The graduation tower was originally designed to support the salt works of the Dürrenberg brine spring, which was discovered in 1741.
The blackthorn brushwood walls require periodic replacement to maintain the structural integrity and evaporation efficiency.
The aerosol created by the trickling brine replicates the air quality typically found at the North Sea coast.
The structure serves as a critical historical engineering monument within the Saxony-Anhalt salt heritage route.
It was designated a listed monument due to its size and technical significance in early industrial salt manufacturing.
The Gradierwerk Bad Dürrenberg is the longest continuous graduation tower in Germany, stretching over 636 meters in length. Originally constructed in the 18th century, the structure was built to concentrate brine for the production of salt. It functions by allowing saltwater to trickle over walls of blackthorn brushwood, which increases the salinity through natural evaporation and creates a saline-rich microclimate. The current structure has undergone extensive modern restoration to preserve its industrial heritage. Visitors can walk along the upper level of the construction to experience the brine-misted air, which is traditionally considered beneficial for respiratory health. It serves as a central feature of the local Kurpark and is integrated into the regional history of salt extraction in the Saale-Unstrut valley. The facility remains a primary example of pre-industrial evaporation technology applied to large-scale mineral processing.
The perspective from the northern end of the walkway capturing the full length of the timber framework.
Walk the entire length to experience varying intensities of the salt mist.
Bring a light jacket, as the air inside the graduation structure is often cooler and more humid than the surrounding park.
Check the local wind direction to ensure you are positioned downwind for the optimal saline air effect.
Avoid walking near the base when maintenance work is occurring on the brushwood walls to prevent contact with dripping brine.
The walkway is typically closed during the winter months to protect the structure from frost damage.
