Pochteich – Mining Trail Station 4 (Thuringian Forest Stamp Point 279)

Stage 4:
Duck pond – pote pond
The reconstructed Pochteich is located on the main path, 200 m further east in the "Ententeich" area. Here was the center of mining dewatering. The dam and overflow of the pond, as well as drainage ditches were preserved in their original condition. The rounded bases of kiln sites can also still be seen along the stream. An artificial ditch runs along the slope again, which fed the Pochteich with water from the "deep hole". All the relics indicate that the main part of the ore processing was located here, such as a stamp mill, plan hearths and mud ditches.

The Pochteich, especially so on
indicated on old maps, was the center of local mining. All work steps necessary for the smelting of the mined rock material were largely dependent on hydropower.
When rivers or strong-flowing streams were not available for exploitation, the miners had to collect the water from smaller streams in ponds in order to store sufficient quantities to turn the large water wheels.
To feed the Pochteich, the Harbach was dammed to the east in the "Three Kings" area and led to the Pochteich via an artificial ditch. In the south, a retention basin was also created at Bogenborn. The Stedtfeld Pochteich held 6000 m3 that there was sufficient capacity to operate a stamp mill with three stamps for crushing the copper shale and the bellows for the smelting furnaces. (... from information board)

Nicely located rest area. Invites you to linger 😇