Sage, mint, lovage & co. grow in a bed in the upper castle courtyard. The small herb garden with 23 different plants is located near the entrance to the historic youth hostel. The approximately 26 square meter square is surrounded by greywacke stones. Guests at Burg Altena will find well-known culinary herbs such as parsley, savory and chives. But there are also medicinal herbs such as St. John's wort, mullein and lady's mantle. If the name "yellow-leaved dost" doesn't ring a bell, the Latin name may help. Origanum vulgare Aureum" will also mean something to friends of Italian pizza. The names of the plants are written on slates. Not only visitors to Burg Altena benefit from the herb bed, the adjoining restaurant also uses the herbs in its cuisine. The museum's education department also offers "herb tours", "making ointments and oils" and "cooking like in the Middle Ages".
Herb garden Burg Altena
Park/garden
In the upper courtyard of Burg Altena, a herb garden with local herbs can be enjoyed with all the senses.
Sage, mint and lovage were among the herbs recommended by the Reichenau monk Strabo in his book on horticulture in 840. The herbs from the medieval monastery garden were used in the kitchen and hospital. A bed has been planted at Burg Altena in the style of these gardens.
Address
Herb garden Burg Altena
Fitz-Thomée-Str. 80
58762 Altena
Telephone: 02352-966-7034
Prices
Free admission: 0.0
Main opening times:
| Day | From | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 | 18:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 | 18:00 |