The extraordinary idea of a youth hostelling was created by the German teacher Richard Schirrmann (1874-1961) on a walking tour. He loved to roam in the nature with his pupils and teach them vivid lessons outside school. This time he was on his way with a group of children to Aachen. A heavy thunderstorm came up and there was no shelter in sight. Not until in the evening the group reached a provisional accommodation in a school. “Then I stroke the idea: School buildings are vacant during the school holidays. They could provide beds of straw and be used by the roaming young as shelters after a day’s march.”, Richard Schirrmann thought. That legendary thundery night dated 26 August 1909 is considered as the founding date of youth hostels.
27 June 1914
But there is another interesting date: on 27 June 1914 (only one day before the attempted assassination in Sarajevo took place, the reason for World War I) Schirrmann was able to open the first permanent Youth Hostel. It was at a picturesque location, high above the city in one of the most beautiful hilltop castles in Germany.
The two sleeping rooms and one common room in castle are nowadays preserved as a museum, still in original condition – with the old beds made of oak wood, two or three stories high.
The pioneer Richard Schirrmann started seeking for support. He found Wilhelm Münker, a merchant who turned out to be an ideal partner with manager skills. Against some oppositions the idea of an affordable accommodation for all young caught on: first in Germany and then throughout Europe. The movement spread on particular in the Netherlands, England and Scotland. In 1931 Europe recorded twelve youth hostel associations with approximately 2.600 youth hostels. The number of hostels grew rapidly along with the increasing interest of the existing associations to exchange their experiences.
Worldwide movement
The early days of Youth Hostels were also the very beginning of a worldwide movement for peace and understanding. „Our ideals are just as valid today as they were 105 years ago when the idea spread from Germany and fell on fertile ground in many other countries“, said Angela Braasch-Eggert, President of the German Youth Hostels Association (DJH). „This led to the founding of the International Youth Hostels Association (IYHA). I am sure that our common understanding of the value of the Youth Hostels will secure their future worldwide because the guests appreciate the quality standards that have been achieved.“
Experience elevator
Recently the castle of Altena has another attraction: a so called experience Elevator. This "New Gate" leads to Altena Castle in the middle of the pedestrian zone. The elevator offers visitor access to 80 meters above the city lying castle. It offers the passage through the 90 metre long tunnel with a unique experience: Figures from history appear on wall projections alive, and give various effects.
Today there is a
Youth Hostel with 36 beds. It lies directly beneath the castle.
