Poacher Museum Molln - Jew's harp & crafts

As the only museum in Austria, we present the history of poaching from the Middle Ages to the present, complemented by the recounting of events from a regional tragedy - the Molln poacher drama. Using numerous exhibits, the relationship between landowners and subjects, the noble family of Lamberg, the peasant liberation of 1848, as well as hunting and poaching are documented - supplemented by the extensive collection of Prof. Dr. Roland Girtler and the unique exhibits of the Walder family.

Founded as a craft museum focusing on woodcraft and metalworking, the Wilderer Museum Molln in the old vaults of the economic building of the former Forsthube Molln of the landownership Steyr – today’s inn Wirt in the village – offers not only a focus on poaching but also the unique tradition of jaw harp manufacturing in Molln and an extensive collection on wood processing.

Jaw Harp & Craftsmanship
Since 1647, the manufacturing of the jaw harp in Molln has been documented – this long tradition of producing these forged instruments is unique in Austria. Various types, forms, and regions of these musical instruments are displayed, including graphic works on the jaw harp from an art school in Yakutia (Siberia).

Rare woodcrafts such as shovel choppers, fork and rake makers, bowl and rocking chair makers, as well as wagon makers and turners are represented with a variety of tools. All the mentioned craftsmen made use of the abundantly available raw material wood in the Molln forests.

Famous Personalities & Molln Businesses
Also represented in the museum are two important poet personalities with roots in Molln: Marlen Haushofer (1920-1970) and Otto Jungmair (1889-1974). An exhibition area is dedicated to the entertainer Hans Joachim Kulenkampff, buried at the cemetery of the pilgrimage church Frauenstein. A completely different topic is devoted to the founding of the sports shoe factory and brand "Dachstein", which was established by the Molln shoemaker Anton Lintner in 1925. The development of the company Piesslinger, from a scythe factory to a specialist in the refinement of aluminum and powder coating, is also showcased.

Note regarding the special exhibition 2026:
44 years of the Molln Photo Club

Hint / Advice: Special exhibition:
100 years of DACHSTEIN ski and hiking shoes