Kunstteich Wettelrode

The Wettelrode artificial pond was created in 1728 to supply the Carolus shaft with water and thus served the copper mining industry in the north of Wettelrode. Artificial ponds of this type were used either to supply power or water for mining and were usually dammed by the construction of barriers. Copper slate was mined here in the small village of Wettelrode, which in many places is only known for the "Röhrigschacht Wettelrode" show mine, from 1200 to 1990. Situated in the middle of the forest, the 2.7-hectare artificial pond with its memorial display board is a reminder of that bygone mining era. The Wettelrode artificial pond is often referred to as the "Heineckeröder pond".

History of the pond

The dam was raised several times, including in 1850, so that the pond eventually reached a volume of 208,500 cubic metres and directed water into the Carolus and Johannschacht shafts via a channel.

However, when the Carolus shaft collapsed in 1880, the pond lost its central function and its maintenance was increasingly neglected. This took its revenge on 29 November 1939, when the dam burst after heavy rainfall - due to insufficient capacity of the bottom outlet and overflow, which was also obstructed by a fish screen. The resulting flooding caused considerable damage to property in Großleinungen, although fortunately no people were injured. It was not until 1952 that the dam was repaired after a long period of decay, meaning that the Wettelrode artificial pond is now preserved as an important part of mining history.

The Wettelrode artificial pond today

The artificial pond, which is fed by two mountain streams, has excellent water quality and is therefore very popular with anglers and bathers who come to cool off on hot summer days. In recent years, the Wettelrode artificial pond has received several awards for its excellent water quality and is ideal for swimming thanks to its attractive sunbathing lawns and gravelled banks. Whether on summer or winter days, the forest café "Am Kunstteich" on the western shore of the pond is certainly worth a visit at any time of year and is an ideal place to park when visiting the pond.

If you want to fish at the Wettelröder pond, you can catch numerous other species such as rainbow trout, eels, carp, pike, perch, roach and zander in addition to the main fish species, salmonids. However, fishing is only permitted from the shore; boat fishing is strictly prohibited.

Hike to the pond

Thanks to its good connections, the artificial pond can be hiked to via the karst hiking trail or as a stop on the Wettelrode mining nature trail. However, if you would like to use a beginner-friendly circular hiking trail to reach the Wettelrode artificial pond, the approximately 14-kilometre-long "Steigerschleife" is the perfect option. Starting at the car park in Grillenberg, the hiking trail leads in the direction of Obersdorf and Wettelrode to the artificial pond. Return via Kohlenstraße and Marieneiche to Grillenberg.