Oderteich hiking paradise: Discover the UNESCO jewel in the Harz!

Oderteich hiking paradise: Discover the UNESCO jewel in the Harz!

The Oderteich, a true natural wonder and one of the oldest dams in Germany, is attracting more and more visitors to its fascinating surroundings. With a capacity of up to 1.7 million cubic meters and an impressive dam height of 19 meters, this place is not only a popular hiking destination, but also an important technical monument. How Travel reporter According to reports, the construction of the dam, which was carried out between 1715 and 1722 by miners from Sankt Andreasberg, was initiated in order to supply the region's mines with sufficient water. Today the Oderteich is part of the Upper Harz Water Management UNESCO World Heritage Site and is therefore faced with a great historical responsibility.

Over the centuries the dam has served many functions. It originally served as a reliable water supply for the water wheels of the St. Andreasberg mine. When mining ended in 1913, it was used to generate electricity. The structures around the dam have been remarkably preserved to this day and make the Oderteich a real excursion destination.

Hikes and leisure activities

The unique surroundings of the Oderteich are transformed into a veritable sea of ​​colors every year. Especially in autumn, when the forests shine, numerous hiking enthusiasts flock to the picturesque banks of the bathing pond. The 4.4 kilometer long circular route leads through an old forest with majestic old-growth and mountain spruce trees. Part of the path is the water hiking trail, which has informative stations about the dam. In summer, the western and eastern bank areas are ideal for swimming, while the northern part acts as a protected biotope. A welcome change for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, there is a particularly beautiful area in the southern third of the reservoir where swimming is permitted Wikipedia network.

There are numerous options available nearby for overnight stays, including St. Andreasberg, Torfhaus or the Hummel-Maaß-Hütte. It quickly becomes clear that a trip to the Oderteich can be more than just a day trip. And anyone interested in history will also find numerous attractions in the area, such as the Samson mining museum in Sankt Andreasberg and other historical treasures relating to the Upper Harz water management system.

UNESCO World Heritage Site and Nature Conservation

The Upper Harz water management system, to which the Oderteich belongs, is a real engineering achievement of the past. With a total of 107 ponds and 340 kilometers of water channels, an infrastructure was created in the 16th to 19th centuries that not only supported mining, but also provides for several hydroelectric power plants to this day, including the Samson tunnel. Of the existing ponds, 63 are still used for energy supply, flood protection and also as recreational bathing water. However, the relevance of the Oderteich and its surroundings goes far beyond its beauty, as the website of the UNESCO World Heritage Site shows.

The Oderteich not only shows the technology and engineering skills of bygone times, it is also a place for relaxation and reflection. Whether on a swimming trip in summer, hiking in the colorful autumn or exploring the snow-covered landscape in winter - the Oderteich is always worth a visit and is a popular destination for nature and history lovers alike.