Reinsberg: Conservation of Historic Mining Water Systems in the Ore Mountains | OH-H09 | 2026-08-16 - 2026-08-29 | CONS,RENO | Age: 18 - 35

The project focuses on conservation work along a historic mining water-management structure that formed part of the technological infrastructure of the Ore Mountains. The interventions will address approximately 300 metres of the Grabentour canal near Reinsberg, a section currently affected by sedimentation, vegetation overgrowth, and structural displacement that obscure its historic form and limit accessibility. Hands-on conservation will centre on the careful clearing of accumulated debris, uncovering the original canal profile and enabling assessment of its condition. Participants will stabilise and repair damaged areas of the dry-stone channel walls using traditional construction techniques, reusing original stone material wherever possible and reassembling unstable sections to restore structural coherence while retaining historic fabric. Additional measures will include the cleaning and basic conservation of the nearby memorial stone of Lorenz von Schönberg, as well as minor maintenance of interpretative elements and visitor infrastructure along the route. All interventions will be carried out under the guidance of experienced craftspeople, ensuring compatibility with historic construction methods and supporting the long-term preservation of this water-management system within the mining landscape. The educational programme will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of mining heritage conservation, linking practical fieldwork to the historical function of hydraulic systems and their role within the World Heritage cultural landscape.

Work: The project focuses on conservation work along a historic mining water-management structure that formed part of the technological infrastructure of the Ore Mountains. The interventions will address approximately 300 metres of the Grabentour canal near Reinsberg, a section currently affected by sedimentation, vegetation overgrowth, and structural displacement that obscure its historic form and limit accessibility. Hands-on conservation will centre on the careful clearing of accumulated debris, uncovering the original canal profile and enabling assessment of its condition. Participants will stabilise and repair damaged areas of the dry-stone channel walls using traditional construction techniques, reusing original stone material wherever possible and reassembling unstable sections to restore structural coherence while retaining historic fabric. Additional measures will include the cleaning and basic conservation of the nearby memorial stone of Lorenz von Schönberg, as well as minor maintenance of interpretative elements and visitor infrastructure along the route. All interventions will be carried out under the guidance of experienced craftspeople, ensuring compatibility with historic construction methods and supporting the long-term preservation of this water-management system within the mining landscape. The educational programme will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of mining heritage conservation, linking practical fieldwork to the historical function of hydraulic systems and their role within the World Heritage cultural landscape.

Accomodation and food: Accommodation: Shared rooms and essential facilities, including sanitary amenities and kitchen access, will be provided to ensure a functional and comfortable stay within the heritage setting. Food: The meals will be prepared together as they are part of the community life, what means that every participant will be responsible for the meal at least once during its stay. So, it would be very nice if the participants could bring typical recipes from home in order to introduce each other to the preparation of food from all over the world. Insurance: In cases of accident and liability all participants from foreign countries are insured by Open Houses. Nevertheless, individual travel insurance is recommended. Participants from outside European Union are insured in cases of illness, too. Participants from the European Union should bring their European Health Insurance Card. Finances All costs linked to the project are covered, including food, accommodation, insurance and transportation during the stay at the project. Travel costs to and from the camp place are not covered. Participants should organise their journey to and from the project place by themselves and on their own expenses. Furthermore, participants should bring their own pocket money.

Location: Reinsberg

Location and Leisure: The Grabentour canal near Reinsberg is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, a transboundary cultural landscape in Saxony (Germany) and Czechia inscribed in 2019. Shaped by more than eight centuries of mining, the region documents the technological and social developments associated with the extraction of silver, tin, and other ores that drove the area’s economic growth. A defining feature of this landscape is its extensive historic water-management system. From the late Middle Ages onwards, networks of artificial channels, ponds, and underground conduits were constructed to supply the water power required for pumping, hoisting, and ore processing, representing outstanding examples of early industrial engineering and forming an integral part of the property’s Outstanding Universal Value. Constructed between 1844 and 1846 to supply water to mining operations, the Grabentour extends approximately 7.8 kilometres through the Bobritzsch Valley, combining open ditches, rock-cut sections, and underground passages and connecting directly to the Rothschönberger Stolln, one of the principal drainage adits of the Freiberg Mining Landscape. Today, the route is preserved as a cultural hiking path linking mining monuments and landscape features, maintaining its historical function as well as its importance for local heritage awareness.

Airport: DRS

Train/Bus station: Freiberg Main Train Station

Requirements: Special requirements are sending a CV (in English), application form, and motivation letter to office@heritagevolunteers.eu prior to selection there will be an interview. Candidates should be interested in the topic of the project / training course and demonstrate it in the motivation letter and interview.

Will be provided in the infosheet.

Additional documentation required:

Please use the link below to download the document and complete it with your information:  https://vivemexico.org/descargas/EuropeanHeritageVolunteersApplicationForm.pdf 

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 100 EUR