Perched upon a hill, this 12th-century fortress is a must for history and culture enthusiasts. Having the privilege of being the first youth hostel in the world in a castle, the hostel still functions in one part of the castle complex. Chronicle from the prehistoric times till the present at Museen Burg Altena or get to know about the industrial prowess at the German Wire Museum (Deutsches Drahtmuseum. There is also a restaurant within the castle complex for refreshments.
Haus Lützinghausen is a two-story mansion in Gummersbach, Germany. It was built in 1733 by Johann Theodor Casper von Omphal and his wife Anna Klara von Neuhoff and stands as a monument in the present day. The massive stone building has a series of windows on its four sides and is covered by a two-story mansard roof. The historic mansion falls under monument protection and is a wonderful site to visit.
Located on the site of the former Deutsche Bundesbahn Locomotive Depot, Dieringhausen Railway Museum is a railway history museum in Dieringhausen, Germany. It is a historical monument spread over 2.7 acres (1.09 hectares) of land. The rich collection at this facility includes steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, electric locomotives, and railway wagons. You can also find the equipment from the former steam depot here. A café and a bookshop have also been established for visitors to this place.
This old dam was built in the 1890s in Altena, and is now one of its best attractions for leisurely walks amid nature. A beautiful path surrounds the shimmering waters of the dam. The location is ideal for a blissful family getaway, long walks or jogs, picturesque views, and photoshoots. Take a walk down the winding road to witness the natural beauty of the region, feel the pleasant breeze, and admire the impressive wall of the dam. You may also spot an occasional turtle, water birds or shoals of fish as they swim under the water. Alternately, you can bring your bike and enjoy an energizing ride along the dam.
The Deutsches Drahtmuseum is a place solely dedicated to the importance and the use of wires in society. Founded in 1965, the museum narrates the intriguing history and development of the German wire industry, of which Altena was the hub during the Middle Ages. It offers guided tours to explain the exhibits, machinery, and the process of making wires through various demonstrations. Learn more about the fascinating process of wire-making with hands-on activities, video presentations, and many wire items and tools. With exciting experiments and displays, children can have fun learning the science behind wires at this unique museum.
A Gothic-styled structure dating back to 1474, Jesus Christus Kirche is a three-basilica Protestant Church that has survived through the centuries to serve as a major religious influence for the people of Meinerzhagen.
Peter Paul Rubens was among the most prolific Flemish Baroque artists in the 17th Century. It is said that three cities were contending to be known as his birthplace. They were Siegen, Cologne and Antwerp. However a Dutch archive showed that this famed artist was born in Siegen. The Rubensbrunnen or Ruben's Fountain on the grounds of the Oberes Schloss is an ode to this and a memento of these cities wrangle for that position. It showcases a trio of women huddled together with the central figure carrying a child in her arms.