Lake Hodrus Water reservoir

Welcome to Lower Hodrus Lake. Right now you are standing in a place where history of mining engineering meets the calm water and surrounding nature. In front of you lies the water surface, which is not only a picturesque stillness, but above all a witness to the extraordinary technical understanding of our ancestors. When you look ahead to yourself, see this peaceful level, which once played a key role in the lives of local miners and in the development of the mining industry in the region.

This precious work, which we rightly admire today, originated in the eighteenth century. At a time when mining operations in Hodruši-Hámroch were at the top of their fame, it was necessary to provide enough energy to power mining equipment. This is why the construction of the secret system began, including this Lower Hodrušské lake. Preparatory work on this grand project started in June 1743. Samuel Mikovíny, who worked closely with Matej Zipser to create the project, stood behind the entire technical proposal. Their joint efforts have resulted in a work that still fascinates experts and lay visitors with its precision and functionality.

If you take a closer look at the dam itself, which holds the water in front of you, note its majesty and strength. Its height is 20 meters, which is a truly admirable performance for that time. The castle has been designed to withstand the flood of water and to fulfil its important function for generations. It is fascinating to realize that this work was built without the modern technology available to us today, yet it has endured for centuries. Due to its exceptional value and technical importance, the Dolné Hodrušské lake is rightly listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a recognition that belongs not only to the building itself, but also to visionaries who have been able to implement it in difficult terrain.

Looking at this water reservoir, you may wonder what stories relate to people who work here daily. Samuel Mikovíny, whose name is inextricably linked to this place, was the real genius of his day. His ability to tame and exploit natural elements for the benefit of mining was revolutionary in the eighteenth century. As you walk around, try to imagine the noise that prevailed during the construction, and later, when the lake began to serve its purpose to the full. The water from this secret was vital to mining machines that were able to draw water from the depths of the earth to enable the mining of precious metals famous for the region worldwide.

It is unbelievable what harmony this technical work is creating today with the surrounding country. Though built as a purely purposeful building, it eventually became a natural part of the local scenery. Many visitors are not even aware that beneath this peaceful surface, there is such a sophisticated system that, at the time of its creation, was the tip of European engineering. It is this combination of utility function and aesthetic action that makes Hodrušský dolný jazero a place worth exploring deeper.

We hope that you are interested in this short look into the past and that you will look at this technical monument with different eyes as you walk around the lake. We recommend you to go to other trails in the area, which can lead you to other secrets and reveal the complexity of the entire mining water system, which is the pride of Banská Bystrica region. Thank you for listening to this story and wish you pleasant moments spent in this historically important environment. Our common path in the footsteps of ancient builders ends here, but for you discovering the beauty of Hodruše-Hámrov is just beginning. Goodbye.