Brothers Preserve Traditional Charcoal Burning in Germany’s Harz Mountains

HASSELFELDE, Germany — Immo Feldmer carefully loaded smoldering charcoal into a mound of earth to initiate the ancient coal-burning tradition.

The mound was densely packed with beech wood, which smolders for weeks before transforming into charcoal — a craft practiced in the Harz region for centuries.

“We use traditional earthen kilns, as done here in the Harz Mountains for over 1,000 years,” Feldmer explained to The Associated Press during an interview in the forest near Hasselfelde.

Feldmer and his brother Sascha inherited the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus charcoal business from their father. They employ workers to monitor the mounds continuously, as the smoldering wood requires vigilant attention to prevent uncontrolled fires.

Covered in earth, dense beech wood burns from top to bottom through air holes. Once cooled, the charcoal is cleaned and bagged in 10-kilogram portions for sale.

Historically vital for Harz mining, charcoal enabled ore smelting using extreme heat. Though rare today, Feldmer and his brother sell primarily to home barbecue enthusiasts.

“Our charcoal comes from 100% beech wood,” Feldmer noted, contrasting it with most store-bought varieties made from mixed or waste wood.

Beyond charcoal production, the Feldmers operate a museum, store, and restaurant featuring local dishes grilled on birch charcoal, aiming to sustain the tradition through multiple ventures.

“We sincerely hope our children will carry on this business, ensuring the craft of charcoal burning endures here,” Feldmer added.

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