Gustav Selve monument

High on the mountain between the Lenne and Rahmedetal valleys stands the Gustav Selve Monument. It was erected in honor of Gustav Selve, one of the most important major industrialists in Germany before the First World War. He abolished the exploitation of workers, which was common at that time, and introduced social benefits, built schools and workers' housing. "The King of Altena," as he was respectfully called, died in 1909. The employees of the Basse and Selve company, which Gustav Selve headed alone, erected a monument to him out of gratitude and respect after his death - financed from their own funds. Thus, thanks to his employees, Gustav Selve still watches over Altena today.