Refurbishment of the hook birds: Aue-Bad Schlema celebrates return to nature!

Refurbishment of the hook birds: Aue-Bad Schlema celebrates return to nature!

On June 11, 2025, a significant step in the history of the industrial discounting system hook bumps in Aue-Bad Schlema was taken. Wismut GmbH officially handed over the successful renovation project that marks the return of this historical location to the public. Among those present, Dr. Michael Paul, the technical managing director of Wismut GmbH, as well as Martin Zimmermann, the head of project sponsor Wismut Altocorte, and Dr. Oliver Titzmann, representative of the city of Aue-Bad Schlema. The chairman of the renovation advisory board, Ralph Weidner, did not miss the opportunity to take part in this celebration. During the event, Martin Zimmermann reported on the eventful history of the area, which was once known as one of the most beautiful outdoor pools in Saxony and opened in 1921 with the first 50-meter pool.

The original shine of the outdoor pool, idyllically located on the hook bumps, was overshadowed by the activities of bismuth, which began in 1946 with the processing of ores. Urane acquisition was carried out there from 1948, and three daily shafts were tied until 1952. The following years were characterized by the flushing of preparation residues and various environmental impacts, which ultimately resulted in the need for comprehensive renovation.

The challenge of the renovation

In his speech, Martin Zimmermann praised the great challenges associated with the renovation. He thanked the planners of the GUB Zwickau and the construction company Oehme GmbH for their excellent work. The total costs of the renovation amounted to 4.8 million euros, whereby 63 percent of the administrative agreements were supported by the Bund and the Free State of Saxony, and the remaining 37 percent by the city of Aue-Bad Schlema, the Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony Forest and Funding of the State Directorate of Saxony.

Another highlight of the event was the symbolic handover of a rake by Martin Zimmermann to Dr. Titzmann. This rake stands for the maintenance of the newly created lawns through the city, a sign of the new beginning in the green of the hook birds. Dr. Oliver Tititzmann in particular emphasized the restoration of bike and hiking trails, which is an important element for the future use of the area.

cultural events and community spirit

The handover was supported by numerous representatives of the Museum and History Association Aue, led by Markus Hofmann. The home friends of hooks, members of the association, have already uncovered parts of the buildings of the former bath and strive to use the place for cultural events. On the day of the handover, the home friends celebrated a barbecue and invited the guests to a cozy bratwursten. Ralf Ebert presented a model of the mermaid fountain, which was made by a child from the club. "Such meetings are important for the exchange and care of our Auer history," emphasized Ebert.

The renovation and revival of the hook birds not only represents a significant step in the development of the location, but also promotes the community and the preservation of regional culture. AUE-Bad Schlema shows once again with such committed projects how history and present can be combined harmoniously.

For more information, visit the website of Wismut GmbH and Heimatfreunde Hakenkrümme.