Altena Castle is considered one of the most beautiful hilltop castles in Germany. Built in the 12th century, it towers high above the wire-drawing town in the Sauerland region of the Mark Brandenburg. It became internationally famous thanks to the first permanent youth hostel, which Richard Schirrmann set up here in 1914 and which can still be visited today in its original state as the World Youth Hostel Museum.
The journey through time starts in the middle of Altena's pedestrian zone. Through a 90-metre-long tunnel, the "New Gate" to the castle, visitors reach the adventure elevator that takes them up the mountain. They are accompanied by South Westphalian legends and figures from the history of the Sauerland region. Alberich the dwarf, Wieland the blacksmith and Burghard the cheeky bat appear out of nowhere.
Once at the top, visitors are greeted by the romance of chivalry and fortitude. In the main museum of the fortifications, which were built from the 12th century onwards, the Museum of the County of Mark, the arc of interest ranges from early geological history through the Middle Ages, the early modern period and the industrial age to the present day. Thanks to elaborate staging, visitors themselves become part of lavish feasts and battles before descending past the cistern into the basement of the chapel building. They climb a steep staircase into the former dungeon, where objects such as thumbscrews, judges' swords and other instruments of torture bear witness to the gruesome past. You can try out the best protection against this on site: the knights' play corner with helmets and chain mail is one of the most popular areas of the exhibition.
Reconstruction in 1909
The history of the castle is complex. After the castle had lost its former defensive function, it visibly fell into disrepair. In 1909, district administrator Fritz Thomée and architect Georg Frentzen planned a new building. Museums, restaurants and an observation tower were to be built. Progressive art historians, monument conservators and architects, on the other hand, wanted to preserve the well-preserved "ruin" in the spirit of modern monument conservation. Before it could come to a pistol duel between the two parties, the Emperor himself put his foot down, as Altena Castle was considered the ancestral seat of the Prussian Hohenzollern dynasty. The emperor ruled in favor of the district administrator and the castle was built over as a medieval castle was imagined at the time.
Trying out the oldest youth hostel
The time of executioners and witch hunts was long gone when Richard Schirrmann set up the first permanent youth hostel in the abandoned castle in 1914. Instead of knights and baronesses, girls and boys now populated the large common room in the style of a Westphalian farmhouse kitchen. The small farmhouse parlor and the dormitories have also been preserved in their original state and can be visited on a tour of Altena Castle. And if you like, you can try out a straw mattress.
Adventure elevator to the Middle Ages
A tunnel takes you deep into the Altena castle hill. Legendary figures and captivating stories accompany you on this 90-metre-long journey through time before you take the adventure elevator up to the castle.
- Altena is a small town in the Märkisches Sauerland region, overlooked by Altena Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.
- A tunnel takes you deep into the Altena castle hill. Legendary figures and captivating stories accompany you on this 90-metre-long journey through time before you take the adventure elevator up to the castle.
- As you tour the imposing castle complex and visit the permanent exhibition on the history of the County of Mark, the romance of chivalry and the nobility, you will sometimes shudder and sometimes be enraptured.
- From the castle restaurant you can enjoy a wonderful view over the town of Altena and the surrounding forests.
- During an afternoon walk along the three-kilometre-long history and nature trail, you can explore the local flora and fauna, which is explained to you with the help of display boards and models.
Excursion tip: If that's not enough insights and views for you, you can visit the nearby wire museum to be surprised by the extremely varied use of wire and learn about the exciting history of the wire industry in the region. A visit to the Weyhepark at the foot of the castle is guaranteed to offer you "instagrammable" views and exciting geocaches.
Restaurant tip: Haus Pilling is the oldest restaurant in Altena. It looks back on around 300 years of history with seven generations of innkeepers. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the Middle Ages at regular themed evenings.
Overnight tip: Romantik Hotel Neuhaus in Iserlohn, Schloss Hotel Holzrichter in Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde or Altena Youth Hostel for that real castle feeling in the historic rooms.
