Steffenshammer

Work and life in the forge | Steffenshammer

Rushing water and hot iron make the ideal combination for a successful trip out don’t you reckon? Experience both during a visit to the Steffenshammer, one of the last Bergisch water cottages.

What does the Steffenshammer have in common with the northern white rhino? That’s right, they are the last of their kind. The Steffenshammer in the Gelpe valley is a functioning cottage forge that uses the power of the dammed Gelpe river to drive the hammer. The water cottage has not changed since it was built in the mid-18th century. Just as well as this gives you the opportunity to get an authentic taste of what a blacksmith’s work was like at the time.

Steffenshammer provides insights into the world of days gone by

The blacksmith’s hammer you see today was originally built in 1746 to replace an older predecessor. Refined steel was forged here as well as tools and ironmongery. Anyone who visits the Steffenshammer knows that this high-grade tool steel was a big seller at the time and stood for genuine “Made in Remscheid” quality. The hammer was in operation until 1928 after which it was used for occasional work until around 1958. Today, the industrial monument is representative of the impressive history of forging over the last 250 years. Right next door you will find the “Kiepe”. This was once a small forge house with a typical timber frame. You can take a look inside during your visit.

Free tours of the Steffenshammer

Free tours of the hammer are regularly available. For more information, visit steffenshammer.de.