Water Management System of Augsburg

By Paul D’Souza

What is the water management system of Augsburg?

The Water Management System of Augsburg in southern Germany is an intricate system that was developed to streamline the city’s water demand during the late Medieval and Renaissance period. 

This innovative engineered hydraulic system was an international inspiration and made Augsburg a pioneer in the field. It evolved and has been adapted over the last 700 years. Drinking water (from springs) and process water (from the river) were segregated as early as 1545. This highly pure water promoted the long-term growth of the city of Augsburg.

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Why is the water management system of Augsburg a UNESCO World Heritage site? 

The water system is composed of 22 independent elements, which include canals, watercourses, waterworks, fountains, hydro-technical structures, and hydropower plants. This system is still in place and supplies the whole city with water and power. The conservation areas and heritage protection measures ensure water quality control and nature conservation. Over the centuries, innovations in the system have “sustained Augsburg’s leading position as a pioneer in hydraulic engineering,” according to UNESCO.

The water management system is what allowed the city to grow and prosper. Ultimately, the monuments continue to exemplify “two key stages in human history: the water ‘art’ of the Renaissance, and the Industrial Revolution.”

What can you expect on a visit to the water management system of Augsburg? 

The most well-known parts of the water management system that I experienced on my visit to Augsburg are the canals and fountains that beautify the city. 

Several waterways are located in the old town. The one that caught my eye the most is where two waterways meet at a junction, one crossing over the other. I highly recommend a stroll along the canals to see the centuries-old system in working condition.

Of the 22 separate elements included in the UNESCO designation, the most visible are the Lech canals, which date to the 13th century. They supplied water and power directly to businesses. Three of the elements are waterworks (at Rotes Tor, Vogeltor, and the Lower Waterworks), including water towers. They provided drinking water to the city starting in the early 15th century. One element is the Hochablass, a weir dating to 1911 that generates power from the water of the city’s canals. Another is the Galgenablass, a culvert that separates spring water from river water.

More easy-to-see elements of the UNESCO site are several fountains: the Augustus Fountain (1594), the Mercury Fountain (1599) and the Hercules Fountain (1602). Also the Stadtmetzg is a 1609 trade guild hall for butchers. Its innovation was that it used water from the canal to keep the meat cool and take away waste.

Ten of the locations are power plants, the earliest dating to 1875. At first they powered one or more factories or mills directly. The later ones generated electricity to power factories and/or the city in general. Many of them are still operational. One of them, called Langweid, is home to the Lechmuseum Bayern. It’s only open the first Sunday of the month, but it allows an inside view of a hydroelectric plant that is still in operation.

The last and most recent element is the Canoe Course (Eiskanaal). It was built for the 1972 Olympics, when an ice canal was converted to host the white-water canoeing events.

Generally speaking, Augsburg is an underestimated city, which bursts with sights and interesting landmarks. Named after the popular Roman Caesar Augustus, Augsburg has always been a central hub in the region of Bavaria.

Take a walking tour focused on Augsburg’s water management system.

Is Augsburg worth visiting? 

Augsburg is a charming medieval city. If you are visiting Munich, you might want to plan a day trip to Augsburg to see the water system but also the city in general.

What sorts of travelers would like Augsburg? 

If you are into technical evolutions and German engineering mastery, you will most definitely want to add Augsburg and the water management system to your itinerary. Fortunately, you don’t have to be technically savvy to enjoy the splendor that these water canal systems bring about.

Tips for visiting the water management system of Augsburg

Augsburg isn’t yet that well known among tourists, so you will find that the city isn’t as well visited compared to Munich and Nuremberg. The old town is large, so wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking mostly on cobblestones.

Visit the Fuggerei, which is located near the canals. The Fuggerei was the world’s first social housing project, initiated in the 16th century by Jakob Fugger, the richest man who has ever lived. These buildings are still in use today, but the museum organizes tours for visitors.

There are other UNESCO sites not too far away: the Pilgrimage Church of Wies is about an hour and a half south of Augsburg and Bamberg is two and a half hours north.

Book your accommodations in Augsburg here. Or use the map below:

Where is Augsburg?

You can get to Augsburg by car or train. Most visitors travel to Augsburg from Munich, which is about 1 hour by car or train. If you travel by car, park just outside the city in one of the P+R parking lots, where parking is either free or low-cost. P+R lots promote public transport, which is rather convenient in Augsburg, as parking in the city center isn’t an option.

For more information about the Water Management System of Augsburg, opening hours for its various elements and admission fees, see its official website. 

Have you been to Augsburg? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!