Drehkoite Girkhausen - Local history museum for craftsmanship

The Drehkoite in Girkhausen, an old wood workshop, is a special witness to the social and everyday culture of the Berleburger Oberland. 

A living room where an antique lathe was sunk into the floor was called a “Drehkoite” (= turning trough).

The woodturners from Girkhausen were considered pioneers of efficient bowl turning: The Wittgensteiner could produce up to five bowlsfrom a single piece of raw wood using their special moving irons and the foot-operated lathe.

The refinement of old techniques and the transition to the use of machinery is also demonstrated. On the top floor, there are further tools and lathes for woodworking, including an original wood workshop (approx. 100 years old) that belonged to the famous master woodturner, sculptor and painter Ludwig Florin.

A reconstructed “Fidelbank” dating from 500 B.C. is also on display.

Carving spoons from the waste wood developed as a sideline to bowl turning. 

Various turned products, wooden wares and gift articles made of wood are available to purchase.

The woodturning demonstration and viewing of the exhibition takes approx. 1 hour.