Maschinenfabrik Carlswerk
Walk-through technical monument in Mägdesprung: factory hall of a machine works from 1865 with original machines, a wooden crane, and a demonstration forge.
About the museum
The Carlswerk in the Harzgerode district of Mägdesprung dates back to 1827 and is named after its founder, Mining Councilor (Bergrat) Zincken. It belongs to the long mining and metalworking tradition of the place, which began with the ironworks founded in 1646 by the Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg-Harzgerode. The oldest surviving building is a rolling mill made of slate in dry-stone technique; around 1840 a half-timbered forge was added.
With the conversion into a machine factory, the so-called Neue Maschinenfabrik (New Machine Factory) was built in 1865, a brick building in the round-arch style with a stepped gable. The machines were initially powered by water from the Selke, later electrically. Products included sawmill frames, later mainly stoves and gas and heating appliances. The later photographer Karl Blossfeldt completed an apprenticeship as a modeler here in the 1880s. After the GDR era, the hall still served as a repair workshop.
The listed factory hall was restored around the turn of the millennium and has been open to visitors since the early 2000s. On the first floor are machine tools from the first half of the 20th century, a wooden crane from 1890, workbenches and lockers of the workforce, and a sawmill frame built here around 1920. The upper floor documents the history of the site with panels, products, and cast-iron models. The operator is the town of Harzgerode.
Highlights
- Factory hall from 1865 with machines in original condition
- Wooden crane from 1890
- Sawmill frame built here around 1920
- Stoves, gas appliances, and cast-iron models on the upper floor
- Regular demonstration forging
Permanent exhibitions
- Maschinensaal im Originalzustand – Machine tools, transmission, wooden crane, and workbenches convey the working world of a Harz machine factory. Personal belongings of the workforce are still in place.
- Geschichte des Industriestandorts Mägdesprung – Panels, stoves, gas appliances, and cast-iron models on the upper floor show the development of the ironworks and factory.
- Founded
- 1827
- Operated by
- Stadt Harzgerode
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission, donations requested. Guided tours after registration at the Harzgerode tourist information office according to the town's fee schedule.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Mägdesprung (Selketalbahn) · 5-min walk
Selketalbahn (Harz narrow-gauge railways) to Mägdesprung station, then about a 5-minute walk.
By car
Parking available
Small parking lot right at the building, further parking spaces on nearby streets.
The Carlswerk is located directly on the Selketalstieg hiking trail.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 can be booked through the Harzgerode tourist information office. Several times a year, demonstration forging at the forge at the Carlswerk (dates in the town's event calendar). |
