Altena Castle
Altena Castle is certainly one of the most magnificent hilltop castles in Germany. For centuries, it has been enthroned on top of the Wulfsegge as the town's landmark and namesake. It has taken on many forms and functions over the course of time.
Initially the residence of the County of Mark, over time it became a prison, a criminal court, a poorhouse, a workers' hospital and a hospital.
However, it particularly stood out in 1914 as the world's first youth hostel. The idea spread from Altena around the globe. You can still try out the beds from back then in the youth hostel museum. However, you can spend the night in the more comfortable beds of the DJH youth hostel in the lower castle courtyard. The permanent exhibition of the Museum of the County of Mark is the main part of the castle grounds. The exhibition ranges from early geological history to the Middle Ages, the early modern period and the industrial age right up to the present day.
Since 2014, the adventure elevator has connected the castle directly to Altena's city centre, offering an interactive journey through time on the castle hill and thus an energy-saving alternative to walking.
In 1942, the castle became the property of the Märkischer Kreis district and has been managed by it ever since. In addition to the medieval markets in August and on the 1st Advent, there are always exciting permanent exhibitions and events. Treasure hunts and knighting are particularly interesting for children and schools.
There are free guided tours every weekend and on public holidays from May to October.
Dates: Saturday 3 p.m., Sunday and public holidays 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The tour itself is free, only the museum entrance fee has to be paid.
Contact us
Administration, booking of guided tours: Tel. 02352/9 66-7034 Fax 02352/2 53 16 Email: museen@maerkischer-kreis.de
Lenneburg
At the end of the village in the direction of Werdohl lies an unusual housing estate directly on the Lenne. Small castles with turrets form a fairytale backdrop. High-ranking families once lived in the Lenneburg am Winkelsen, the rear brick building from 1898. And even today, the quiet location between the river and the edge of the forest attracts more than just deer to the surrounding meadows. The house is therefore still a popular residence today.
Mückenburg
The Mückenburg is not really a castle. But it is probably a former Burgmannenhaus. In other words, ministerials who were in charge of the court and administration lived here on the ascent to the castle on Fritz-Thomeé-Straße. The oldest core of the house is an almost square tower with strong walls and two vaulted cellars under the courtyard, which probably served as stables in the past. During the transfer of ownership to the Klincke family in 1919, a 16-20m deep well was also found, which reached below the Lennespiegel.
Holtzbrinck Castle
Alongside Altena Castle, the Bürgerburg is the most important secular building in the town. With its baroque quarry stone building dating back to the 17th century, the Bürgerburg offers an impressive insight into the architecture of bygone times. Since it was taken over by the city in 1972, the Bürgerburg has been lovingly restored and transformed into a vibrant cultural and civic center. Particularly impressive is the "New Staircase" by Stephan Johann Holtzbrinck, which is a real gem with its wood-paneled hallway.
The adjoining rococo garden is a picturesque highlight and, together with the interior rooms, a popular venue for romantic weddings and other celebrations. The rooms of the Bürgerburg are also available to citizens and associations for various events. From captivating history lectures to rousing jazz and cabaret evenings organized by the Kulturring Altena e.V., the Bürgerburg offers a varied programme for every taste.
Opening hours: Tue-Sat: 9am-12pm, Thu: 8am-5pm