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Energy production –

using water to keep the mines working


Ever-deeper ore mines and complex smelting processes consumed more and more energy from water and wood. It was not only deforestation and reforestation that affected the natural landscape.

For a long time, the highest-yielding mines and the deepest shafts in the world could be found in the Harz. To supply them with energy, an ingenious and innovative system of ditches, ponds, water wheels and pumping stations was created: the Upper Harz Water Management System. It was once the largest pre-industrial energy supply system and became UNESCO World Heritage in the year 2010. Right up to 1980 the Upper Harz Water Management System produced electrical energy for the remaining mines of the company PREUSSAG, the Rammelsberg Mine in Goslar and the Hilfe Gottes Mine in Bad Grund.

Many of the installations in the Upper Harz and at the Rammelsberg still carry water today. They document a regenerative energy supply system developed over eight centuries – from the Middle Ages to the present. In no other mining area of the world have such complex water management constructions, storage and distribution systems been created over such a long period of time and maintained for the future.

The short video above introduces the theme "Energy production" in some illustrative scenes.

These energy production systems in the Upper Harz can still be understood and appreciated today on a guided tour passing by ponds, ditches and water tunnels. 


Our colleagues from the Harz Tourist Association developed this interesting explanatory film on the Upper Harz water management system. (German Audio)

 


Hirschler Pfauenteiche © Harzwasserwerke GmbH

© Harzwasserwerke GmbH

Auerhahn Kaskade Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft © Stiftung Welterbe im Harz, Foto: Sobotta

© Stefan Sobotta

Kehrrad zur Energieerzeugung © Stiftung Welterbe im Harz, Foto Sobotta

© Stefan Sobotta

Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft See im Herbst © Stiftung Welterbe im Harz, Foto Sobotta

© Stefan Sobotta

Wasserlauf Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft © Hansjörg Haseljau

© Hansjörg Hoerseljau

Wanderung Zellerfelder Kunstgraben © Oberharzer Bergwerksmuseum

© Oberharzer Bergwerksmuseum

Wasserrad Grube Samson © Stiftung Welterbe im Harz, Foto Hörseljau

© Hansjörg Hoerseljau

OVERVIEW MAP

World Heritage in the Harz

Cultural diversity amid breathtaking landscapes: the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz

At the World Heritage Site Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System a wide range of museums and monuments await your visit. Discover this treasure of human history.

Rammesberg Mine
Air view World Heritage Rammelsberg © Foundation World Heritage in the Harz Mountains, Photo: Sobotta

Experience the place where mining in the Harz first started.

In the museum buildings and in the mine installations above and below ground you will gain unique insights into more than 1000 years of history of the ore mining at the Rammelsberg.

On the Move
Hiking in the upper harz water management system © Foundation World Heritage in the Harz Mountains, Photo: Sobotta

Your personal tour through the World Heritage

Hiking or cycling, motorized or guided tours – there are many ways to explore the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz. Be inspired by the wide range of offers.

Recommendation

Today in the Middle Ages

Visit the oldest part of the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz at the Cistercian Museum Walkenried Monastery. With its sensual and creative design within the Gothic monastery complex, it brings the Middle Ages to life.

Downloads

Go on a journey of discovery by reading your way through the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz

On 64 pages, the brochure will give you an overview of everything the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz has to offer. Enjoy browsing through it!

Highlight

Starting point for the original locations

The Information Centres of the World Heritage Site Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System inform you in fascinating exhibitions about the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz and what it offers for tourists.

Image UNESCO