Altena: Castle, wire history and active discoveries
Accommodation in Altena
Altena combines the history of its castle with a wire industry that continues to shape the town today. In 1914, the world’s first youth hostel opened at Altena Castle. Other attractions include the German Wire Museum, a history and nature trail, a puzzle hunt in the town centre and paddling opportunities. This lets you combine culture and active pursuits during your stay.
Castle and wire history
Altena Castle is a monument of national importance in the Märkischer Kreis district. The opening of the world’s first youth hostel at the castle in 1914 gives this historic site a special connection to the history of youth hostels.
Wire has been drawn in Altena and the surrounding region since the 16th century. What began as laborious handcraft developed into an industry that continues to shape Altena today. The German Wire Museum presents and explains wire production in the past and present under the motto “From Chain Mail to Superconductor.” Visitors can try out many of the exhibits, and interactive stations invite them to take part.
The South Westphalia Iron Route also passes through Altena. It brings industrial heritage in South Westphalia to life for visitors of all ages and adds a regional context to the story of wire-making in Altena.
Nature trail, town-centre puzzle hunt and paddling
The approximately 3 km history and nature trail starts opposite Altena Castle and follows a circular route through the Altena hills. Information boards explain the local animal and plant life; sculptures, model displays and a tipi add to the experience. The various stops along the trail combine nature-related themes with engaging features.
On the treasure hunt, participants explore Altena town centre with Knight Eberhard, solve puzzles and search for a treasure. The activity is suitable for children aged 6 and over. Tallenbrink, synagogues and the Jewish cemetery are further traces of Jewish life in Altena.
The Altenaer-Canu-Verein e.V. offers taster courses for beginners and advanced paddlers. From May to October, there is also an “After-Work-Paddling” session on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. Contact the club before your visit to ask about current course options and dates.
The adventure lift takes visitors directly up to Altena Castle. Check whether it is currently operating before travelling. One hiking route leads from Altena to Hemer or Neuenrade; you can take the bus for the return journey. Check the current timetable.
Märkischer Kreis: more regional highlights
In the Märkischer Kreis district, the Luisenhütte visitor museum shows how iron was produced there and processed into cast products. Osemund iron was also used as a raw material in the Sauerland wire industry. This exceptionally soft iron could be drawn into fine wire. At the Felsenmeer in Hemer, rock formations developed over centuries through the effects of wind, water and human activity; the site is also home to one of the oldest iron ore mining areas in Westphalia. The Felsenmeer may only be explored along designated paths; the marked panoramic trail leads to viewpoints.
Plan your stay and accommodation
When looking for a holiday apartment in Altena, consider the kind of daily schedule you want: the nature and history trail is about 3 km long, while “After-Work-Paddling” takes place on a fixed monthly date between May and October. If you plan to hike to Hemer or Neuenrade, you can arrange to take the bus back and check the current timetable.
Discover more destinations: Herscheid, Menden, Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde, Werdohl, Neuenrade, Iserlohn, Balve, Lüdenscheid.
View the main travel overview: Märkischer Kreis.
