The three methods covered by this review — Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic susceptibility-provide a powerful set of tools for detailed studies of electronic structure and molecular magnetism of iron-containing proteins and related analogs. The interpretation of measured data is based on the spin-Hamiltonian concept which is described in detail. A short introduction to the principles of the three methods as well as a basic description of the spectrometers is given. The major part of the review deals with applications, e.g. to mononuclear iron complexes and to spin-coupled iron complexes. Wherever possible, the complementarity in applying the three methods is described.