Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus (charcoal burning)

Hundreds of years ago, the Harz was one of the most significant pre-industrial centres in Europe. Ore deposits and vast forests formed the conditions for productive mining and smelting of minerals. The charcoal burning industry shaped and changed the Harz forest profoundly. Huge forests were cut in order to satisfy the need for charcoal for the iron and steel works. The Stemberghaus provides as one of the last charcoal burners an opportunity to get to know the traditional carbonization of wood and the charcoal burning museum gives an impression of the difficult working and living conditions. From early April to late October, traditional coaler pile will be constructed and the old craft is so kept alive.