Kopanický rybník
Kopanický rybník (Moderštôlniansky tajch, Moderštôlňa, Kopanický tajch)
Kopanický rybník, also known as Moderštôlniansky tajch, is a historic water reservoir in the Štiavnické vrchy mountains, part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Banská Štiavnica and its surroundings. Originally built to power mining operations, it has been reconstructed and now serves for recreation and fishing.

📜 Historic UNESCO World Cultural Heritage water reservoir.
🏞️ Originally built for mining, now a popular spot for recreation and fishing.

Why Go

✨ Experience a significant part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Banská Štiavnica.
🎣 Enjoy fishing and various recreational activities in a serene natural setting.
🚶‍♀️ Explore the beautiful Štiavnické vrchy mountains surrounding the reservoir.
📚 Learn about the fascinating history of mining and the ingenious technical solutions used.

History

⛏️ First mentioned in 1737, built on a potentially older 17th-century tajch for mining operations.
📈 Significant dam increases in 1850 and 1883 greatly expanded its water retention.
⚙️ After mining ceased in 1902, the site saw various uses, including a water-powered sawmill.
🛠️ Underwent a comprehensive reconstruction from 1996 to 1997, restoring its dam and infrastructure.

Technical Details

📏 Dam crown altitude: 630.21 m a.s.l.
💧 Current volume: approximately 160,000 m³.
📐 Water surface area: approximately 0.6071 ha.
🚧 Dam crown length: 138 m, width: 8–10 m; height from terrain: 16.6 m.
🌊 Maximum depth: up to 10 m.
🏗️ Earth-filled dam with a unique 'Mních' (monk) regulating structure.

Present Day

🏞️ Serves as a popular destination for local recreation and a well-regarded fishing reservoir.
⚠️ Note that some historical collection ditches are now non-functional or converted into forest roads.

Tags
historicalreservoirUNESCOrecreationfishingoutdoortechnical monument