Schmiedemuseum Arbesbach
Working hammer forge from 1802 in the Waldviertel with three water wheels, workshop and exhibition; visits by guided tour only.
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About the museum
The hammer forge in the hamlet of Kamp, the "Kamper Hammer", was built in 1802 by Michael Pölzl on the Großer Kamp. A manor house was built next to the workshop. In 1929 Ludwig Haslinger took over the business from Pölzl's descendants and ran it together with his wife until 1982 as the last hammersmith.
After several years of standstill, the municipality of Arbesbach acquired the forge and opened it to visitors as a museum-like working demonstration. Three restored water wheels, up to 3.4 meters in diameter, drive the tail hammer (Schwanzhammer) and further machines, including a cold saw, a drill, a grinding stone and an emery wheel. All machines work and are put into operation for visitors.
On the ground floor, the workshop is set up as Haslinger left it in 1982; the forge is fired with charcoal. On the upper floor, where journeymen once lived and later the smith himself, an exhibition shows tools, workpieces and documentation on the production of various iron parts, above all agricultural implements.
Highlights
- Working hammer forge from 1802
- Three water wheels up to 3.4 m in diameter drive the tail hammer and machines
- Workshop as it was in 1982, when the last hammersmith Haslinger left it
- Exhibition on tools and iron products on the upper floor
- Guided tours with the hammer running
Permanent exhibition
- Hammerschmiede und Ausstellung zur Eisenverarbeitung – Working workshop with water wheels and tail hammer, plus an exhibition on tools, workpieces and the making of iron parts.
- Operated by
- Marktgemeinde Arbesbach
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4 |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Discount for groups of 10 or more people and holders of the NÖ-Familienpass |
Free admission with the Niederösterreich-CARD (partner business).
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum can only be visited as part of a guided tour. |
