Frohnauer Hammerfest

Germany's Oldest Forge Celebrates

The Frohnauer Hammer is an industrial monument of European significance: a water-powered forge from the 17th century that still functions today. Located in the Frohnau district of Annaberg-Buchholz, in the heart of the Erzgebirge, it has served as a technical museum since 1907 and has been part of the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019. Every five years, the Frohnauer Hammerfest is celebrated here — a tradition that has existed for over 90 years and enters its next round in 2026.

Festival Weekend August 22–23, 2026

The opening on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, at 10 AM will be performed by Mayor Rolf Schmidt together with the District Administrator, accompanied musically by the kindergarten "Kleine Silberlinge." For two days, demonstrations of the forge, blacksmiths at work, a lively craft market with potters, lacemakers, turners, and woodcarvers, a diverse stage program, and an adventure corner for the little ones will characterize the scene around the museum. Admission to the festival grounds is free — only the forge itself requires the regular museum entrance fee of €5 (reduced €3).

Mining, World Heritage, and the Erzgebirge

The Erzgebirge is one of Europe's oldest mining regions. Since the 12th century, silver, tin, iron, and cobalt have been mined here; the region shaped European coin history and gave rise to the word "Thaler" (from Joachimsthal — today Jáchymov in the Czech Republic). Frohnau and the Hammer are part of this heritage: the iron forge once produced tools and sheets for the miners and the region. At the Hammerfest, visitors will be informed about this history through lectures, stands from tourism associations, and hands-on activities.

A Festival for the Entire Region

The Hammerfest is a festival of the Erzgebirgskreis district and the city of Annaberg-Buchholz. Local clubs, traditional costume groups, miners' choirs, and the miners' parade characterize Sunday. Culinary delights include Erzgebirge specialties like Klitscher (potato pancakes), Krautwickel (cabbage rolls), Erzgebirge Stollen (fruit bread), and beer from regional breweries. For families, there is a large adventure area with face painting, craft activities, a mining quiz, and small stamping mills to touch.

Saxony, Annaberg-Buchholz, and Frohnau

Annaberg-Buchholz is located in the Erzgebirgskreis district, a region in southern Saxony that draws its identity from mining, crafts, and traditions. Frohnau is one of 14 districts and has belonged to the "Große Kreisstadt" (major district town) since its incorporation in 1945. Alongside the Annaberg Christmas Market and the traditional miners' parade, the Hammerfest is one of the central cultural highlights of the year. Visitors here experience a Saxony beyond the tourist crowds — authentic, warm, and rich in tradition.