Ruhpoldinger Glockenschmiede
Listed 17th-century hammer forge in the Brander Tal near Ruhpolding with a water-driven trip hammer mechanism and grinding workshop.
About the museum
The Glockenschmiede (bell forge) lies on the Thoraubach in the Brander Tal at the foot of the Hochfelln and is already mentioned in documents in 1646. As a hammer forge it used the water power of the stream: an overshot water wheel drove the hammer mechanism with three heavy tail hammers, and a second, smaller wheel drove the bellows. It mainly produced forged cowbells, as well as tools, which were ground in the associated grinding workshop.
Of the once numerous forges around Ruhpolding, the Glockenschmiede remained in operation the longest, until 1958. It was placed under monument protection as early as 1936; the last master hammer and weapons smith, Fritz Grübl, died in 1960. The property with workshop, residence, stable, carriage shed, and grinding workshop has been in family ownership for generations.
After a renovation from 1979 to 1981, the forge could be visited on guided tours. Later a permanent exhibition on history and technology was created, complemented by a 1955 film about the last cowbell order. The grinding workshop was restored over several years and opened to visitors in 2007; since 2012 a friends' association has supported the preservation of the ensemble. The museum is currently temporarily closed.
Highlights
- Hammer mechanism with three tail hammers and a water wheel 3.80 m in diameter
- Water-driven historical bellows on the hammer floor
- Restored grinding workshop from 1857
- Original 1955 film about the last cowbell order
- Listed ensemble with residence, stable, and carriage shed
Permanent exhibitions
- Geschichte und Technik der Glockenschmiede – Documentation in the front annex and on the hammer floor on the workshop, water power, and products of the forge, complemented by the walk-in hammer mechanism and the grinding workshop.
- Operated by
- Privat (Familienbesitz), unterstützt vom Förderverein Glockenschmiede Ruhpolding e. V.
- Director
- Tyrena Ullrich
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €9.50Those entitled to concessions and holders of the Ruhpolding Bürgerkarte (resident card) |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 18 €4, under 6 free |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7 per personFor 10 or more people; tour guides and bus drivers free for groups of more than 15. Larger groups on request. |
| Families | €19Parents with children |
| Group price for 25 or more people | €4.50per person; driver and tour guide free |
| School groups | €4per child; 2 supervisors free |
Free admission with the Chiemgau Karte. Personal tour for up to 30 people €45 (for groups over 30, an additional €1 per person), age-appropriate tour for school groups €45, English-language tour €50; tours by advance booking only.
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 car
Free parking
Free museum parking right at the museum (during your visit); bus parking for groups nearby.
The forge is in a remote spot in the Brander Tal on the Thoraubach at the foot of the Hochfelln and is also a destination for cycling and hiking tours.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop with forged and cast cowbells, wrought-iron pans, souvenirs, and a museum guide; drinks available.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours on the history and technology of the blacksmith's craft by advance booking, also in English and age-appropriate for school classes. A 1955 film shows the forge still in operation. |
