Altena

Altena is a small town in the Märkischer Kreis in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The town arose below Altena Castle, which was founded in the 12th century and where the world's first permanent youth hostel was set up in 1914 by Richard Schirrmann.

The city is located in the Sauerland in the Lenne valley. The highest point at 511 m above sea level. NHN is located on the Kohlberg on the border with the town of Neuenrade, the lowest point on the Hünengraben at 145 m above sea level. NHN. Today's urban area has an area of around 44.3 square kilometers; 61% of this is taken up by forest.

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Worth seeing in Altena

Altena Castle
The beautiful one towers high above the old mastermind town Altena Castle. The main attraction is the Museum of the County of Mark. It allows you to take part in the fights, hunts and feasts of the knights and nobles, and in the life of the craftsmen and farmers.

Experience elevator
The Experience elevator connects the city center directly with Altena Castle. It is more than just an energy-saving alternative to a 20-minute walk. Multimedia adventure gates bring old legends to life and get you in the mood for a visit to the castle.

Wire Museum
Just 300 meters below the castle lies the fascinating German Wire Museum. It shows how wire was made and processed, what can be done with it and opens our eyes to the fact that the whole world depends on wire.

1. Youth hostel
As early as 1912, the Altena teacher Richard Schirrmann set up the world's first permanent youth hostel at the castle and founded the German Youth Hostel Association. The idea then spread around the world. The World Youth Hostel Museum at the castle tells the story of this.

Holtzbrinck Castle
The Citizen's castle Altena's city center is a meeting point, meeting place and event location. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be rented by Altena clubs, associations and citizens.

Studios and galleries
Schöner Altbau für wenig Geld, malerische Bergkulissen und immer mehr Touristen in der Stadt. Optimale Bedingungen für Künstler und Kreative. Altenas kleine Fußgängerzone beherbergt daher gleich 6 Ateliers für Kunst und kreatives Handwerk.

Places of worship
Altena has Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox churches and even a mosque.

Downtown
The town stretches along the Lenne at the foot of the castle hill like a string of pearls.

Apollo Service Cinema
In the middle of the street it stands out unmistakably: This Apollo Service Cinema.
The cinema has been in its fourth generation since it opened in 1924
Family owned and operated. Cocktails, snacks or ice cream are available at the touch of a button
served at your seat with a smile. Current films with the latest technology are shown.

Climbing and bouldering
The Sauerland climbing world is Altena's climbing paradise on the Rosmart. Here you can go climbing, bouldering, celebrate children's birthdays and enjoy the view over the Sauerland in the bistro.

Bowling
The new bowling alley is perfect for a fun evening with friends, family, colleagues/employees or club members. Equipped with an elaborate lighting installation, our own sound system and much more, your bowling game with us will be an experience.

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Nature, relaxation and fun

Hike
Altena is very easy to hike. Whether on long-distance hiking trails, circular trails or historical themed trails – the meadows and forests around Altena are just waiting to be explored.

Water fun
In a city on the river it is of course a good idea to spend your time in a wet and happy way: fishing, canoeing or just letting your legs dangle in the cool water.

Nature trail
The flora and fauna can be wonderfully explored on the history and nature trail opposite the castle. Sculptures, model panels and a teepee complete the experience.

Flying
Ideal starting conditions and even an airfield make Altena a paradise for aviation enthusiasts. Sailing, hang-gliding or paragliding pilots will get their money's worth here and newcomers can also get a taste of high-altitude air.

Biking
Whether relaxed up the mountains on an e-bike, quickly back down on a mountain bike or on a bike tour along the Lenne route, there is something for everyone.

Horseback riding
Riding on horseback through forests and meadows – for many there is probably no more idyllic idea.

Geocaching
Hard-working geocachers like to hide little treasures in Altena. Here is a wonderful hiking trail, over the legendary trails “Zweifelmut”, “Anschlag” and “Angst”.