Altena Castle

Altena Castle (Burg Altena) towers on a rocky spur above the Lenne River in Germany's Sauerland region. It is famous as the birthplace of the world's first permanent youth hostel, opened here in 1914, and today combines free museums, preserved hostel dormitories and a unique elevator that carries you through the mountain into the castle courtyard. It is a rewarding stop for families, history fans and anyone exploring North Rhine-Westphalia off the beaten path.

Where it is and how to get there

Altena lies in the hilly Sauerland, south of the Ruhr area. Regional trains connect it with Hagen, and from Dortmund or Cologne you can reach it by rail with one change; the Deutschlandticket is valid on regional trains and buses. From Altena station, walk about 1,600 feet (500 meters) across the river and through the pedestrian zone to the castle elevator, or follow the steep footpath up the hill. There is no parking at the castle itself; drivers use the large, mostly free Langer Kamp lot about half a mile away.

A short history

The walls probably date back to around 1100, and the Counts of Altena are documented from 1161. After centuries as a garrison, poorhouse and prison, the castle fell into ruin. Between 1907 and 1914 it was largely rebuilt in a romantic historicist style. In 1914 teacher Richard Schirrmann and Wilhelm Münker opened the first permanent youth hostel here, launching a movement that later spread worldwide.

What to see

• The original youth hostel: Dormitory and common room still furnished as in 1914.
• The castle museums: Armor, hunting weapons, knightly life, a cave bear skeleton and the region's iron and wire-making history, with multimedia installations. A multimedia guide in English costs €2.50.
• The elevator experience: A roughly 300-foot (90-meter) tunnel with light and sound effects leads to an elevator rising about 280 feet (85 meters) to the courtyard.
• Views: The walls overlook the narrow Lenne valley and the town's rooftops.

Tickets and opening hours

Admission to the castle museums is free (donations welcome). The museums open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; they are closed on Mondays except holidays. The elevator costs €4.80 for adults and €12 for families (as of October 2026).

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially with kids or as part of a Sauerland road trip. Plan about two hours, wear comfortable shoes for the climb and visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.

Nearby

Nearby you will find the German Wire Museum in Altena's old town, also free, and the cycling route along the Lenne valley.