Rennfeuer 2023

The first production of iron in the Spessart is lost in the darkness of history, although iron has been extracted in Central Europe since around 700 BC. All the better known is the history of the iron hammer at Hasloch, which began operations in 1779 as a simple hammer mill and still has two functional large hammers today. This iron hammer will become a unique venue from 13 to 16 July 2023. "Ironmakers" from several countries will meet here as part of the "Rennfeuer 2023" event to use traditional methods to extract the material that gave an entire era its name: iron. Furnaces are used that are fired with a layer of charcoal, ore and air. At high temperatures, the iron is separated from the slag. These furnaces have existed in the Spessart since the Middle Ages - production facilities in which the first usable iron was produced in small quantities. The participating "ironmakers" at the event in Hasloch are continuing this tradition. Experience archaic furnace construction from stone and clay, racing fire operation at 1,000 - 1,200 °C, slag tapping and finally opening the furnaces to extract the slag. The ironmakers will be happy to share their secrets with you. Also visit the exhibition in the Hammer Museum. You can get active yourself at the many hands-on stations, watch live forging demonstrations or try out refreshing water games.