Between Lüdenscheid, Altena, and Iserlohn, attractions such as the Danzturm, Altena Castle, the German Wire Museum and the historical factory complex Maste-Barendorf await discovery. Especially the approximately 13.5-kilometer long northern route is interesting for young people and adults who want to learn more about traditional craftsmanship and its consequences for today's production. Along the route, travelers can also experience unexpected scenic panoramas as they climb the heights of the Märkisches Sauerland.
The path signs are striking, featuring historical photos, illustrations, and informative short texts, all encompassed with combined wire rings. They provide backgrounds on transport conditions and waypoints. Travelers learn along the route that the Osemundeisen forged in the Lüdenscheid area was drawn into medium-thick wire in Altena and further processed into thin wire in Iserlohn. There, masters produced chain mail, needles, and other products from the material. Over time, these items spread across the world with advancing production and delivery technology.
Excursionists should, however, plan some time when embarking on the educational tour. After all, stops at Altena Castle and the German Wire Museum are part of the must-see program. The castle is one of the most beautiful hilltop castles in Germany. It towers high above the wire-drawing town and can be reached by an experience elevator that introduces visitors to the Southwestphalian world of legends and fairy tales. About 300 meters below the facility, the wire museum further explains the versatile use of the inconspicuous material, which is now used in hanging bridges, heating elements, or electromagnets.
