Museum
The western part of the Franconian Forest, because of its big scope of forests and
water courses, offered advantageous conditions for timber trade and rafting. Since
the Middle Ages the Franconian raftsmen had been supplying the areas around the
rivers Main and Rhein with wood. Timber rafting was our area’s principal source
of income and not only changed the landscape but also shaped the villages’ appearance
as well as their social structure.
Unterrodach is one of such typical timber rafting villages. In remembrance of the
rafting times, which came to an end in the 1950s, the community founded a museum
in 1968, which was reorganised in 1987. It is located in a former master raftman’s
house, the initial building of which dates from the 17th century. With major changes
to its architecture in the 19th century, it was rented to a menial raftsman’s family.
In its ten rooms, the museum displays the major aspects of the timber rafting trade.
Beside an overview of sawmills and forest operation, numerous photos, models and
tools illustrate the raftmen’s work. This hard everyday-life is countered by a romanticizing
image of the rafter’s profession. One room is dedicated to the importance and the
history of timber rafting, which by far exceeds the region of the Franconian Forest.
Information about the trade, the tariffs and the goods originating in the timber
rafting trade, about the influence of the railroad system and the canalisation of
the river Main as well as about the decline of the profession are given. The illustrations
at the walls provide an occasion for comparing timber rafting on the river Rhein
with that in other German regions.
In a documentation room, films concerning timber rafting from 1930 through our days
can be watched. A large-scale collection of literature and photos is at the visitor’s
disposal on request.