Altena Castle was erected by the brothers Adolf and Everhard von Berg around the year 1108 after Henry V granted them land in Sauerland. On Wulfseck Mountain they built their castle, which they named Wulfeshagen, later Altena. This is one of the three legends of the establishment of the county of Altena and the building of the castle.

After the acquisition of Mark near the city of Hamm in 1198, the counts of Altena took Mark Castle as their primary residence and called themselves the Counts of the Mark. They occasionally inhabited Altena Castle and from 1392 onward it was used as a residence for the county bailiff (Amtmann).

In 1912, Richard Schirrmann established the world's first youth hostel within the castle, which is still in use today (Jugendherberge Burg Altena).

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Address

Burgweg 9, Altena, Germany
See all sites in Altena

Details

Founded: 1108
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Salian Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Barek S (6 months ago)
A magic place with a awesome view of the city. Stayed here while traveling when I saw a beatifull castle on the hill. You can drive by car to the castle gate, car parking is under gate but i prefere to walk because there are a historic houses along the way. Entrance to the castle is for free but if you want visit to the museum you have to pay a few € ( is not expensive ). Place a worth to see !
Dee-Aye Acuna (7 months ago)
Nice view from the top and the castle itself is well preserved. There are plenty of spots for nice photo. I can imagine it is also nice in the evening with lights on.
JLX (8 months ago)
Surprisingly much to see, you'll really spend a couple of hours here. High towers with excellent views, dark chambers with dark history.. Lots of medieval gear, a very nice small chapel and much more await you. Definitively recommend a visit. ?
Sameer Kulkarni (12 months ago)
Located in the pretty little town of Altena. The castle itself however, could use some work on the surroundings to be attractive, but on the inside many artifacts are preserved and on display along with what looks like a newly installed tech with LED screens and remote controlled focus lights for infographs.
Limana Solaiman (2 years ago)
The entire castle experience transports you back to the olden days, a must if you are exploring North Rhine-Westphalia.
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