Freilichtmuseum Hackenschmiede

With three undershot water wheels, the flowing energy of the Wimbach is used to power the facilities of the hammer forge – and everything is fully functional. The smallest wheel operates the bellows. This serves to blow air into the three forges so that the high temperatures in the forge fire are reached, which make the iron glow and soften at over 1000 degrees Celsius. The medium-sized wheel sets a grinding stone, combined with a drilling machine, in motion. The largest water wheel system with a 3.1 m wheel diameter, a 6 m long grindel, and two tail hammers, is the showpiece of the hammer forge. 410 years of Hackenschmiede Bad Wimsbach: The Hackenschmiede is first mentioned in the Wimsbach parish registers in 1604, making it one of the oldest in Austria. 36 years of museum: The Kulturverein Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting acquired the Hackenschmiede from the last master smith in 1968 and renovated it from 1975, so that the festive opening as an open-air museum could take place in 1978. A visit to this gem of the pre-industrial age is always worthwhile. During a blacksmith demonstration, spectators experience the shaping of glowing iron and thus an old craft – whoever has courage and strength can even actively participate. Group offers can be found on the website of the Traun-Ager-Alm region!