Tauritzmühle Water Adventure Area
On the hiking map for the Fichtelgebirge Nature Park and Steinwald Nature Park, we find the municipality of Speichersdorf on the southern edge of the Fichtelgebirge.
Speichersdorf has 31 districts, one of which is called Tauritzmühle. The Fichtelgebirge Association (OV Speichersdorf) has been based there since 1978. The hiking map contains the two entries "Water Adventure Area" and "FGV Hiking Hut."
The coordinates (UTM, WGS84) are 32U 701169 5530010.
After the then local association chairman, Siegfried Schäller, and his team planned a water adventure area in 2008, he was able to secure a partner for its implementation in the Fichtelgebirge Nature Park and open the project to the public in 2010. The Tauritzbach stream and the existing natural facilities, including the beaver's habitat, were an ideal place to give children the opportunity to play naturally and thus experience nature.
Even at that time, there was talk of a lack of connection to nature.
"Only when our children experience the smells and colors of their homeland, of water, earth, animals, and plants through play, will they feel at home with us, because such impressions are burned into their memory."
This offer has always been welcomed and appreciated by families with children. It has also been very helpful in the implementation of children's and youth work within the association. Last year, the current board was challenged; renovations and additions were urgently needed.
The water tanks were given adjustable outlets, and the medium-sized mill wheel was replaced with a stainless steel version.
The nature identification consists of 12 rotating cubes for the areas of trees, animals, and plants. There are 12 possible answers to four questions each. The illustrations were no longer legible; now, acrylic glass images have been provided.
There are now comfortable seating areas on two floors. Down by the Tauritzbach stream in the open air, right next to the children, or up on the other side of the stream under the chestnut trees. Sandstone from the original Tauritz Mill was used to renovate the riverbanks. Steps lead down to the Tauritz Stream, and a mud pit is now also provided, complemented by a gravel area. The upper tier of steps also serves as seating, providing proximity to children.
The beaver lodge has been converted into a willow igloo, the sensory columns have been restored, and the outdated seating and loungers have been removed.
The renovation was made possible by the Fichtelgebirge Nature Park with funding from the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment and the Bayreuth District.
The association contributed not only volunteer work but also its own resources to the project.
We would like to thank the Government of Upper Franconia, the Lower Nature Conservation Authority at the District Office, and the municipality of Speichersdorf for their expert support.
The Fichtelgebirge Association OV Speichersdorf hopes that the adventure area continues to be so popular and well-received. Flower-rich meadows, the nearby nature trail and two circular hiking trails starting at the hiking information center complete the offer and also invite you to stop off at the barrier-free Tauritzmühle.