Visit to the Ostrachtal Nail Forge

Ostrachtal Nail Forge

The discovery of ore and ore mining in the 14th and 15th centuries, along with the establishment of an iron smelter, led to iron production in the Ostrachtal. The subsequent water-powered forges primarily served the production of war equipment, such as spears, lances, halberds, and so on. Around 1650, the "nail smiths" managed to produce wrought iron known as "Zain" from pig iron. This marked the birth of the "nail makers." The nail makers developed enormous skills in forging nails of various kinds, especially shoe nails. This "nail forging" was the winter livelihood of farmers, alpine herders, and foresters for about 300 years when work in the forest and fields came to a halt. Throughout the 19th century, industrial production increasingly displaced the craft of nail making. Additionally, the use of profile rubber soles as a replacement for nailed leather shoe soles brought the craft to an end in the mid-20th century. The ringing and "clanging" of the nail hammers, whose sound had been characteristic of the valley for centuries, fell silent – forever.

From the parking lot of the natural swimming area, the footpath leads left past the camper parking area and directly to the Hirschbach forest. From the spa house, you can reach the Hirschbach forest via the Unterer Buigenweg, passing by the mini-golf course.