The Augsburg water system

Canals were built to supply the city as early as the 8th century. They carried water in and out and still characterize the cityscape today. With over 500 bridges, Augsburg even has more than Venice. The actual water management system has its roots in the 13th century. It was first mentioned in documents in 1276 and the first dam was built around 70 years later. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, the famous water towers with pumping stations were built, which reliably supplied the higher-lying old town with drinking water. The strict separation of drinking and process water in 1545 was a decisive step forward – an innovative concept that was introduced long before medical knowledge about the importance of hygiene.

Augsburg’s engineers and Baumeisters were considered pioneers of water management. Their innovations spread far beyond the city and influenced the water supply systems of other major European cities such as Munich, Brussels and Vienna. UNESCO therefore recognized Augsburg under selection criterion ii for the exchange and transmission of technical knowledge and under criterion iv as an outstanding example of socio-technical ensembles – especially during the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution.

The water towers
The water towers at the Red Gate, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, are among the oldest water towers in Central Europe. With the help of pumping stations, water was pumped into elevated tanks to supply the old town.

The Stadtmetzg
The Stadtmetzg, built in 1609-1611 according to plans by Elias Holl, was the town’s central butcher’s shop. The Renaissance building was supplied with water via a canal in the basement, which was used for cooling, cleaning and waste disposal. In the 17th century, the Stadtmetzg was considered the most modern butcher’s shop in Europe.

The monumental fountains
The three magnificent Renaissance fountains – Augustus Fountain, Mercury Fountain and Hercules Fountain – are special works of art in Augsburg’s water system. They symbolize the city’s self-representation and combine hydraulic technology with artistic expression.

Hydroelectric power stations
Hydroelectric power stations have also been a feature of the system since the 19th century. Augsburg was one of the first cities in Europe to use hydropower on an industrial scale. To this day, energy generation from water contributes to the city’s energy supply.

Augsburg’s water management was the basis for the city’s growth, prosperity and health. Clean drinking water, hygienic wastewater disposal and the use of hydropower made Augsburg a leading center of business and technology. The ensemble is not only a technical masterpiece, but also a cultural symbol of the combination of nature, engineering and urban quality of life.

Today, Augsburg’s water system is not only a piece of the city’s living history, but also an excellent tourist attraction. Visitors can discover the individual stations on their own or as part of a guided tour.

WaterWorlds visitor center: The central visitor center is located in the WaterWorlds House at the Red Gate. Here, visitors can learn all about the development of Augsburg’s water management through exhibitions and interactive stations.

Guided tours & adventure trails
– Guided tours of the city: Themed tours to water towers, fountains or the Stadtmetzg.
– Discover waterways: The UNESCO Water Trail connects the most important objects of the World Heritage Site.
– Canoe trips & boat tours: Canals can be experienced from a new perspective.

Museums & exhibitions
– Waterworks at Hochablass: Historic pumping stations as a technical monument.
– Lechmuseum Bayern in Langweid: the use of hydropower over the centuries.
– Maximilian Museum: Exhibition of the original figures of the monumental fountains.

Events: Themed tours, festivals and lectures take place every year. The Augsburg Water Art Day with open historical installations and demonstrations is particularly popular.

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