Freilichtmuseum Klausenhof

About the museum

The Klausenhof in Herrischried-Großherrischwand was built in 1424 and is considered one of the oldest surviving houses in the Black Forest and one of the last typical Hotzen houses. As is usual for farmsteads in this region, the living quarters, stable and barn lie under a single, far-sweeping roof.

After the property had stood empty for a long time and increasingly fell into disrepair, it was moved about 200 meters from its original location between 1979 and 1981, restored and set up as a local history and open-air museum. The interiors are furnished as if the last residents had only just left the farm.

The ensemble includes the Lindau sawmill (Lindauer Säge), a water-powered frame saw first mentioned in documents in 1595, which operated until 1950 and still works today. A village smithy, a bakehouse, a farm garden and a cart shed were added. Since 1996, a friends' association has supported the preservation of the museum.

The museum is run by the municipality of Herrischried. Besides operating as a museum, the Klausenhof is a small cultural center with markets, readings, themed tours and craft demonstrations; the farmhouse parlor also serves as a wedding room.

Highlights

• Hotzen house from 1424, one of the oldest houses in the Black Forest
• Lindau sawmill (first mentioned in 1595), still in working order
• Historic village smithy and bakehouse
• Original furnished farmhouse parlor, also a wedding room
• Audio guide with ten stations

Permanent exhibitions

• Klausenhof mit Lindauer Säge – Faithfully furnished Hotzen house from 1424 with parlor, kitchen and stable, plus the water-powered frame saw, smithy, bakehouse and farm garden.

Founded

1981

Operated by

Gemeinde Herrischried

Admission & discounts

Free admission once with regional benefit cards (e.g., SchwarzwaldCard). During market days on the museum grounds, admission is by donation.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

School classes of all age groups can bake bread or make butter themselves after the tour. Reduced children's admission and family ticket; at festivals such as the Easter market there are activities for children.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Lindenweg 1, 79737 Herrischried.

Amenities & dining

At markets and events, refreshments are served on the grounds, including bread from the bakehouse.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Civil weddings in the farmhouse parlor (max. 15 people, also in winter); celebrations and non-denominational ceremonies in the cart shed for around 80 guests; wedding rings can be forged yourself in the farm smithy.

Plan your visit