Altena

The town extends along the Lenne river valley, surrounded by dense forests that cover sixty percent of the municipal territory.

The establishment of Altena Castle in the early 12th century by the Counts of Berg marked the beginning of settlement development in this region.

The German Wire Museum presents the local wire manufacturing heritage through exhibits displaying tools, machinery, and finished products from different periods.

Visitors can reach the castle either by walking up the winding pathways or taking the modern elevator that cuts through the rock face.

Richard Schirrmann created the first youth hostel in the world inside Altena Castle in 1912, with the original rooms preserved for public viewing.

Location: Märkischer Kreis

Elevation above the sea: 190 m

Shares border with: Hemer, Neuenrade, Iserlohn, Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde

Website: http://altena.de

GPS coordinates: 51.30000,7.66667

Latest update: May 29, 2025 21:43