After years of restoration, the "Green Ditch" in the Schwarzwassertal valley has been reopened as an important testimony to Saxony's mining history. According to the Ministry of the Environment, the approximately eight-kilometre-long moat is a protected monument of mining history and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří Mining Region. It was created in the 17th century to divert water for mines and ore processing from the Black Pockau. The completion of this project is a strong sign of the responsible handling of our cultural heritage, emphasized Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) in a statement. "The preservation of this important monument, which preserves the art of hydraulic mining, is also an important piece of Saxony's mining history for future generations." With the opening, the people of the Ore Mountains and their guests have also regained a popular hiking trail. The first of four construction phases had reportedly already been renovated by the town of Marienberg nine years ago. In 2021, construction work began on the approximately six-kilometre-long section on state-owned forest land. The ditch profile and walls were restored, embankments reinforced and tributaries rehabilitated. In addition, pedestrian bridges over the ditch have been renewed and a further five new bridges have been built. According to the state of Saxony, it provided around three million euros for the project. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved"An important piece of Saxon mining history"
