Sensenmuseum Geyerhammer
Museum in a historic hammer mill on the Alm with water-wheel hammers and demonstration forging, devoted to 400 years of scythe making in Scharnstein.
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About the museum
Scythe making in Scharnstein goes back four centuries: between 1585 and 1588, four scythe works were established there at the instigation of the lord of the castle, Helmhard Jörger. For three centuries they remained small craft businesses. In 1875 the Redtenbacher company moved in and made Scharnstein the largest scythe works in the Danube Monarchy, with products sold worldwide.
The mechanisation of agriculture and new scythe works overseas put pressure on the business: sickle production ended in 1970, and all production finally ceased in 1987. The municipality of Scharnstein acquired the Geyerhammer, and volunteers opened the Scythe Museum there in 1992.
Three heavy tail hammers driven by water wheels, with forges and tools, show the work in an old hammer mill. The exhibition leads from raw steel to the finished scythe and tells of the hard daily life of the smiths, of scythe exports and of the transition from craft to industry. During demonstration forgings, experienced scythe smiths show the techniques of Zainen and Breiten (drawing out and spreading the blade).
Highlights
- Three water-wheel-driven tail hammers with forges in the original hammer mill
- Demonstration forging: Zainen and Breiten, every first Saturday of the month
- From raw steel to the finished scythe: production steps and scythe shapes
- History of the largest scythe works in the Danube Monarchy
- Scythe Trail (Sensenweg) tours
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung im Geyerhammer – Tour of the historic hammer mill with water-wheel hammers, the production steps through to the finished scythe, the lives of the smiths and the development into the scythe industry.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Kultur- und Heimatverein Scharnstein-Viechtwang (Träger: Marktgemeinde Scharnstein)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50Holders of the Salzkammergut Card or Scharnstein Card |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children and young people up to 16 years; with Salzkammergut Card or Scharnstein Card €2. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4.50 per personGroups of 10 or more; children's groups €2.50 per person. |
| Families | €13Family ticket. |
| Museum tour (per person) | €1.50minimum €20 per tour |
| Scythe Trail tour (per person) | €1.50minimum €20 per tour |
| Forging demonstration (per person) | €1.50minimum €20 per tour |
With the KirchenZeitung benefit card, €1 discount for adults and €0.50 for children. The demonstration forgings are included in admission.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
Scharnstein-Mühldorf
By the Almtalbahn (Wels–Grünau) to the Scharnstein-Mühldorf stop; regional buses from Gmunden, Kirchdorf and Wels.
By car
Parking available
By car about 20 km from the A1 (Salzburg–Linz) or the A9, in each case towards Scharnstein.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Museum tours, Scythe Trail tours and forging demonstrations are offered; registration by phone, email or contact form. |
