Festung Königstein gGmbH
Exhibition in the Well House
With its depth of 152.5 meters, the well at Königstein Fortress is the deepest one of its kind in Saxony and the second deepest one in Germany. It was sunk between 1566 and 1569 at the behest of Elector Augustus to secure the future fortress’s water supply. The work was done by miners from the Ore Mountains headed by their foreman Martin Planer. Their chisels’ marks are still visible in the well’s shaft.
To protect the vital water, a wooden well house was built shortly after the well was finished. Even later buildings were only constructed in timber-frame. Had the fortress been bombarded, the well would have been destroyed. Only the Well House built in 1735, which still exists, had an up to 4 meters strong, bomb-proof sandstone vault. In the late 19th century, an additional subceiling of granite stamped concrete resting on steel beams was added.
When the well was finished, the water was transported upwards by means of a horse mill, as it was known in mining. Its functioning is playfully demonstrated through a model that can be moved by turning a winder.
In the 17th century, the horse mill was replaced by a treadmill with a diameter of seven meters. In it, four men had to make 28,000 steps every day to carry the ton filled with water up 36 times. A reproduction of this treadmill in the original size shows the gigantic dimensions of this water extraction technology. Additionally, an animated film illustrates the monotonous work which socagers, prisoners or garrison soldiers were obliged to do.
Later, the power for the water extraction came from a wall steam engine (from 1871) and an electric engine (from 1911). In 1967, the water extraction was abandoned and the fortress was connected to the public drinking water supply system. Since 1997, the water extraction technology is demonstrated using the restored electric engine from 1911.
Trailer: Biermann-Jung Kommunikation & Film
In the information office (entrance: east side - left door), our staff will be happy to answer your questions about visiting the fortress. You can also get tickets for guided tours and events here.
opening hours:
April - October: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | November - March: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Enjoy a holiday where the well master once lived...
Today, two holiday flats (for 2-4 people) are available for rent in the Well House.
