The archaeological excavations began in 2007 and gradually uncovered a completely intact smelting ensemble from the Middle to Late Latène period (3rd century BC). The site comprises two domed smelting furnaces including a slag heap, roasting pit, forge heap and postholes from another building - all of which provide evidence that the entire production process from ore to iron took place here.

One place - three eras

There is unique archaeological evidence that ore was still being mined at Gerhardsseifen centuries later in the Middle Ages. From the 10th to the 12th century, the smelters recycled the remaining slag from the Latène period right here, although their furnaces were nowhere near as powerful and efficient as those of the Celtic tribes.

When the archaeologists began their excavations, they first came across a 17th century charcoal burner's workshop, which overlay the former smelting furnaces and shows just how much history there is in the valley.   

‘EisenZeitReiseWeg’

Visitors can experience the archaeological excavation sites up close in a modern shelter above the area. It is also part of the ‘EisenZeitReiseWeg’, an approximately 800 metre long themed trail that invites visitors on an exciting journey back in time to the Celtic era. Also on board: Frieda the oven sow, who encourages young explorers to join in and think.

The lighthouse project is based on a research collaboration between the German Mining Museum Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum and the LWL Archaeology for Westphalia. The regional players have joined forces in the supporting organisation ‘Ein Siegerländer Tal e.V.’.

You can find the current information flyer here!

Further information: https://einsiegerlaendertal.de