Did the miners of old ever dream of such a view? From atop this very slag heap, gazing over Halsbrücke, one can only imagine their hopes and dreams. We stand before the Treibehaus der Grube Oberes Neues Geschrei Halsbrücke, a testament to their ingenuity. It is more than just a building. It’s a portal to a time when silver and gold fueled ambition and shaped this landscape. The Treibehaus, you see, is connected to the Rothschönberger Stolln. Built between 1844 and 1877, this 50km network of tunnels drained the mines, a crucial feat of engineering for the Freiberg mining district. This particular Treibehaus housed the Schwamkrug turbines, revolutionary for their time. Friedrich Wilhelm Schwamkrug designed these horizontal water wheels in 1847, specifically for slow-moving machinery. They provided power for both water management and ore extraction. The Treibehaus at the Oberes Neues Geschrei, or Upper New Proclamation, mine served as a vital link in this complex web of mining operations. “Geschrei” refers not to a negative outcry, but rather to the old term “Berggeschrey,” the excited news of a new ore discovery. The mine itself played a pivotal role in Freiberg’s mining history during the construction of the Rothschönberger Stolln. The Hoffnungsschacht, or Hope Shaft, provided a crucial access point for the tunnel’s advancement. Imagine the commotion as miners toiled day and night, powered by these innovative turbines. This structure has witnessed so much history, from the height of the silver boom to its eventual decline. It stands as a reminder of the human endeavor that once thrived here. The Treibehaus der Grube Oberes Neues Geschrei Halsbrücke, restored to its former glory, now offers us a glimpse into this fascinating past. Take a moment to appreciate the view, and the legacy of those who came before us.
Wiesenschacht
Deep beneath the bustling streets of Freiberg, hidden from the modern world, lies the Wiesenschacht. It’s also known as the