Solingen was once the "workshop for the world". In the 19th century, cutlery of all kinds was supplied all over the world from the town in the Bergisches Land region. One of the largest drop forges was the Hendrichs company, founded in 1886, which is still completely preserved as the LVR-
industrial museum.
It bangs and hisses. The drive belts whirr and the hammer strikes loudly on the red-hot iron. Visitors to the LVR Industrial Museum Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs can be there live when the hammer starts up. This is because the Hendrichs drop forge is one of the few museums that also produces the museum shears.
For 100 years, from 1886 to 1986, scissor blanks were forged in the red brick buildings with the typical sloping shed roofs and high chimneys. With 33 drop hammers, the drop forge founded by the two scissor grinders Peter and Friedrich Wilhelm Hendrichs soon became one of the largest and most successful in Solingen. Until it closed in the mid-1980s, when the Rhineland Regional Association converted the entire factory complex into a museum, together with the entrepreneur's villa built next door
Machines from the founding years
Everything was left as it was. Most of the machines, drop hammers and presses used in the demonstrations date back to the founding years. Visitors can also take a look at the changing room with the old lockers and the washroom, where the long row of rotating wash basins is still in place. And in the office you can still hear the clattering of the old typewriters.
A "workshop for the world" in Solingen
Even today, there is still a bang and a hiss when you enter the LVR Industrial Museum Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs. Just like 100 years ago, the hammer falls with a loud bang on the red-hot iron from which scissor blanks are still made for Solingen industry.
The knife city of Solingen, once known as the "workshop for the world", enjoys an international reputation.
Even today, there is still a bang and a hiss when you enter the LVR Industrial Museum Gesenkschmiede Hendrichs. Just like 100 years ago, the hammer falls with a loud bang on the red-hot iron from which scissor blanks are still made for the Solingen industry.
You can find your own museum scissors, a sharp kitchen knife or a so-called "colourful", richly decorated pair of scissors in the shop in the historic ambience of the forge hall from 1915.
For refreshments, head to Villa Zefyros right next to the museum. Let yourself be surprised by the chefs' modern interpretation of classic Greek cuisine. Alternatively, head to the Food Factory for a healthy lunch. Fresh dishes with regional products from a weekly changing menu are served here.
From the new Müngsten Bridge Park, you have the best view of the imposing Müngsten Bridge. The impressive structure from 1897 connects the cities of Solingen and Remscheid and is still the highest railway bridge in Germany.
Excursion tip: Once in Solingen, you should also make time for a visit to the German Blade Museum. In the rooms of the former Augustinian convent, (almost) everything revolves around the knife's edge.
Overnight tip: Hotel Zur Burgstiege in a restored half-timbered house in the picturesque Solingen suburb of Burg, within walking distance of the popular excursion destination Burg Castle. Alternatively, Hotel Hölscher if you want to stay within half an hour's walk of the Hendrichs drop forge.
