Röhrgraben canal
The construction of the Röhrgraben canal — an artificial water channel that supplied water to the stamping mills, ore-washing plants, and tin smelters in Ehrenfriedersdorf — dates back to the second half of the 14th century. It is thus one of the oldest artificial water channels associated with mining in the Ore Mountains. In the 19th century, the channel supplied water to the local textile industry. Until mining operations in Ehrenfriedersdorf ceased in 1990, the Röhrgraben also carried water for tin processing, making it the oldest artificial water channel in Germany still in operation. Extensive restoration work was carried out on the Röhrgraben between 1999 and 2002.
Repair and restoration in the summer of 2022 and 2025 by international volunteers
For two weeks, 11 young volunteers — hailing from countries including Switzerland, Honduras, South Africa, Spain, Bangladesh, Mexico, China, and Belarus—worked on and around the Sauberg to restore and preserve parts of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Their activities included repairing a 100-meter section of the *Röhrgraben* (historic water channel), refurbishing mining equipment, painting buildings, and carrying out underground cleaning work.
The project was initiated by the organization European Heritage Volunteers in close cooperation with the *Welterbe Montanregion Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří* association and the Saxony State Office for the Preservation of Monuments.
