Three significant cultural monuments
In the Harz Mountains, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Rammelsberg Mine, Goslar’s old town and the Upper Harz Water Management System take you back to the long-gone era of mining.
The focus is on ingenious engineering, power and wealth from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Deep in the mountain
A thousand years of mining history and one of the most outstanding industrial monuments in Europe in a decommissioned mine: the Rammelsberg in Goslar represents the origin of mining in the Harz Mountains. Where legend has it that a horse once dug up silver, today we travel back in time. Take the mine train on an underground ride, or head into the Roeder-Stollen tunnel and marvel at the giant water wheels. Or do both! In the Rammelsberg Mines Museum, everything is exciting.
Take a look around
Goslar
It’s easy to wax enthusiastic about Goslar. The city is a pearl of half-timbered architecture, with 1,500 preserved burgher and guild houses bearing witness to the splendour of bygone times. Yet modernity sticks its head in: today, the historical Mönchehaus houses contemporary art. The imposing Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz) stands as a testament to the city’s former significance. In the 11th century, it was the residence of the Salian emperors, who once ruled over the Holy Roman Empire. Today visitors stroll through Goslar’s narrow alleys, climb the northern tower of the Market Church, and sip coffee to the music of the glockenspiel chimes on the market square.
A unique masterpiece of mining and engineering skill
The Upper Harz Water Management System
With its ponds, ditches and shafts, the Upper Harz Water Management System is one of the world’s most important pre-industrial energy supply systems. How did it work? From the mountain highlands, water was channelled to the mines, enabling intensive mining in the region from the 16th century onwards. The water drove large underground water wheels, which can be seen in the now-decommissioned Rammelsberg Mine. The technically skilled monks of the Cistercian monastery of Walkenried are regarded as the founding fathers of the Upper Harz Water Management System. At the museum there, visitors can learn more about their activities. And throughout the World Heritage area, you can explore the ponds, dams and ditches of the Upper Harz Water Management System on the water-themed walking trails (WasserWanderWege) and World Heritage discovery trail. Examples include a walk around the Polsterberg pump house and a family walk around the Oderteich reservoir.
