Path Along the Dammgraben

The Old Dam Ditch is an important historical hydraulic structure in the Upper Harz. It is the longest artificial ditch in the Upper Harz. Construction began in 1732. Its primary purpose was to divert surface water from remote, rainy areas (particularly the Bruchberg and parts of the Brocken massif) and thus supply energy to the mining industry in the Upper Harz. The Dam Ditch is a central component of the Upper Harz Water Management System, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, along with the Rammelsberg Mine and the old town of Goslar. Originally about 25 km long, it was shortened to about 19 km between 1820 and 1861 through the construction of underground sections (water tunnels). For centuries, it played an important role in supplying energy to the Upper Harz mining industry. The Dam Ditch crosses the watershed between the Weser and Elbe rivers.

Beautiful path between Fortuner pond and dam ditch.
The dam ditch is part of the Upper Harz water shelf and is therefore part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.