Picture the Sichelbachbecken a rectangular reservoir nestled high in the Habichtswald forest. It’s a hidden gem a vital part of Kassel’s Baroque waterworks. Built around 1700 this reservoir is much older than you might think. It’s not just a pretty face. The Sichelbachbecken is the main storage reservoir for the oldest section of Kassel’s magnificent water features. This amazing system feeds the fountains and cascades near the famous Hercules monument.
The Sichelbachbecken itself is quite remarkable. Imagine a structure approximately 250 meters long. It’s about 7 meters deep. It holds around 40000 cubic meters of water. This water is collected from surface runoff and springs in the surrounding plateau. The Essigberg hill contributes to this vital water supply. Did you know the dam for the Sichelbachbecken is made of earth? It’s a testament to the ingenuity of the engineers of that era.
The water from the Sichelbachbecken travels underground. It follows the principle of communicating vessels. Think of it as a sophisticated plumbing system created centuries ago. The water flows to another reservoir called the Löschwasserteich. From there it continues its journey to power the spectacular displays of water at the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe. The Sichelbach a stream that gives the reservoir its name flows around this valley in a sickle shape. Part of its course was channeled underground even back then. Even more sections were rerouted underground in the 20th century. The water from the Sichelbach eventually ends up in the Unglücksteich another reservoir that also plays a key role in the waterworks.
Near the Sichelbachbecken’s dam stands the Vorwerk Sichelbach. This farmhouse started as a stable built between 1701 and 1717. Today it is a brick building constructed in the second half of the 19th century. A little-known fact is that the original building of the Vorwerk served as a stable during the construction of the waterworks.
The Sichelbachbecken is more than just a reservoir. It’s a testament to the vision and engineering skill of those who built the Kassel waterworks. It represents a harmonious blend of nature and human design a hidden element of Kassel’s incredible Bergpark. Now you understand the importance of this seemingly simple reservoir. It’s a vital cog in the magnificent mechanism of Kassel’s waterworks. The Sichelbachbecken’s quiet efficiency is essential to the beauty of the region.