Hike from the Hirschler Teich pond around the Pfauenteich ponds. The ponds are located one above the other and were used as water storage ponds for mining in Clausthal.
The Hirschler Teich pond and the three Pfauenteich ponds were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Water for the mines in Clausthal was collected in the ponds.
The four ponds were built one above the other. The Hirschler Teich is the highest, the three Pfauenteich ponds are positioned like steps underneath the Hirschler Teich.
The four ponds provided the Caroline and Dorothea mines with water.
The water transport ditches and ponds were necessary to provide energy in the mines. The ore extracted underground had to be hoisted to the surface. Rainwater that seeped into the mine had to be pumped out of the galleries. The energy was provided by giant water wheels. They needed a lot of water all year round. The water was collected in the storage ponds and flowed to the water wheels through the ditches.
The Caroline and Dorothea mines were in very high locations. It was difficult to get enough water to them every day.
On the walk you will pass many information boards. There it is explained how the ponds and water transport ditches around Clausthal-Zellerfeld worked.
