Sperberhai Dyke, Historic aqueduct in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
The Sperberhai Dyke is an earth and stone structure that spans roughly 1 kilometer and rises 15 meters at its highest point. Water channels run along its crest to carry water across the land depression, while underground tunnels could direct water flow beneath the structure.
The structure was built from 1732 to 1734 to provide water for the region's mines. Mine workers needed this water power to operate their shafts and extract ore.
This structure is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Harz Water system, which shows how miners managed water to power their operations. Visitors can see the open channels along the top where water flowed down into valleys.
The area around the dyke is accessible and offers views of the Upper Harz mining landscape. Hikers can find clearly marked trails that run along the structure and help visitors understand the historical water system.
The structure combines open water channels on top with underground tunnels running beneath it. This hybrid approach was a clever way to move water at different elevations and handle varying conditions.
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