- Culturally interesting
- Refreshment stop
- Circular route
History and nature trail in Altena: "Green classroom"
Discover nature, experience history, and uncover a few secrets along the way: The History and Nature Trail combines learning and adventure on a short loop around Burg Altena.
Tour starting point:
Burg Altena
Tour destination point:
Burg Altena
Properties:
Additional Information
City of Altena (Westphalia)
Tel. 02352 549 3020
tourismus@altena.de
Category
ThemenwegLength
1.6 kmDuration
0:35 hElevation ascent
92 mElevation descent
34 mLowest point
211 mHighest point
301 mCondition
Difficulty
Recommended seasons
History, nature, and a touch of folklore: On this 1.6-kilometer loop trail, you can discover Altena’s history and the natural beauty of the mountain range.
The nature trail begins across from the Burg Altena. Right from the start, the trail explores the themes that continue to shape Altena today: the Burg Altena, the world’s first youth hostel, and iron and wire. After all, in Altena, nature and industrial culture are closely intertwined.
The forest also plays an important role. Information panels introduce its inhabitants, and with a little luck, you might even encounter one or two of them along the way. Along the route, you’ll pass the forest teepee and the legendary Steinsbörnchen. Incidentally, the little fountain is also part of the story told in the adventure elevator up to the castle.
To wrap things up, the “green classroom” awaits you at the Hexentanzplatz. A wooden figure there commemorates the old legend of the witches who are said to gather in the forest on Walpurgis Night to dance. Information panels and models provide insights into flora and fauna, climate, and environmental protection.
And the best is saved for last: From the Hexentanzplatz, you’ll have a beautiful view of Altena.
Information
Directions
The history and nature trail begins across from Burg Altena and follows a loop trail around the Schwarzer Stein. At the forest teepee, you can take a short detour along the zigzag path; depending on which direction you’re heading, the path will take you uphill or downhill.
Equipment
Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Author Tip
The Sauerland Alpine Club is happy to accompany guests on the nature trail to provide further explanations and details about the flora and fauna (in German only). Reservations can be made by phone: +49 (0) 2352 3934 or +49(0)160 8011 623. The Alpine Club also offers educational projects for school classes of all ages, including the construction of nest boxes or insect hotels. The central theme is always the forest as a habitat.
Public transit
From the Altena train station, a path leads to the starting point of the nature trail at the Friedrichstor gate of Burg Altena on Fritz-Thomée-Straße.
How to get there
From the A45 (Sauerland Line), take the Lüdenscheid-Nord exit and then follow the signs toward Altena.
If you’re coming via the A46, take the Iserlohn-Oestrich exit and follow the signs to Altena.
Parking
Parking lot "Am Langen Kamp"