Graben Tour, Mining trail in Mittelsachsen, Germany

The Graben Tour is a hiking trail in the Saxon mining region that follows an old water management system that once powered mining operations. The path leads through woodland and open terrain, connecting several historical sites and structures together.

The water system was built in the 1840s to power the machinery at shafts in the Rothschönberg area. This construction was part of the technical development of mining in Saxony during the 19th century.

The route passes industrial buildings and water wheels that show how mining workers organized their labor and what equipment they relied on. These structures tell the story of the people who lived and worked in this area.

The trail begins at Wünschmannmühle and is marked with signs leading through wooded areas and open landscape. It is wise to wear sturdy footwear, as the ground is varied and can become slippery in wet weather.

The channel's water powered the wheels twice: after driving the machinery at the V. Lichtloch it was led on to the IV. Lichtloch. Of its 3,557 m, some 1,905 m run underground as rock-cut tunnels called Röschen, which are now collapsed and not walkable.