Elfleins-Häusla
Franconian craftsman's and winegrower's house in Rödelsee with a village forge preserved in its original state – life and work in the 19th and 20th centuries.
About the museum
Based on findings in the clay walls, the small half-timbered house at the foot of the Schwanberg was built before 1750 and served as a forge from the start; its vaulted cellar even dates back to the 15th century. In 1892, farrier and master smith Kaspar Elflein of Abtswind acquired the property, and a stable extension was added around 1920. After 1939 the workshop stayed cold.
His daughter Anna Elflein lived in the house until her death in 1981 and changed nothing – which is why the forge remained in its original condition. After that the building stood empty and fell into disrepair. In 1998 the municipality of Rödelsee bought the property; at the urging of local master painter Rudolf Wandler, the municipal council decided in 2005 to preserve it and convert it into a museum rather than tear it down.
After years of largely volunteer-led restoration, the house opened to visitors in September 2008 on Open Monument Day; in 2009 the Lower Franconia district recognized the effort with a promotional award. The tour leads through the forge, living room, kitchen, children's room and bedroom, stable, wheelwright's shop, fodder room, vaulted cellar and the attic with historic winegrowing tools. The outhouse and the old laundry kettle are preserved in the courtyard.
Highlights
- Fully furnished village forge with hearth, bellows and anvil
- Kitchen and living room preserved almost in their original state
- 15th-century vaulted cellar with stone wine press
- Collection of historic winegrowing tools in the attic
- Preserved outhouse in the courtyard
Permanent exhibitions
- Leben, Wohnen und Arbeiten im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert – The originally furnished forge, residence and winegrower's house shows the workshop, living rooms, stable, cellar and attic of a craftsman's family.
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Gemeinde Rödelsee (ehrenamtlich betreut)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission; donations are welcome.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- 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
Inside the house, steps and stairs lead to the living room, the wheelwright's shop and the attic.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups of up to 20 people by registration, with a forging demonstration on request. Free public forging demonstrations several times a year on event days. Information is also available from the Vinfothek Schloss Crailsheim (09323 8773663). |
