About the course
*Kurssprache ist Englisch
This course introduces participants to the ancient craft of blacksmithing in its original, pure form bringing to the stage the concept of Natural Blacksmithing. The primary goal is to inspire people to start practicing blacksmithing in a simple and sustainable way, practically anywhere with minimum space, equipment and energy required with a focus on reconnecting with nature and yourself.
This approach is unique, emphasizing the process rather than products made during blacksmithing practice. We explore how the act of practicing blacksmithing and demonstrating it to others can positively affect people’s life by providing knowledge about the world and nature while strengthening our spirits.
Despite its philosophical tint, the course is extremely practical, enabling the students to start practicising blacksmithing right away and produce tools, art objects etc.
Within the course an overview of the history of blacksmithing on Earth is given as well as current state and future prospects
Key principles of blacksmithing
Minimalism in space, tools and energy
Total mobility
Renewable fuel and recycled materials
Emphasis on process, not only produc
Direct interaction with the core natural elements: fire, air, water
Free forging
Effective use of human body instead of power tools
Blacksmithing for mental, spiritual and physical health
Course Instructor
Bogdan Popov is a teacher who combines traditional blacksmithing with ecology.
With nearly 40 years of experience, he has practiced artistic, industrial, and toolmaking blacksmithing, and is renowned for reviving ancient forging techniques for axes, hammers, and knives.
He founded Kyiv's School of Traditional Blacksmithing, which has trained many prominent Ukrainian smiths.
Through a minimalist, traveling forge, Bogdan demonstrates low-impact, sustainable blacksmithing and promotes the idea of "One World – blacksmithing without borders."
He uses blacksmithing as a tool to teach ecology, reconnecting people with nature through ecological philosophy and Indigenous perspectives on the Earth.
Holding a master's degree in ecology, Bogdan has been a pioneer of permaculture in Ukraine since the early 1990s, working closely with permaculture founder Bill Mollison.
He also founded the ecological education center Ecostation "Hlyboky Balyky," a leading Ukrainian hub for biodiversity research and practical sustainability.
Program
Meeting point: Friday 16.20 at Trub, Löwenplatz. Arrival at Balmeggberg, evenin program around the campfire: Charcoal making, getting to know each other. History of smithing on the Earth
Saturday: Charcoal unpacking. Making the Earth forge. Working with Earth forge and charcoal fire. Heating, temperature, colours. Water as tool. Cooling. After lunch: Preparing your basic blacksmith tools. Anvil. Dressing your hammer and chisel. Tongs . Iron and steel. Basic blacksmithing techniques. Drawing, spreading upsetting and cutting. Nail, leaf and hooks making.
Sunday: Basic blacksmith techniques. Drawing , spreading , punching. Making blacksmith tongs. Working with steel. Solar knife. Heat treatment.
End of workshop: Sunday, 16.00
Costs: 420 Fr.*, including overnight stay in a yurt and meals made with high-quality ingredients from the farm and the region. Material costs will be billed separately.
*We consider the course fees to be standard prices. A discount is available for low-income individuals upon consultation with us. We also appreciate rounding up payments and donations. This helps us cover the financial costs of running the courses.
Registration
Registration: No later than 14 days before the course begins by calling 034 495 50 88, emailing info@balmeggberg.ch, or using the contact form.