Bundschuh Ironworks

In the Alpine forests of central Austria at Bundschuh is a remarkably complete charcoal ironworks. Iron was smelted in the area from the 17th century. Bundschuh ironworks operated for a short period, from 1862 to 1885, and again 1901-3. It supplied pig iron to forges 17-km away at Mauterndorf. The site has been restored by a voluntary association since 1974. The main focus is the towering charcoal-fired blast furnace, complete with its charging bridge and chimney. Nearby are the charging house, a restored waterwheel for blowing the furnace, a bank of ore-calcining kilns and the ruins of a charcoal store and a limekiln. Blacksmiths demonstrate their work in hand forges. Visitors walk a circular trail that also includes a barracks for workers, a manager’s house and an inn. Those who want to walk further can take a hiking trail in the hills to explore remains of the iron-ore mines and earlier furnaces.