The castle sits on a sheer cliff above the Lenne River valley—designed to repel medieval armies, now deterring tourists. Your choices: pay €4.80 for the "Adventure Elevator" or hike 20-30 minutes up steep cobblestones. Dogs banned from museum interiors. DO NOT drive an RV up the narrow medieval streets.
The "Altenahr" Routing Trap
Search "Altena Castle" and GPS may route you to "Burg Are" in the wine region—100km SOUTH. VERIFY: Postal code 58762. River Lenne (not Ahr). NO vineyards. If you see wine trails, you're at the WRONG castle.
The Elevator vs. Hike Binary
The "Adventure Elevator" (Erlebnisaufzug) is NOT just a lift—it's a 90m tunnel walk through holographic legends (dwarf king Alberich!) then an 80m vertical ride in 30 seconds. It deposits you directly into the upper courtyard. The "Medieval Siege" alternative: 20-30 minutes up winding cobblestone paths. Gravity makes the descent easier.
Castle Entry = FREE
As of 2024, entry to castle grounds and museum is FREE. The €4.80 elevator fee is for the tunnel show + ride only. Hike up = €0 total visit.
World's First Youth Hostel
Richard Schirrmann founded the first permanent hostel here in 1914. See original straw-filled bunks and wash basins. A site of global significance.
The Langer Kamp Free Parking
800m north of town center, along the river. FREE for unlimited time. Large coach parking = rarely full. Flat 15-min promenade walk to elevator.
Train Warning: Check Your Car
Trains split at Letmathe. Board the Siegen/Altena section, NOT Iserlohn. Wrong section = dead-end in a different valley.
The Pro Move Strategy
Park at Langer Kamp (FREE). Walk the flat promenade. Pay €4.80 for elevator UP. Visit castle (FREE). WALK DOWN (gravity helps, dark but manageable). Maximizes experience, minimizes cost.
The best "Instagram shot" is from the riverbank, not from the castle. You need distance to show the fortress towering over the medieval town. The Lennepromenade captures castle silhouette, slate roofs, and river reflection.
— The Photo AngleThe Monday Lockout
The Adventure Elevator is CLOSED ON MONDAYS (except public holidays). If you visit on a Monday, you MUST hike up the steep hill—and the castle museums may also be closed. Always check the holiday calendar before a Monday trip. This can be a dealbreaker for visitors with limited mobility.
Quick Facts
Tips for Travelers
The routing trap, the accessibility game-changer, and the industrial history.
Bayern-Ticket = INVALID
This is NRW, not Bavaria. Use the "SchönerTagTicket NRW" for groups up to 5, or a Westfalentarif zone ticket from Hagen/Dortmund.
Wheelchair = Elevator Only
The elevator is a game-changer for accessibility—rare for medieval castles! But interior "Dungeon" and upper towers remain stairs-only.
Coin-Only Parking
Town center meters reject international credit cards. Carry €5-10 in coins. Elevator/castle ticket counter accepts cards.
The "Wire City" Context
Altena is the "Drahtzieherstadt" (Wire City). The castle museum shows industrial wire-drawing history. Hiking trails follow old wire trade routes.
No Swimming in Lenne
Industrial river, strong current, unmaintained riverbed. Go to Lenne Therme (indoor pool) or Bigge/Lister dam beaches (20-30km south).
Camper Site: €1
Wohnmobilstellplatz Sauerlandhalle. Electric, water, disposal. Dogs allowed. DO NOT drive RV up narrow castle streets—medieval width, no turnaround.