Industrialisation thanks to hydropower
Maybe you’ve made a waterwheel once yourself by a stream, observed a mill wheel while marvelling at the power of water. And no matter if it’s a small waterwheel, blade wheel or gigantic turbine in a huge powerplant: The principle of power transmission through the element of water was understood more than 3,000 years ago and has been a milestone on the way to industrialisation until this day.
In the Aquapark the outdoor area of the Krimml Worlds of Water, you can try out various waterwheels: You’ll be amazed at just how much power even a small watercourse generates!
Historic mills in the National Park Hohe Tauern
In the National Park Hohe Tauern there are numerous historic mills still operated for display purposes. A visit to these mills is worthwhile to marvel at the technological achievement of building a mill and the many ways that water can be used:
- It’s a huge difference to laboriously grind grain by hand or to quickly mill it into flour in a waterpowered mill.
- Hammer mills in forges resulted in an enormous increase in output.
- Industrial progress also resulted from waterpowered mill saws and pottery wheels.
- Woodturning was also made possible by using mobile waterwheels and lathes.
The inexhaustible power
of the Krimml WaterfallsAn average of 5.6 cubic metres of water per second plunge down into the valley along the three cataracts of the Krimml Waterfalls. This generates an output of 17,000 kilowatts. Enough to cover the power demand of 40,000 households for one year! No wonder then that in the twentieth century the power industry expressed great interest in the power of the Krimml Waterfalls. A huge reservoir was to be built in Krimml Valley with enough water to provide some 155 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. But Alpine associations, institutions and the public put the protection of the unique natural landscape first. Since 1984 the Krimml Waterfalls have been one of the main attractions in the National Park Hohe Tauern, Austria’s largest nature park!
Rights & religions: The spiritual energy of water
Water as an indispensable element of life is of central importance in all religions of the world. At sources and pools, stream courses and mountain lakes, rivers and oases, spirits, nymphs and nature deities are worshipped. Here, rituals take place that accompany life: From Christian baptism to Hindu death rituals. The power brings about cleansing, revitalisation and new life. People in the Pinzgau Mountains have always been at the mercy of the forces of weather and the four seasons. Christians still believe in the power of water during baptism, which is the central element of their religion.
- Tip for delving into the “Spiritual energy of water”: Pay a visit to the parish church in Krimml and see the baptismal font.