Handcrafted wooden sleds from the Rhön mountains
Andreas Weber and Alexander Hergenhahn build traditional wooden sleds using traditional methods.
By BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
Traditional handicrafts: The sledmaker
In his workshop, founded in 1924, master sledmaker Alexander Hergenhahn works with his uncle Andreas Weber to make Davos sleds by hand, according to the old traditions established by his ancestors. They are the only remaining sledmakers in Bavaria to make their products by hand.
Hand-bent runners made from native ash trees
Local ash wood is exclusively used to make the sleds. The runners are soaked in a vessel of boiling water in the spring and then bent around a mould. Using metal clamps, they dry for half a year in the workshop's attic.
Sledge builder Alexander Hergenhahn by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
It takes months to make a sled.
While the runners are drying, all of the other components of the sled are made. This includes, for example, the seat slats used to sit on while sledding, and the seat blocks and running irons made from stainless steel.
Sledge builder Andreas Weber by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
sledge runners by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Every sled is unique, because the runners are always shaped differently.
slide assembly by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Another special characteristic that makes Weber sleds different to all others is the slightly moulded seat, which makes sledding more comfortable.
Assembling and steaming the sleds takes time, a good sense of proportion, and a great deal of care, knowledge, and skill. It takes about an hour to assemble a Rhön Davos sled by hand.
Trademark by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
To finish, the sled is marked with their brand logo.
Finished Davos sledge by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
One sled for multiple generations.
The handcrafted toboggans are long-lasting products that can survive for multiple generations with proper care.
Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH—erlebe.bayern Weber Sleds, Fladungen, Leubach
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