Altena - the cradle of wire
Altena's history has been inextricably linked with wire drawing since the 16th century. And even if chain mail is no longer all the rage today, there are countless applications for the finest wires. Electricity from the socket, telephones, digitalization, the Internet, touchscreens - none of this would have been possible without the invention of wire. As the cradle of wire, the region can therefore be proud to have made a decisive contribution to this development and connected the world a little more.
German Wire Museum
As the cradle of the wire industry, Altena is home to the German Wire Museum, where the countless areas of application and the history of wire production and processing, which used to be very laborious, can be traced. Free guided tours are included in museum admission on the first Sunday of every month. For example, visitors can be introduced to the exciting world of wire at 11.00, 14.00 and 16.00.
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 9:30-17:00 / Sat-Sun 11-18:00 / Mon closed
24.12., 25.12., 31.12. and 01.01. closed Further information at www.deutsches-drahtmuseum.de
Guided tour: City of wire
Discover the fascinating history of Altena, which is closely linked to the wire-drawing and wire-processing industry. For centuries, this industry formed the economic backbone of the town and played a key role in shaping its destiny. Today, visitors can discover and experience traces of this traditional past in many places in the city.
Find out more about the cradle of wire on a guided tour of the city.
Book via: 02352 549 3020 or tourismus@altena.de.
Immerse yourself in this exciting history on a guided tour along the wire coil route and to the Springer spring, organized by the Evingsen local history association. Bookings can be made by telephone on 02352 75380 or by e-mail to info@heimatverein-evingsen.de .
Wire trade route
The historic wire trade route stretches for around 32 kilometers through the Sauerland region of the Mark Brandenburg and connects Altena with the towns of Lüdenscheid and Iserlohn. In the past, the wire masters transported their wire coils along this path either by horse-drawn cart or on foot to the neighboring towns, where they were then processed. Nowadays, it is a pleasure to stroll along this path through meadows and forests, enjoying the numerous viewpoints and exploring the industrial monuments. The wire coils along the way tell the fascinating story of wire.
Click here for the route and further information:
Iron Route South Westphalia
The South Westphalia Iron Route naturally leads through the wire city of Altena and brings the industrial culture of South Westphalia to life for young and old. The route leads through 16 municipalities from Hagen to Burbach along many factories, industrial monuments and adventure sites.
The adventure guide to the Iron Road is available in bookshops ISBN 978-3-8375-1669-2 or directly online from Klartext-Verlag.
Wire reel on the Hurk
The wire reel in Evingsen is Altena's insider tip when it comes to industrial heritage. Where wire was still being pulled with the help of water power until the 19th century, there is now a small museum. It is lovingly maintained by the Evingsen local history association and shows how wire was drawn and awls ground back then. The cute quarry stone building with water wheel can be viewed from the outside at any time. For an inside view, please register in advance:
Heimatverein Evingsen // Mr. Friedrich Wilhelm Klinke Tel.: 02352 75380
Wire tree avenue
They have been lining the Lennepromenade since the turn of the millennium and light up the cityscape at Christmas time: Altena's wire trees are probably the city's most outstanding wire sculptures. They symbolize Altena's deep connection to wire and at the same time to nature. Without its gifts, such as iron ore deposits, hydropower and lush forests for charcoal smelting, the wire industry would not have been able to grow.
As a mini version, the wire trees in the adventure elevator are available in 4 sizes from 10 cm to 25 cm. They make an excellent distinctive souvenir or hostess gift.