Treffenguthammer

Dornleiten 19, A-3343 Hollenstein an der Ybbs

The Old Watermill (Treffenguthammer) is one of the few preserved mills situated on the so-called “Dreimärktestrasse” or “Eisenstrasse” which was the main transport route for iron products.

This road was built approx. 1560 and connected Styria and Lower Austria via the Salzatal (Salza-Valley) and the Mendling mountain pass and enabled iron-ore to be transported to the Lower Austrian region called Eisenwurzen. The so-called ‘Zerrennhämmer’ were hydro-powered watermills or trip-hammers (forges) along the Ybbs-River Valley, where the iron-ore was made "forgeable".

The rather small iron industry greatly influenced the life of the people of Hollenstein and helped the town to achieve the prosperity which can still be seen today in the impressive middle-class buildings.

In the year 2001, the mill (Treffenguthammer) was restored and the "Hollenstein-Blacksmith of Hollenstein Club" (Schmiederunde Hollenstein) has successfully revitalised the old blacksmith's workshop and forge.
The hammer-forge and the "Zwergenschmiede" (small blacksmith's workshop) in situated in the lower part of the mill where young and old can demonstrate their craftsmanship.There is a multifunctional room on the upper floor that can be rented for seminars, workshops, and small-scale festivities.

A playground with a small fountain and a miniature brook invites the whole family to spend time in the garden of the mill, even when it's hot outside.

You can explore the outside of the impressive building and see its old water-wheel whenever you like (the playground, miniature brook and the toilet facilities are open from May to October).
Visitors who would like to gain a closer look at the blacksmith's forge and the facilities inside the building can book a guided tour with one of the blacksmiths or attend one of the numerous events.

Events at the Blacksmith's Mill:

• A display of forging takes place in the Blacksmith's Mill every Wednesday from 6 pm - 8 pm during the summer holidays.
• The traditional "Lucky Charm Forging" event is held annually on the 30th of December.
• Demonstrations of the blacksmith's craft and skills can be booked and organised at any time.
  (Special offers for groups, company excursions etc. are available).

Blacksmiths can be booked to give demonstrations of their skills
Please book in advance at the Treffengut Nature Park Office:
Hollenstein an der Ybbs
Walcherbauer 2
A-3343 Hollenstein an der Ybbs
E-mail: christine.baron@hollenstein.at
Tel: +43 7445/218-15