Energiemuseum Rickenbach
Technology museum on the Murgtalpfad in Hottingen: hydropower, hydraulic ram, pumps and a power station from 1908 – open on Sundays with free admission.
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About the museum
The Energiemuseum was established in 2001 in connection with the Murgtalpfad and lies roughly in the middle of this themed hiking trail on the edge of Hottingen. As early as February 14, 2000, a friends' association had been formed to support the municipality of Rickenbach in setting up, maintaining and operating the facility at the Kraftwerk Hottingen. It has around 80 members, looks after the exhibits, organizes guided tours and expands the collection.
The focus is on energy conversion and hydropower in the Hotzenwald. In the outdoor area a turbine runner and various pumps show how water can be lifted without electricity or diesel. The hydraulic ram, an invention more than 200 years old, drives a historic overshot waterwheel using water power alone. Information boards and a 40-meter-deep Murgfall shaft explain the pumped-storage plants of the Schluchseewerk AG.
The site also includes the Kraftwerk Hottingen, which has generated electricity since 1908; in 1975 its machines were replaced with modern ones, and today it belongs to Naturenergie Hochrhein AG. The original turbine of 1908, with mechanical governor and generator, stands in a protective shelter on the outdoor grounds. Guided tours can also include the historic company apartment on the upper floor. Since 2025 there has also been a free audio tour, usable around the clock.
Highlights
- Hydraulic ram with a historic waterwheel
- Original turbine of the Hottingen power station from 1908
- 40-meter-deep Murgfall shaft
- Turbine runner and pumps to try out on the outdoor grounds
- Free audio tour by smartphone
- Free admission
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- Gemeinde Rickenbach, betreut vom Förderverein Energiemuseum Rickenbach e. V.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Group tour of the museum | €35Up to 20 people; each additional person €1.75 |
|---|---|
| Group tour of the museum and historic company apartment | €50 |
Admission is free; a donation is requested. Group tours are chargeable.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
Kids & families
Energy is conveyed in a vivid and playful way, with a turbine runner, pumps and interactive information boards in the outdoor area.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Hiking car park at the Hottingen Vereinshalle (club hall); the museum is a few minutes' walk from there.
The museum lies roughly in the middle of the Murgtalpfad outside the Hottingen district and is a stop for hikers and cyclists; the bike route "Mit der Wasserkraft am Wegesrand" starts directly at the museum.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | The free audio tour runs on your own smartphone: scan the QR codes at the exhibits and the information board at the entrance, no app needed; it applies in the building and on the outdoor grounds and can be used at any time. Group tours (including the company apartment) can be booked through the Hotzenwald Tourist Info Rickenbach, phone 07765 9200-17. |
