There are few places in the Olpe district where historical artifacts point so clearly to the industrial history of southern Westfalen as here. The hut was spared the fate of most of the other facilities, which underwent various conversions or were simply demolished. Its affiliation with the economic enterprises of the Remy family of industrialists from the Rhineland lends the smelter additional significance.
Ore, coal and water
The production system was based on the use of three naturally available resources, namely the raw material iron ore, charcoal as fuel and water to drive the water wheels. The most important operating units of the smelter are open to visitors so that they can follow the production process from the raw material iron ore to pig iron and on to the forgeable semi-finished products. Also on display is an ingenious ditch system that ensured the plant's water supply and thus provided power.
A museum for the whole family
In the modern museum, visitors can learn more about the history of the plant in a permanent exhibition. And while the adults enjoy cake in the museum café, the children can explore the hut complex.
As a technical-ecological place of learning, the Wendener Hütte offers guided tours on iron history and natural history topics at any time.
In addition to the daily guided tours of the hut, the program includes annual special exhibitions as well as monthly forging demonstrations and natural history tours by arrangement.
Offers for school classes
As part of the "Südwestfalen macht Schule" project, the Wendener Hütte Museum offers an experience-oriented learning program on the topic of "Role play on the history of the Wendener Hütte".
In addition, an accompanying booklet for chemistry lessons (Secondary I) on the subject of "Iron smelting" and further information are available on the Wenden Ironworks website. Download information material
Workshops and guided tours The museum offers various multi-day workshops for children and young people. In addition to the guided tour of the ironworks, there are also guided tours of the ironworks trail for adults.
Opening hours:
In summer: April to October Tuesdays to Sundays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In winter: November to March Tuesdays to Sundays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (during this period ONLY the museum is open!), groups by arrangement.
"On old carters' and charcoal burners' paths": 19 information boards accompany hikers on an 8 km circular trail that is easy to follow. >Information about the circular trail
The Wendener Hütte is an anchor point on the >European Route of Industrial Heritage, a highlight in WasserEisenLand - Industriekultur Südwestfalen and a place to experience the >Eisenstraße Südwestfalen.
Photos: Museum Wendener Hütte