The "Alter Kohlenschacht" stamping station is located above the Ballenstedt district of Opperode.
The mining of Opperode can be proven beyond any doubt by means of a loan letter issued in Bernburg for the operation of a hard coal mine in the Ballenstedt office since 1557.
One of the first attempts to coke hard coal is associated with the early mining of Opperode. As early as 1584, the princely Bernburg mint master Daniel Stumpfeld received the privilege of taking away “the hard coal, the wildness, the stench and other bad habits” from a process. This is one of the very first patents on coal processing.
From the hikers’ car park on the “Am Kohlenschacht” road in Ballenstedt, you can reach the stamp office via the signposted hiking trail and continue the hike via the “Falkenweg” to “Selkesicht an der Ackeburg” HWN 204.