World Heritage Discovery Route: On the Trail in the Große Clausthal
- 0:55 h
- 3.42 km
- 57 m
- 62 m
- 502 m
- 554 m
- 52 m
- Start: Parking lot at the Rosenhöfer Radstuben
- Destination: Parking lot at the Rosenhöfer Radstuben
This circular route through the Große Clausthal is 3.4 kilometers long.
On your hike, you can learn about a part of the Upper Harz water management system, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz.
The water from the ponds was channeled through ditches to the water wheels in the mines. Hydropower was needed to bring the ores mined underground to the surface.
Rainwater also seeped into the mines repeatedly. With the help of the water wheels, the seeped water was pumped out of the mine.
During your hike, you will pass a very special attraction: the Rosenhöfer Radstuben. These are masonry rooms where the huge water wheels were previously installed.
From the Rosenhöfer Radstuben, it goes through the Große Clausthal to the Ottiliae Shaft. There you can see the oldest iron winding tower. It was built around the time the Eiffel Tower was constructed.
The Ottiliae Shaft used to be a huge industrial area. The facilities there were very modern at the time. Some mines in this area have existed for 450 years.
In the last 150 years, the landscape here has changed a lot. The mountain grew higher and the valley was gradually filled up. A beautiful hike through a sunken landscape.
Note: The circular route takes about 2 hours if you read all content (QR codes).
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
From the Rosenhöfer Radstuben, go left and stay on the paved path. After about 300 meters, you can turn left to the Altensegener Rösche if you wish. A Rösche is an underground water channel that diverts water from the mine.
Alternatively, you can stay on the asphalt path and go to the depot gate. The path goes slightly uphill along the right side of the fence. Then go left along the asphalt road. After 200 meters, take the small stairway on the right up to the Ottiliae Shaft.
On the Ottiliae Shaft site, go right past the shed and along the tracks.
Walk up to the former engine house of an inclined shaft conveyor system. Then the path goes down the hill to the left.
You will pass an old loading station and then need to go down a few steps on the left. Continue along the path of the inclined conveyor system to the next loading station. There you can go to the Poch sandstone heaps if you like. It is only a few meters away.
The old inclined conveyor system then goes into a wooded area. Stay on the path for about 200 meters until you reach a small open space. Here you can walk a few steps to the "nose" of the heap and enjoy a wonderful view of the Zellerfeld Valley.
On the way back, slightly veer right past the remains of an old chimney. Go down the hill until you reach another path. Turn left there. At a house, you will reach a gravel path. Go right there towards the Ottiliae Shaft.
Pass the winding tower and stay on the asphalt road until a large left curve. At the wooden water hut, a path branches off to the Rosenhöfer Radstuben.
Equipment
Remember sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing for your discovery trip.
Directions & Parking facilities
Connection to the regional road B242. Turn off at the western entrance to Clausthal-Zellerfeld onto "Am Rosenhof."
The parking lot at the Rosenhöfer Radstuben is available free of charge. Additional free parking can be found close to the Ottiliae Shaft.
By train to Goslar. From the Goslar central bus station (ZOB), take bus 830 and/or bus 831 to the Rosenhof stop in Clausthal-Zellerfeld.
By train to Osterode am Harz. From there, take bus 440 or bus 460 to the Rosenhof stop in Clausthal-Zellerfeld.
The Marktkirche stop in Clausthal-Zellerfeld is also accessible. From there, the circular route can also be comfortably reached.
Additional information
Upper Harz Mining Museum
Bornhardtstr. 16
38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld
Tel: 05323 98950
info@oberharzerbergwerksmuseum.de
www.oberharzerbergwerksmuseum.de
UNESCO World Heritage Foundation in the Harz
Bergtal 19
38640 Goslar
Tel: 05321 750 114
info@welterbeimharz.de
www.welterbeimharz.de
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Take the daily conveyor train to the Ottiliae Shaft. Or take a guided tour of the Rosenhöfer Radstuben. This is a very special experience.
Safety guidelines
You are moving through a historical industrial landscape. Please stay on the paths and trails.
NOTE: Due to maintenance and construction work in the area, the path is currently partially inaccessible. We ask for your understanding.
Nearby
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