Museum Maxhütte Bergen
Industrial museum at the former iron works in Bergen in the Chiemgau, with models of iron production, cast goods and large gang saws.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Pankraz von Freyberg founded the iron works in Bergen in the Chiemgau in 1562. In the mid-19th century it was one of Bavaria's most important iron producers. After a devastating fire and the reconstruction in 1824 under King Max I Joseph, the works was given the name "Maximilianshütte". It was powered by the water of the Weißache river.
The profound industrial change also affected Bergen: in 1881 ore mining was discontinued, and shortly afterwards blast furnace production ended as well. The Maxhütte changed from an iron producer into a foundry and machine builder, making cast goods such as balcony railings, gear wheels, religious statues and grave crosses, and latterly mainly woodworking machines. With the Great Depression the works ran into difficulties and closed in 1932.
The museum commemorates this history and is a specialized museum of cultural and technological history. Models show how pig iron was produced from ore and charcoal in older blast furnaces, and how cast iron was "refined" (gefrischt) into wrought iron. It also depicts the work of molders, casters and machine builders; two large gang saws of the company's own production stand in the building. A friends' association supports the preservation and operation of the museum.
Highlights
- Models of iron production in the blast furnace
- Two large gang saws made by the Maxhütte
- Cast goods and products of the works
- Work of molders, casters and machine builders
- Open tours on Tuesdays during the season
Permanent exhibition
- Von Erz zu Eisen – die Maximilianshütte – Models and original pieces explain iron production, casting technology and machine building at the Bergen site, including two large gang saws.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Guests with a Kurkarte (spa guest card) |
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 5 · Children and young people from 6 to 18 years; children under 6 enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2.50People with severe disabilities |
| Groups | –Reduced admission prices apply to groups and school classes. |
| Families | €10Family ticket |
| Pewter casting in sand molds (school classes, surcharge per person) | €2approx. 60 minutes |
With the Chiemgau Karte, one free admission is granted per started vacation week.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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
Access to the museum is barrier-free; accessible parking spaces are located directly at the museum.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €10 · Family ticket |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
An education program for school classes from the 3rd or 5th grade includes a tour, exploration with a game sheet and, if desired, pewter casting. Game sheets for children aged 8 and older and for those aged 10 and older are available for download.
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
The museum is located on Maxhüttenstraße in Bergen.
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 · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | During the season, open tours take place on Tuesdays at 10:00. Groups and schools by arrangement (register at tel. 08662 8321). |
