Setting Off from Dortmund
The weekend of October 24th, I embarked on a memorable day trip to Altena Castle, organized by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) of . Along with my classmates and a few apartment mates, we set off to explore this historic gem. It was an experience that combined the beauty of German history with the camaraderie of international friends.
The day started with typical German weather – cold and windy, around 13-15°C. Now, coming from the tropical Western Ghats of India, my body is used to warm, rainy monsoon weather. So, in an attempt to adapt to this new climate, I decided to leave my jacket behind. Not my best decision, but it’s all part of the adventure!
Our journey began at Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) where we caught a regional train to Hagen Hbf. From there, we hopped on a city bus that took us to the base of Altena Castle. The train ride was filled with laughter and conversation as I found myself surrounded by a lively group of Italian students and my Spanish roommates. It was heartwarming how welcoming everyone was – despite the different languages and cultures, we bonded over our shared excitement.
Stepping Back in Time at Altena Castle
Altena Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the Lenne River, is nothing short of breathtaking. Its towering walls and medieval architecture make it feel like you’re stepping back in time. The castle was originally built in the 12th century and served as a strategic fortress during the Middle Ages. It’s famous for being the site of the world’s first youth hostel, which was established in 1914. Walking through its halls, I could almost feel the history seeping through the stone walls.
We spent the day exploring the castle, clicking pictures, and soaking in the views. The surrounding landscape, with its lush greenery and calm, quiet atmosphere, made it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The view from the castle top was simply majestic – a panoramic vista of the serene German countryside that left me mesmerized.
As we wandered through the castle, I found myself taking on the unofficial role of photographer for the group. I helped capture some great moments for my friends and also made sure to snap a lot of pictures for myself – memories to last a lifetime.
A Chilly Ending, A Warm Memory
By the time dusk approached, the once warm and sunny day started to give way to the chill, and that’s when I truly regretted not bringing my jacket! Thankfully, I had packed a homemade smoothie and some omelets to snack on, which gave me a much-needed energy boost as the evening cooled down.
The trip came to an end around 9:30 pm when I returned to my dorm, feeling both exhausted and elated. This was my first trip outside of Dortmund, and I’m glad I chose Altena Castle for this adventure. The quiet city of Altena, with its rich history and tranquil atmosphere, was the perfect introduction to exploring Germany.
I’m already looking forward to my next adventure, but for now, I’ll treasure the memories of this day – a day filled with beautiful sights, new friendships, and the feeling of stepping into the past.
Stay tuned for more explorations in the Land of Ideas!
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