Urlaub in Bad Sachsa
Urlaub in Bad Sachsa

The Legend of the Schmerl

The Legendary Mascot of Bad Sachsa

In Bad Sachsa, the Schmelzteich is not only a popular destination for day trips but is also closely linked to an ancient legend. It tells of the mischievous loaches, a mysterious spell, and the liberation of the Urschmerl, who has been considered the town’s mascot ever since. To this day, this tale lives on, making the loach a special figure that accompanies visitors at the Schmelzteich and throughout the town. The legend combines nature, imagination, and local history, giving Bad Sachsa a distinctive sense of identity.

The Schmelzteich in Bad Sachsa is not only an idyllic place to relax, but also the setting for an old legend that gave the town its mascot—the Schmerl.

Once upon a time, the waters of the Schmelzteich were home to small, mischievous fish called loaches. They meddled in everything and caused a commotion with their cheeky behavior. Especially on full moon nights, when dwarves and elves danced by the pond, they disrupted the magical festivities. Finally, a witch had had enough of their insolent behavior and cast a spell on the largest of the loaches: He was to watch over the bottom of the Schmelzteich forever, chained and covered in moss.
Years later, a boy ventured to the Schmelzteich to catch fish. There he discovered the enchanted “Urschmerl,” who suddenly blew a jet of water in his face and warned him to leave the fish in peace. The boy promised never to catch loaches again and to convince his friends to do the same.
In gratitude for his promise, an elf came to the Schmelzteich on a full-moon night and broke the ancient loach’s spell. Ever since, the loach has been considered the mascot of Bad Sachsa and serves as a reminder of this legendary story, which continues to fascinate visitors to the town to this day.

The Story
Once upon a time, the waters of the Schmelzteich were home to small, cheeky fish known as loaches. They meddled in everything and caused a commotion with their cheeky behaviour. Particularly on full moon nights, when dwarves and elves danced by the pond, they disrupted the magical festivities. Eventually, a witch had had enough of their cheeky behaviour and cast a spell on the largest of the loaches: he was to guard the bottom of the Schmelzteich forever, chained and covered in moss.

Years later, a boy ventured to the Schmelzteich to catch fish. There he discovered the enchanted ‘Urschmerl’, who suddenly blew a jet of water in his face and warned him to leave the fish in peace. The boy promised never to catch loaches again and to persuade his friends to do the same. In gratitude for his promise, on a night of the full moon an elf came to the Schmelzteich and broke the spell on the primeval loach. Ever since, the loach has been regarded as the mascot of Bad Sachsa and serves as a reminder of this legendary tale, which continues to fascinate visitors to the town to this day.
The Schmerl as a figure with whom one can identify
Treating nature with respect
Over time, the Schmerl has become a popular symbol with which the town identifies. He represents a respectful approach to nature and the mysterious world of legends that have been passed down in the Southern Harz for centuries. Children in particular love the tales of the Schmerl, as he appears in the stories sometimes mischievous and playful, sometimes wise and protective. In Bad Sachsa, you can still encounter him today in various forms, whether at events, on souvenirs or in child-friendly activities centred around the Schmelzteich.

The legend of the Schmerl is therefore more than just a fairy-tale story. It conveys values such as respect for animals and responsibility towards nature, and makes the Schmelzteich a special place where history, imagination and a sense of home come together.
Mutter und Kind schauen durch Fernglas
Great Places to Visit in and Around Bad Sachsa

Explore Bad Sachsa and its many attractions. Here you’ll find fascinating nature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fun for the whole family, interesting museums , and much more.

Urlaub in Bad Sachsa
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