Schwabsoien can be explored through several distinct themes: the technology of the blacksmith’s craft, the collection at the carriage museum, and routes that connect culture and nature. The Schönach and traces of former charcoal burning add to the picture. This mix offers different ways to shape your travel plans: you can focus on local history and museums, or give more weight to routes and scenery. When looking for a holiday apartment, these interests can guide your choice of accommodation.
Hammer Mill, Blacksmithing Tradition and Carriages
The blacksmithing museum in Schwabsoien houses a faithfully reconstructed hammer mill. Three heavy tail hammers are powered by a waterwheel via a large shaft. Alongside the tools, the interplay of the waterwheel, shaft and hammers brings the mill’s workings into focus. Historical tools are also on display in the museum.
The white-hammer or weapons forge in Schwabsoien can be traced back to 1806. This provides a historical date for the local blacksmithing tradition. The carriage museum offers a different focus: it displays more than 30 historic carriages and sleighs, which are still harnessed on various occasions. Schwabsoien’s reconstructed hammer mill and carriage collection, which remains in use, thus represent different aspects of the town’s history.
Church History and Routes
The present-day parish church of St. Stephen offers another layer of history. The previous church was destroyed in the village fire on September 6, 1823; the current church was consecrated on August 5, 1827. The two dates mark the sequence of destruction and subsequent consecration, adding a different perspective on Schwabsoien to the history of blacksmithing.
The routes also come in different forms. The Soier Mill Trail is an experience trail that connects culture and nature. The auerbergland@venture cycling route, just under 125 kilometers long, passes through the Auerbergland and connects, among other places, the blacksmithing museum and the Mill Trail with other museums, sacred buildings and experience trails in the region. While the Mill Trail is described as a connection between culture and nature, the cycling route places Schwabsoien’s stops within a regional network of other destinations.
For groups, guided tours of the Mill Trail and museums are available year-round by prior arrangement with the municipality. If you are planning a group trip, arrange your visit with the municipality before travelling. This ensures that your visit is planned in accordance with the applicable requirement.
The Schönach and Traces of Charcoal Burning
The Schönach flows through Schwabsoien, Schwabbruck, Altenstadt, Schwabniederhofen and Hohenfurch before flowing into the Lech. Its headwaters, with seven springs, lie west of Schwabsoien. Together, the springs discharge about 350 to 400 liters of water per second at a constant 8°C. The river’s course and its headwaters offer two different perspectives: the Schönach flowing through several towns to the Lech, and its springs west of Schwabsoien.
Former charcoal burning has also left traces in the landscape. In the forest and in fields near the forest edge around Schwabsoien, charcoal platforms have been preserved, reaching up to 15 meters in diameter. Together with the headwaters and river course, they offer another way to explore the area, where landscape features sit alongside the historical themes of the museums and parish church. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on blacksmithing and church history, the carriage museum, or routes and scenery.
Discover more destinations: Ingenried, Hohenfurch.
Return to the main travel overview: Altenstadt.
