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Nature's Bounty: The Museum Salz und Moor im Klaushäusl (Salt & Moor Museum)

Salt was once a precious commodity, but today, moors hold significant value—for both health benefits and climate preservation—a true shift in perspective, one might say. At the Museum Salz und Moor im Klaushäusl (Salt & Moor Museum), visitors can delve into both realms: exploring the history of "white gold" and discovering the largest raised bog in southeast Bavaria—an extraordinary landscape formed by the gradual silting up of Lake Chiemsee.

Dating back to 1810, the "Klaushäusl" stands as the sole fully preserved pumping station along the 107-kilometer-long brine pipeline, nestled north of Grassau in the picturesque Chiemgau region, on the fringes of the Kendlmühlfilzen. This historic brine pipeline, stretching from Reichenhall to Rosenheim, is recognized as one of the world's earliest pipelines. Remarkably, the original Reichenbach water column machine, operational for 150 years, remains on display within the museum today.

A guest article by the Museum Salz & Moor

A Salty History

Brew pan model, © Museum Salz & Moor
Deichel, © Museum Salz & Moor

The legacy of salt spans centuries. Over 300 years ago, a man faced the death penalty in Traunstein for the crime of salt theft—a stark contrast to our modern times, where salt is abundant and affordable.

In our region of Bavaria, salt doesn't naturally occur in its pure form. It's extracted from saline rock by water, creating brine—a solution of table salt dissolved in water. This brine is then boiled to extract the salt, a process carried out in salt works, which were powered by vast quantities of wood. The brine was transported to these salt works through long pipelines.

Despite the logistical challenges, Bavarian rulers recognized the value of salt as a lucrative resource to fund their state expenditures. They spared no expense, employing innovative engineering to construct brine pipelines that traversed mountains.

One such pumping station, located at Klaushäusl along the 100-kilometer-long pipeline from Reichenhall to the salt works in Rosenheim, operated from 1810 to 1958, symbolizing the ingenuity and industry of bygone eras.

Unveiling the Klaushäusl: A Journey through Salt History

© Museum Salz & Moor

Seven buildings constitute the Klaushäusl, each with its distinct function during the operational days of the brine pipeline. The elongated structure served as the low reserve ("Niederreserve"), featuring two large wooden basins to ensure continuous machine operation even during pipeline interruptions. Positioned at the highest point near the forest's edge, the high reserve ("Hochreserve") mirrored this function. Midway up the slope, the small impact water house ("Aufschlagwasserhaus") generated water pressure essential for the pump.

At the heart of it all stands the tower-shaped machine house ("Maschinenhaus"), home to the original brine lifting machine—known as the water column machine—which tirelessly pumped brine for nearly 150 years. Today, these historic buildings collectively house the Salt Museum, preserving the legacy of salt production and the ingenuity of past generations.

The Raised Bog Kendlmühlfilzen

© Museum Salz & Moor
© Museum Salz & Moor
© Museum Salz & Moor
© Museum Salz & Moor

The journey along the brine pipeline unfolds from the low reserve to the high reserve, encompassing 178 steps—a routine stroll for the well keeper and their assistant. Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking panorama awaits, offering sweeping views of the Kendlmühlfilzen (external link, opens in a new window), one of southeast Bavaria's largest raised bogs.

Once perceived as desolate and unproductive, moors have undergone a profound reevaluation, recognized now for their crucial role in climate preservation, biodiversity, and water regulation, and serving as invaluable historical archives. The Salt & Moor Museum, housed within the stately three-story Brunnwärterhaus, sheds light on the extreme living conditions, unique flora and fauna, and human utilization of these landscapes, once inhabited by the well keeper and their family.

Peat, a hallmark of raised bogs, forms when plant growth surpasses the rate of decomposition of dead plant matter, leading to its accumulation over time. In a pristine raised bog, the peat layer thickens by approximately 1 millimeter annually. Thus, a bog boasting a 10-meter peat layer is estimated to be around 10,000 years old, bearing witness to the passage of millennia and the intricate evolution of these remarkable ecosystems.

Visiting the Museum Salz und Moor (Salt & Moor Museum)

Sundew, © Museum Salz & Moor
Sundew model, © Museum Salz & Moor
Wonderful place to stop for a bite to eat, © Museumscafé Klaushäusl in Rottau

A visit to the Museum Salz und Moor (Salt & Moor Museum) promises an ideal day trip, offering immersive experiences for all ages. Begin your adventure on the Moor Adventure Path Kendlmühlfilze (external link, opens in a new window), leading you into the enchanting landscape of Kendlmühlfilzen. Here, amidst the primeval moor, marvel at carnivorous wonders like the sundew while observing the diverse flora and fauna. Traverse through the terrain, conquering beaver lodges, balancing on tree trunks, and engaging in hands-on activities with natural materials.

Alternatively, set off in the opposite direction along the former surcharge water pipe, once the lifeline for the pump drive. Follow the trail to the mesmerizing Rottau waterfall and onwards to the picturesque Grassau mountain pastures. Along the way, encounter historical relics such as the meticulously restored sandpit—a testament to the brine pipeline's legacy.

Cap off your explorations with a well-deserved break at the museum café, operated by the Schmidt family within the charming confines of the former farm laborer's house. Indulge in delectable homemade cakes and refreshments, rejuvenating yourself for further adventures ahead.