Goslar: Of Water and Ore – Goslar by the River

Goslar, a historic city nestled in the Harz Mountains, boasts a rich tapestry of water-driven heritage. This captivating 2-hour guided tour invites visitors to uncover the secrets of the city’s intricate waterways, from the Gose and Abzucht rivers to the unique Lohmühle mill. Explore Goslar’s past as you learn about the vital role water played in the city’s drinking supply, hydropower, and leather production. With a reasonable price and flexible cancellation policy, this tour promises an engaging and informative experience for those eager to explore Goslar’s connection to its aqueous resources. What mysteries await those who embark on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This 2-hour guided tour in German explores Goslar’s history and waterways, including the Gose River, Abzucht River, drinking water supply, and hydropower usage.
• The tour focuses on the Lohmýhle, the last operational mill of its kind in Germany, which was vital for leather production through bark crushing.
• The tour provides insights into Goslar’s leather industry and its reliance on the abundant water resources, as well as the preservation of the mill’s historic technical equipment.
• Visitors can explore the restored machinery and hydropower equipment at the Lohmýhle, which serves as a living museum showcasing the engineering ingenuity of the past.
• The tour meeting point is located at the Treffpunkt am Brunnen, underneath the Frankenberger Church, and is easily accessible by public transport or nearby parking options.

Tour Overview

The Goslar: Of Water and Ore – Goslar by the River tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and relationship with its waterways.

Priced at €13 per person, the 2-hour German-language tour departs from the Treffpunkt am Brunnen underneath the Frankenberger Church.

Guests will embark on a guided journey along the Gose and Abzucht watercourses, gaining insights into Goslar’s drinking water supply and hydropower usage.

The tour’s highlights include a visit to the Lohmühle, the last of 40 mills in the city and a unique, extensively restored example of medieval industrial technology.

Booking Details

Visitors can reserve their spot on the Goslar: Of Water and Ore – Goslar by the River tour without an upfront payment.

The booking process offers several benefits:

• The "Reserve now & pay later" option allows booking a spot without advance payment.
• Guests can take advantage of the "Free cancellation" policy, which provides a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.
• Availability for different start times can be easily checked.
• The tour is priced at a reasonable rate, starting from €13.00 per person for the 2-hour German-language experience.

Exploring Goslar’s Watercourses

Oftentimes, the gentle murmur of Goslar’s watercourses, the Gose and Abzucht, accompanies visitors as they embark on the guided tour through the historic city. The tour explores the vital role these waterways played in Goslar’s past, from supplying drinking water to powering the Lohmmühle, a unique mill in Germany. Visitors explore the intriguing history of how these rivers were harnessed for various industrial purposes over the centuries.

Feature	Description
Gose River	Flows through the heart of Goslar
Abzucht River	Smaller tributary that joins the Gose
Drinking Water Supply	Historically provided water for the city
Hydropower Usage	Powered the historic Lohmmühle mill

The Unique Lohmühle

Standing as the last of Goslar’s 40 mills, the Lohmühle is a unique and well-preserved relic of the city’s industrial past. This 15th-century structure was once used to crush bark for tannic acid in leather production during the Middle Ages.

Between 2011 and 2013, the Lohmühle underwent extensive restoration, ensuring its technical equipment remains intact.

• The Lohmühle is the only mill of its kind still operational in Germany.
• Visitors can explore the mill’s preserved machinery and learn about its historical significance.
• The mill’s waterwheel and other mechanisms demonstrate Goslar’s historical use of hydropower.
• The Lohmühle offers a glimpse into Goslar’s industrial heritage and the importance of its watercourses.

Leather Production History

Throughout the Middle Ages, Goslar’s thriving leather industry relied heavily on the city’s abundant water resources. The Lohmmühle, now the last of 40 mills in Goslar, was a vital component of this process, used to crush bark for the tannic acid essential in leather production. As the table below illustrates, the mill’s restoration has preserved its historic function and技術 for modern visitors to appreciate.

Lohmmühle’s Role in Leather Production
Crushed bark for tannic acid	✓
Powered by water	✓
Preserved 19th century machinery	✓
Operational today	✓
Unique in Germany	✓

Preserving Technical Equipment

The extensive restoration of the Lohmmühle between 2011 and 2013 has ensured the preservation of its historic technical equipment.

This unique mill, the last of 40 such mills in Goslar, now features:

• Carefully restored and maintained machinery used for crushing bark in the Middle Ages for leather production.
• Preserved water wheels and other hydropower equipment that harnessed the power of the local waterways.
• Intricate systems for transporting and processing the raw materials, all in their original condition.
• A living museum showcasing the engineering ingenuity of the past, allowing visitors to step back in time.

Customer Feedback

Visitors have praised the Goslar by the River tour, awarding it a stellar 5/5 rating based on a single review.

One satisfied customer, Sigrid from Germany, described the tour as "very informative and interesting", and highly recommended it.

The tour takes visitors along the Gose and Abzucht watercourses, exploring the historical use of water power and the unique Lohmmühle, the last of 40 mills in Goslar.

Extensively restored between 2011 and 2013, the Lohmmühle showcases preserved technical equipment from the Middle Ages, when it was used to crush bark for leather production.

The overwhelmingly positive customer feedback underscores the tour’s ability to provide a captivating and educational experience.

Getting to the Meeting Point

To reach the meeting point for the Goslar by the River tour, visitors can head to the Treffpunkt am Brunnen, located underneath the Frankenberger Church. This centrally located spot is easily accessible, making it a convenient starting point for the tour.

• The meeting point is just a short walk from the historic city center, allowing participants to explore the area before or after the tour.

• Public transportation options, including buses and trams, are available nearby, making it easy for visitors to arrive at the meeting point without the hassle of driving.

• Parking is available in the vicinity, though it’s recommended to use public transportation or arrive early to secure a spot.

• The meeting point is clearly marked, ensuring a smooth start to the tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The tour takes place outdoors, so the weather can vary. Participants should dress appropriately for the conditions, as the tour continues rain or shine. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to navigate the uneven terrain along the watercourses.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Tour?

There are no special requirements for the tour. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The tour is suitable for all ages and doesn’t involve any strenuous activities.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not specifically designed for children, but families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accessibility for strollers or wheelchairs may be limited due to the historical nature of the tour.

Can the Tour Be Conducted in English?

The tour can be conducted in German only. While the tour highlights may be of interest to English-speaking visitors, the guided tour is not offered in English according to the information provided.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy – travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for customers to adjust their plans as needed.

Recap

The "Goslar: Of Water and Ore – Goslar by the River" tour offers an informative and engaging exploration of Goslar’s rich history. Visitors will discover the city’s water-based industries, from its drinking water supply to the unique Lohmühle mill. With a reasonable price and flexible cancellation policy, this tour promises an enjoyable and educational experience for those interested in Goslar’s captivating past.