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Märkischer Kreis

Altena

Altena Castle to the Dechenhöhle

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Märkischer Kreis

Altena

Altena Castle to the Dechenhöhle

Hard

4.7

(28)

hikers

Altena Castle to the Dechenhöhle

05:02

17.3km

450m

Hiking

This hike connects two of the region's most impressive sights. Start from the Post bus stop directly with a view of the sublime Altena Castle, which impresses with its rich history and the wide view over the Lenne Valley. Old relics of a bygone era adorn the path. The architecture of the villages you pass is reminiscent of an open-air museum in parts. The path takes you further through the landscapes of the Sauerland, past historical sites, until you reach the fascinating Dechen Cave.

After exploring the caves at the end of your trip, you can make a detour to Letmathe if you wish. This tour offers a perfect interplay of history and nature, ideal for explorers and history lovers.

by Märkisches Sauerland

Last updated: July 18, 2025

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Naturpark Sauerland-Rothaargebirge

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

418 m

Altena Castle

Highlight • Castle

Above the Lenne Valley, Altena Castle sits on a steep mountain ledge. If you are too lazy to climb up using your own muscle power, you can take the elevator that leads from the valley directly to the castle. There is a lot to see at the top of the castle. In addition to the museum, the first youth hostel in the world is located there. There is also food and drink available. The castle also looks beautiful in the dark because it is illuminated.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.12 km

View of Mühlendorf

Highlight • Viewpoint

A great place to get a photo of an old cart as a subject. Here you can also linger briefly and catch a glimpse of the mill village.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

17.2 km

Dechen Cave Letmathe

Highlight • Cave

Nice little museum. Be sure to take the 40-minute cave tour. Very interesting for children too.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

17.3 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.10 km

3.17 km

2.53 km

1.83 km

640 m

Surfaces

5.70 km

3.92 km

2.53 km

2.41 km

1.76 km

945 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (460 m)

Lowest point (150 m)

Weather

Wednesday 15 July

27°C

14°C

13 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

October 19, 2024,Von der Dechenhöhle zur Burg Altena

This tour - from the Dechenhöhle to Altena Castle - was offered by the SGV Altena together with the Altena and Iserlohn city marketing departments. The meeting point was the car park at the Dechenhöhle. First, the Dechenhöhle was visited. Then it was off to the challenging 17 km long route. The weather was more or less good and the …

Showing Translation

July 28, 2022,Iserlohn➡️Altena🥾Höhlen-Burg-Tour

Inspired by the brochure “Wandering in the Märkisches Sauerland”, thanks to the €9 ticket, we first took the S1 bus to the Dechenhöhle. This is where the newly built Burg Weg begins, recognizable by the hiking sign #Image1. First it goes from the Untergrüne about 4km uphill to the Schohelle, here you have a phenomenal view of the Ruhr area. …

Showing Translation

August 20, 2024

This hike connects two of the region's most impressive sights. Start from the Post bus stop directly with a view of the sublime Altena Castle, which impresses with its rich history and the wide view over the Lenne Valley. Old relics of a bygone era adorn the path. The architecture of the villages you

Translated by Google •

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Altena Castle to the Dechenhöhle

Altena Castle

View of Mühlendorf

Dechen Cave Letmathe

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