Blacksmithing in Ybbsitz

Where fire, iron and history come to life

Red-hot iron, powerful hammer blows and the sound of rushing water have characterised Ybbsitz for centuries. The craft of blacksmithing is far more than just a relic of the past here: to this day, it remains an integral part of the town’s identity, combining traditional knowledge with contemporary design, art and the regional economy. Since 2010, ‘Blacksmithing in Ybbsitz’ has been listed in Austria’s national register of intangible cultural heritage.

Historic hammer mills, modern metalworking businesses and artistic installations in public spaces bring this long tradition to life in many places. This interplay is particularly striking along the Blacksmiths’ Mile and at the FeRRUM Experience Museum – World of Iron.

Inmitten der malerischen Ybbstaler Alpen entfaltet sich die Kunst des Schmiedens. Funken sprühen, während der Schmied mit Geschick und Leidenschaft das glühende Eisen formt. Diese Tradition, tief verwurzelt in der Region, zieht Besucher in ihren Bann und lässt sie die Handwerkskunst hautnah erleben.
©© schwarz-koenig.at

A tradition with a future

The craft of blacksmithing has had a significant influence on the history, townscape and economic development of Ybbsitz. Knowledge of fire, metal and craft techniques has been passed down through the generations. Even today, blacksmithing, design and innovation continue in workshops and businesses.

In this process, traditional working methods meet new ideas. Everyday objects, tools, architecture and contemporary metal art demonstrate the diversity of a craft that is firmly rooted in the region whilst remaining open to the future.

  • Forging_Eybl Sepp
    ©Theo Kust

    Forging Mile Ybbsitz ("Schmiedemeile")

Experience history step by step

The Blacksmiths’ Trail leads from the town centre out to historic workshops, hammer mills and significant sites in Ybbsitz’s blacksmithing history. Eight milestones recount the lives and work of the blacksmiths, the use of water power and the development of the craft in pre-industrial times.

The stops along the route include the FeRRUM, the historic craft market, the Sonneck smithy, the Fahrngruber hammer mill, the Eybl hammer mill, the grinding mills in Noth and the Einöd hammer mill. Along the way, nature, industrial heritage and living craftsmanship come together to create a varied experience.

A particular eye-catcher is the metal adventure bridge spanning the Prollingbach waterfall. The arch bridge, around 25 metres long, exemplifies the fusion of landscape and metalwork that characterises Ybbsitz.

Discover the craft with all your senses

Housed in the historic Kremayr House on Ybbsitz’s market square, the FeRRUM offers a multifaceted insight into the world of iron. Interactive exhibition areas provide information about metals, how they are worked, and the significance of blacksmithing for Ybbsitz.

History, technology, art and craftsmanship are brought together in a vivid and engaging way. The museum also serves as the starting point for the Blacksmiths’ Mile and is a key venue for exploring the region’s blacksmithing tradition.

  • FeRRUM - world of iron
    ©Dominik Stixenberger

    FeRRUM - world of iron

When sparks fly and iron takes shape

A hammer, an anvil and a piece of red-hot iron. Sometimes that’s all it takes to turn an ancient craft into a special moment. In Ybbsitz, in the heart of Lower Austria’s ‘Eisenstraße’ (Iron Road), blacksmithing has been part of the town’s heritage for centuries. 

Anyone wishing to try their hand at it can gain their first experience on blacksmithing courses in Ybbsitz. Under the guidance of experienced blacksmiths, you’ll heat, hammer and experiment. What remains at the end is a piece you’ve made yourself and the memory of an afternoon when, for once, there was no need to rush.

There’s also plenty of opportunity to watch: upcoming blacksmithing events are announced in the *Wochenpost*. There you’ll find the dates when you can experience the art of blacksmithing in Ybbsitz.

After all, in blacksmithing, it’s not just the finished piece that counts. It’s about the fire, the sound of the hammer and the moment when a piece of iron is transformed into something lasting.

Umgeben von üppigem Grün und dem sanften Plätschern des Wassers, strahlt die Schmiede am Wasser eine einladende Atmosphäre aus. Hier können Besucher die Kunst des traditionellen Schmiedens hautnah erleben und die Schönheit der Natur genießen.
©© Niederösterreich Werbung/Ian Ehm
In der warmen, einladenden Atmosphäre der Schmiedeweihnacht entfaltet sich das Feuer in der Esse und taucht die Umgebung in ein magisches Licht. Der Schmied arbeitet mit Geschick und Leidenschaft, während die Funken in die kalte Winterluft fliegen und die Vorfreude auf das bevorstehende Fest spürbar wird.
©© Mostviertel Tourismus/weinfranz.at

A Blazing Blacksmith’s Christmas

Blacksmith festivals, markets and cultural events showcase the vibrant side of Ybbsitz’s blacksmithing tradition. 

The Ybbsitz Blacksmiths’ Christmas and the Knife Market are particular highlights in the calendar of events.

Discover Schmiedeweihnacht