Wasserkraftmuseum Ziegenrück, Technology museum and run-of-river power station in Ziegenrück, Germany
The Wasserkraftmuseum Ziegenrück is a technology museum and run-of-river power station on the Saale, giving visitors access to an active working facility. The exhibits display both historical and modern turbines, machinery, and the technical systems that generate electricity from flowing water.
The facility was built around 1900 and was among the first German power stations of its kind to generate electricity continuously. It harnessed the Saale River's natural drop and was later expanded to include a museum to preserve the technical history.
The site demonstrates how water power shaped the region and continues to drive daily operations. Visitors experience a piece of industrial heritage that remains functional today.
The site is best experienced with some basic technical knowledge, as the exhibits require focused attention to understand. Allowing enough time for guided tours helps visitors grasp how the machinery operates.
The museum displays original machinery from the early years that still operates daily, actually generating power for the region. Visitors don't just see historical technology; they witness it working and serving a real purpose.
Location: Ziegenrück
Address: Lobensteiner Strasse 6, 07924 Ziegenrück
Phone: +4936733282524
Email: thomas.schubert@vattenfall.de
Website: https://group.vattenfall.com/de/energie/wasserkraft/museum
GPS coordinates: 50.60555,11.64773
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:07
Thuringia contains a notable variety of historic sites, from medieval castles on wooded heights to baroque palaces in landscaped parks. The region preserves Romanesque monastic complexes such as Paulinzella, Renaissance residences including Wilhelmsburg in Schmalkalden, and significant collections like the Lindenau Museum in Altenburg. Beyond architectural landmarks, Thuringia offers geological features: the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes are considered the most colorful show mine in the world, the Barbarossa Cave near Rottleben is one of Europe's largest anhydrite caves, and the Morassina healing caves in Schmiedefeld have served therapeutic purposes since the 19th century. Cultural institutions range from technical museums such as the Ziegenrück hydroelectric power museum to the Apolda bell foundry museum and botanical installations like the Japanese garden in Bad Langensalza. Historic transportation systems including the Oberweissbach mountain railway, which has covered a vertical rise of 1,060 feet (323 meters) since 1923, complement the offerings. Natural monuments such as the Dragon Gorge near Eisenach, a narrow ravine with rock walls reaching 33 feet (10 meters) in height, and viewpoints like Leuchtenburg above the Saale valley combine natural and cultural experiences.
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