Radwerk IV – Hochofenmuseum

About the museum

Radwerk IV in Vordernberg is one of an original fourteen Radwerke (wheel works) along the stream, named after the water wheels that had driven the bellows of the smelting works since the 13th century. The present building dates from 1846 and replaced an older furnace. When pig iron production moved to Donawitz, the works disappeared one by one; Radwerk IV was shut down in 1911, after the furnace had been in operation for 65 years.

After decades of vacancy, a newly founded association took over the decaying structure in 1956. It comprised ironworkers, mining shareholders (Gewerken), the mayor and professors of the Montanistic University of Leoben. The museum opened on May 16, 1959. In 1989 ASM International honored Radwerk IV as a historic landmark of materials history.

Not just the building shell is preserved, but the complete fittings, with roasting furnaces, ore carts (Erzhunten), charging buckets, the water wheel, tuyeres and the Flossenbett. The route leads through the four levels around the smelting chamber. The association also includes the blower house of Radwerk III with a steam engine from 1873, the teaching refinery (Lehrfrischhütte) of Peter Tunner from 1842, and the Raithaus, the former mining training institute. The museum is still run by volunteers today.

Highlights

• The world's only fully preserved charcoal blast furnace (1846)
• Complete fittings with roasting plant, furnace top, water wheel and tapping vault
• ASM International Historic Landmark (1989)
• Blower house of Radwerk III with a steam engine from 1873
• Panoramic lift in the elevator shaft

Permanent exhibitions

• Radwerk IV – Hochofenmuseum – The charcoal blast furnace from 1846 with roasting plant, furnace top, water wheel and tapping vault, fully preserved with its fittings.
• Radwerk III – Ofenstock und Gebläsehaus – Steam engine from 1873 and three blower cylinders, nearly unchanged since the conversion; included in the extended tour.
• Lehrfrischhütte – Schmiede Peter Tunners – The forge from 1842 with a water-wheel-driven tail hammer.

Founded

1959

Operated by

Verein „Freunde des Radwerkes IV in Vordernberg“

Admission & discounts

Tour of Radwerk IV (approx. 1.5 hours): 1–2 people or a family of up to 4 people, a flat rate of €30; adults from 3 people, €10 per person; students, pupils, young people up to 15 years old and Bundesheer, €6. Association members can visit the association's museums free of charge once a year.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the website, barrier-free; a panoramic lift in the elevator shaft connects the levels.

Kids & families

Families of up to 4 people pay a flat rate; school classes are catered for with a dedicated program.

Getting there & parking

The meeting point is the entrance to Radwerk IV at Peter-Tunner-Straße 2.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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