Story: The River Locks of the Douro
Episode: 3
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 10th February 2024

Cruising the Douro River with Viking, an interview with the experienced skipper allows insights into the locks' intricacies, historical context, and navigating tight turns and passages to be shared.

• Cruising the Douro River with Viking lets you experience the remarkable infrastructure, whilst the skipper explains the intricacies of locks, their function, historical usage, and significance for travel, including insights into passing through the Barragem do Carrapatelo lock.
• Part of the Captain’s daily job is to know every turn, every lock, every narrow turn and every shallow part of the river to calculate the perfect route.
• The Boiler, where a ship stops in a lock before continuing down the river, will raise the water level 35 to 37 metres to lift the 1640 tonne ship.
• The dams have a dual purpose. They provide hydroelectric power to the northern part of Portugal, but they were also built to "tame" the formerly dangerous Douro.
• This particular part of the journey is often enjoyed by the passengers because you cruise during the day and get to see the magnificent scenery.

For More Information: https://viking.com