Rauchhaus Mühlgrub

Why is Rauchhaus Mühlgrub so dark? It’s not just a trick of the light. The Rauchhaus Mühlgrub earned its name, and its distinctive blackened timbers, from centuries of smoke curing. Imagine a time before chimneys, when the smoke from the open hearth in the entrance hall curled upwards, staining the very fabric of the building. This “smoke house” is a classic Flachgau Einhof, a traditional farmhouse where living quarters, stables, and barn are all under one roof. Rauchhaus Mühlgrub stands as a remarkable testament to architectural preservation. The late medieval room layout and field division remain, a rare glimpse into the past. The smoke from the open hearth, or “fire hut,” lacks a chimney and instead rises through the house. Above the hearth, a “fire hood” protects against flying sparks. In the attic, a wooden platform with gaps serves as a “smoke floor.” Farmers stored grain sheaves on this floor for drying, resulting in “reshed” grains ideal for milling and baking. On the south side, the living room or “Stube” features a tiled stove with old-style green pot tiles, a water vessel, and an oven used for baking Rohrnudeln, a local delicacy. The oven is a “rear loader,” heated from the hearth. Behind the Stube, a chamber leads upstairs. Above the Stube, the “warm chamber” functioned as a bedroom, heated by a “warm hole” in the Stube’s ceiling. Across from the stove corner sits the dining table and a small altar, known as the “Herrgottswinkel.” On the north side, another chamber served as the elders’ quarters. Behind it, a storage room called the “Gadem” leads to a workshop. The barn, now a venue for events like KunstKulturKulinarik, hosts readings, painting workshops, and celebrations. The Rauchhaus itself offers cozy evenings with traditional dishes cooked over an open fire, including Kasnock’n and Pofesen. The “Advent in Rauchhaus” with music and readings adds to the cultural charm. Rauchhaus Mühlgrub is more than just a museum; it’s a living testament to the ingenuity and resilience of past generations.