Geography Postcards.

Goslar - this postcard shows a part of the Sperberhamner Damm, a tiny part of the big "Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft" which since 2010 is the third part of the UNESCO world heritage site "Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management Systems". Here in the Harz mountains silver was mined for many generation. Archeologists have found smelting places dating back to the second century AD. There is evidence that water power was used from the 13th century. By the 16th century there was already a high density of structures like reservoirs, ditches ans water wheels in

the Clausthal area, where 149 small dams are documented. They were primarily built in the 16th and 17th centuries. In addition a total of about 500 kilometers of ditches to collect and divert the water were built. They were running nearly parallel to the contur lines over long distances. Of these, about 70 kilometers are still maintained. A further 21 kilometers of water transfer tunnels are in operation. These structures blend so well into the countryside, that you will only discover them on long hikes through the wonderful scenery. Only a few are accessible by car, but still worth seeing (Germany)