Gradierwerk im Kurpark Bad Münder

The graduation house in Bad Münder

The most striking structure in the lower spa gardens is the graduation tower, which was rebuilt by the spa and tourist association in 1999 based on a historical model. Graduation towers were once used to produce salt. It is 15 meters long, 4.5 meters high and 1.8 meters wide.
The first documented mention of salt production dates back to 1033. While the water from the brine spring was boiled in pans in these early years, graduation towers were used around 1820. In this process, the brine is passed over blackthorn branches, whereby the salt content is constantly graded upwards. Salt production was one of the most important economic foundations of Bad Münder, as salt was essential for preserving food until the invention of refrigerators. This almost 1000-year history of salt production in Bad Münder came to an end when the graduation house was shut down in 1925. Today, the graduation house is used for therapeutic purposes. Here you can really take a deep breath, as the brine inhalation heals and protects the respiratory tract.