Kopanický rybník
Kopanický rybník (Moderštôlniansky tajch, Moderštôlňa, Kopanický tajch)
Water
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, part of the Hodruša tajchs.
🏞️ Originally built for mining, it now serves as 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, this tajch was likely built on an older 17th-century predecessor by the Moderstollen mining company, successor to Gerod.
🏗️ Constructed between 1740 and 1743 by the Main Mining Chamber, it was designed to compensate for water loss in the Kohútovo area.
📈 Significant dam increases in 1850 and 1883 greatly expanded its water retention capacity.
⚙️ After mining ceased in 1902, the site saw various uses, including a water-powered sawmill, which also eventually failed.
🏡 In the 1930s, František Schulz bought the tajch, partially drained it for pastures and a house; the foundations of his house are still visible underwater.
🛠️ Underwent a comprehensive reconstruction from 1996 to 1997, restoring its dam and infrastructure to original parameters.

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.
🌊 Features an earth-filled dam with a unique 'Mních' (monk) regulating structure.
💧 It boasts the most extensive system of collection ditches among all Hodruša tajchs, a testament to ingenious 18th-century water management.
⚠️ Note that a common misconception about water flow to Kohútovská dolina has been disproven by historical maps and measurements.

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.

Managed By

🏢 The tajch is currently managed by the Slovak Water Management Enterprise.

Tags
historicalreservoirUNESCOrecreationfishingoutdoortechnical monument