on board, you can observe the bird life with your experts – the islands are known as a nesting site for herring gulls, black-legged terns, cormorants and grey herons.