Museum of Pre- and Early History

Due to renovation work, the museum is expected to be closed until mid-2024.

A fascinating journey through 400 million years of Balve history awaits you in the former Wocklumer Stabhammer, right next to Luisenhütte. Under the motto "Earth Treasures - Traces of Man", the museum provides insights into the exciting and multifaceted natural and human history of the Hönnetal.

Themed islands guide you through the most important epochs and decisive turning points - from the Devonian Age, when Balve was still located in a tropical shallow sea, to medieval iron production. You will also learn how people have benefited from Balve's "earth treasures" to this day.

The objects on display illustrate the supra-regional importance of Balve as a site for the discovery of artifacts from prehistory and early history. Dinosaur remains and other fossils from the Massif Limestone, Ice Age animal bones as well as Stone Age tools and weapons from the caves of the Hönnetal continually provide new insights into past living environments.