The museum blacksmith, the wheelwright, and their assistants will demonstrate a craft that has almost died out. At the historic village smithy, they fit iron bands onto wooden-spoked wheels. To do this, the iron hoops must first be heated in the fire and stretched. As the hot bands are being fitted, the assistants repeatedly douse them with plenty of water to prevent the wooden wheels from catching fire and to allow the bands to contract around the wooden rims. This time-consuming procedure, which requires a great deal of experience, vividly illustrates how wheelwrights and blacksmiths used to work hand in hand in the village.

Time: 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Cost: €13 for adults, free (under 18)

Location: Mechernich-Kommern, LVR Open-Air Museum, Eickser Str.

Info: 02443. 99800
Email: kommern@lvr.de