Deutsches Peitschenmuseum
Germany's only whip museum, in the old railway station of Killer: a workshop with a braiding machine and the history of whip makers.
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About the museum
For around two centuries the small village of Killer in the Killertal was the centre of German whip production. Because the narrow valley basin allowed hardly any productive farming, many families made carriage whips and walking-stick whips for carters, coachmen and farmers; at times nearly every second whip used in Germany came from here. With motorisation the craft, which once required a three-year apprenticeship, almost completely disappeared after the Second World War.
The local historian Jürgen Simmendinger, grandson of a whip maker, collected documents, interviewed the last contemporary witnesses and in 1987 demonstrated the old craft with a restored braiding machine at the Heimattage in Albstadt. As chairman of the Heimatverein Killer, founded in 1987, he campaigned for a museum of its own. The Hohenzollerische Landesbahn handed over to the association the railway station, which had been slated for demolition, and members renovated it through several years of volunteer work. On 5 September 1993 the German Whip Museum opened to visitors for the first time.
After the founder's death, his son Oliver Simmendinger took over management in 2007; in 2012 the museum was recognised as an exemplary local history museum in the Tübingen administrative district. In spring 2020 arson attacks damaged the building, the attached cafeteria was lost, and regular opening days ceased. The museum now welcomes guests again on individual Sundays and public holidays and for group tours. The centrepiece is the complete workshop in the former freight room with a braiding machine more than 150 years old.
Highlights
- Fully equipped whip workshop in the former freight room
- Braiding machine over 150 years old with 32 spindles and transmission drive
- "Whips from around the World" collection
- Lion tamer's whip of the circus director Sarrasani
- Museum in the historic Killer railway station
Permanent exhibition
- Peitschenmacherhandwerk in Killer – Tour through the waiting room, office and workshop of the old station: raw materials and documents of the whip makers, whips from around the world and working whip-making machines.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Heimatverein Killer e.V.
- Director
- Oliver Simmendinger
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking directly at the museum.
The museum is in the former station of the Hohenzollerische Landesbahn (now SWEG) and can be reached from the B 32 in a few minutes: coming from the direction of Sigmaringen, turn right towards Salmendingen shortly before the end of Killer; coming from the direction of Balingen/Hechingen, turn left towards Salmendingen at the village entrance; after the level crossing turn left.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Museum shop
The cafeteria has been unusable since the arson attack; in fine weather there is a small outdoor refreshment service on opening days. Small museum shop in the former waiting room, offering children's whips, whip cords and liqueur, among other things.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | On opening days, tour with audio guide; the historic machines in the workshop are demonstrated every hour on the hour. Group tours through all rooms by arrangement for up to 25 people, lasting about 45 to 60 minutes. |
