From iron hammer mill to vibrant place
In the romantic Karlstal valley near Trippstadt lies Unterhammer – an industrial monument from the beginnings of Palatinate iron production. From 1724, hammer mills were built here, powered by the water of the Moosalbe stream. In the 19th century, the Gienanth family expanded the site into one of the most significant ironworks in the region.
Discover the Old ForgeLudwig von Gienanth was not only an entrepreneur but also a social reformer: in 1833 he founded one of Germany's first company health insurance funds. At its peak, the works employed up to 1,000 people.
After iron production ended in 1892, Unterhammer experienced changing times – from a recovery home to vacancy.
Since 1997, the listed ensemble has been restored piece by piece by Vincent Verschoor and many supporters. In 2023, the Old Forge was reconstructed with a functional hammer mill.
Today, around 40 people live and work here – in Café Unterhammer, in the health center, in the brewery and in the Old Forge.
The Karlstal was designed in 1790 by landscape architect Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell. The Moosalbe stream powered up to 15 water wheels for five iron production sites: Oberhammer, Mittelhammer, Unterhammer, Eisenschmelz and the rolling mill.
The Woog served as a water reservoir. Today, the water power is only sufficient for demonstration operation of one hammer.
The Unterhammer im Karlstal gGmbH takes care of preserving this place. Non-profit according to §52 AO – donations are tax-deductible.
Management: Vincent Verschoor | HRB 33291
For our archive we are looking for: Old photos, historical documents, memories
Enjoyment in historic ambiance
Blacksmith courses in the reconstructed hammer mill
UnterhammerBräu since 2013
Stay in the historic brewery
Erleben Sie 300 Jahre Geschichte vor Ort. Unterhammer 1-3, 67705 Trippstadt Tel. (0 63 06) 70 14 60 · office@unterhammer.com
Café besuchen