Hammerschmiede St. Agatha
Restored hammer forge in Gschwendt near St. Agatha with water wheels and demonstration forging on the first Sunday of each month.
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About the museum
According to tradition, agricultural tools and weapons for the peasants were already being made in the hammer forge in Gschwendt at the time of the Peasants' War of 1626. The works stood idle from the 1950s and the building fell into disrepair. In October 1992 the municipality of St. Agatha bought the dilapidated forge, and in December 1992 the “Verein zur Sanierung und Erhaltung der Hammerschmiede St. Agatha” (association for the renovation and preservation of the St. Agatha hammer forge) was founded.
The volunteers saved the building from collapse while preserving its original appearance. In 1998 two new water wheels were built, in 1999 the water supply from the Dittersdorfer and Mühlgraben streams was restored, and on 17 September 2000 the renovated hammer forge was officially opened. In 2020 the roof and the entire timber structure had to be renewed, with more than 2,800 hours of volunteer work.
Today the site shows the history of the blacksmith's craft in interplay with farm crafts from the beginning of the Upper Austrian Peasants' War to the present day. During the demonstration forging, small forged pieces are made which can be bought; school classes and tour groups often visit the forge as an excursion destination.
Highlights
- Working hammer forge with water wheels
- Demonstration forging with hands-on participation
- Hammer Forge Day on the first Sunday of every month
- History of the blacksmith's craft since the Peasants' War
Permanent exhibition
- Hammerschmiede und Schmiedehandwerk – Water-wheel-powered hammer forge with demonstrations of blacksmithing and farm crafts.
- Operated by
- Hammerschmiedeverein St. Agatha (Eigentümerin: Gemeinde St. Agatha)
Admission & discounts
| Group tour by appointment (flat rate per tour) | €50Bookable all year round, recommended from about 10 people. |
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Free admission: Hammer Forge Day on the first Sunday of the month: free admission
The tour fees fund the upkeep of the forge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
On Hammer Forge Day you can try forging yourself; children only when accompanied by adults.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Good to know | Tours for groups all year round by appointment (about 1 to 2 hours depending on the source); on Hammer Forge Day free tour and demonstration forging. |
