The Mining Museum in Bad Grund, The Knesebeck Shaft

The Knesebeck Shaft is part of the “Hilfe Gottes” Mine (or God’s Help Mine) in Bad Grund, which was in operation until 1992. It was the last active mine in the Oberharz (Upper Harz). Exhibits in the museum explain mining in a manner which is easy to understand, showing the technical evolution of the facilities over time. It is now an official historical monument. On view are:

• historic hoisting machinery 
• big electric compressors 
• two restored “wheel chambers” (Radstuben) with water wheels up to twelve meters high (40 ft.), used for water power until 1900 
• different stages of ore transformation
• parts of uniforms
• flags
• educational mine models, 
• etc... 

Awe-inspiring historical machinery for traditional mining.

The mine’s landmark is a hydro-compressor tower which is 47 meters (150 ft.) high. The unique mining structure was built in 1912 as part of a water-powered air compressor for the motors operating underground in the mine. You can find further information in German on the official website: Knesebeckschacht.de