Our history:

The mining of iron ore and its processing have a long tradition in many parts of Europe. Every region has had its characteristic development as well as its economic ups and downs. One thing is sure, however: metal processing has shaped the culture and the landscape of the regions and towns. 

Some communities remember their traditions and have organized blacksmithing meetings for years. Thus it was the blacksmiths that got to know the different blacksmithing communities of Europe over the years. And they were the driving force to bring together the organisers of these events in order to enable a cooperation in the interest of both the metal designers and the communities.

This organization is called „Ring of European Cities of Iron Works“ (Ring der Europäischen Schmiedestädte,  L´Anneau des Villes Européennes de la Ferronnerie, Kolo Miast Kowalskich Europy, Euroopan taontakaupunkien rinki), and its official seat is in Olbernhau, Germany. Its basic aims and strategies were defined in Arles-sur-Tech in 2000, and the organization was officially founded on 16th June 2001.

Our member communities are as follows:

Austria:
Bad-Hall, Ybbsitz,

Czech Republic:
Lipnik nad Becvou

Finland:
Mynämäki

Germany:
Friesoythe, Olbernhau, Kolbermoor, Stolberg

Italy:
Modigliano Veneto, Stia

Netherlands:
Oude IJsselstreek

Poland:
Gniew

Ukraine:
Donetsk

Has applied for membership:

Ukraine:
Ivano Frankivsk 

Italy:
Caltagirone