Altena Castle

To make a day of it

Burg Altena stands in Altena (Märkischer Kreis), in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 11th century. Admission is free. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on October 16, 2026.

Rising above the town of Altena, this stronghold dates back to the 11th century and now houses several museum spaces devoted to the region's history. Rebuilt in the early 20th century at the initiative of a local district administrator, it combines a keep, a chapel, dungeons and former lordly quarters open to visitors. A panoramic lift, built into a tunnel cut through the hillside, offers access without climbing the steep paths. The site also preserves the memory of an unusual episode: the world's first youth hostel was set up here in 1914.

Written from Altena Castle

What to know

• A panoramic lift built into a tunnel offers an alternative to climbing on foot to reach the castle.
• The visit includes several distinct museum areas: the permanent exhibition, a wire museum, a former dungeon and a room dedicated to youth hostels.
• A restaurant operates within the castle grounds.
• The current building results from a reconstruction carried out between 1906 and 1915, done in a romanticized medieval style rather than an exact restoration.
• The site suits family visits, with interactive displays and a themed walk through the access tunnel.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Not verified

Where this château is

Altena · Märkischer Kreis · Nordrhein-Westfalen

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Altena, Märkischer Kreis

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status

Baudenkmal

Period of construction

11th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Altena Castle: how much is admission?

Admission is free. Child: free. Reduced: free. Free for: admission to the Altena Castle museums has been free (Pay what you want) since 25 April 2024.

How do you get to Altena Castle without climbing on foot?

A panoramic lift, built into a tunnel through the hillside, leads directly to the castle courtyard.

What can be seen inside Altena Castle?

Visitors can see a keep, a chapel, a former dungeon and rooms devoted to regional metalworking and the history of youth hostels.

Is Altena Castle an original medieval building?

Its foundations date to the 11th century, but its current appearance results from a reconstruction carried out in the early 20th century.

Is there a restaurant on site?

Yes, a restaurant operates within the castle grounds.

What is the connection between Altena Castle and youth hostels?

The world's first youth hostel was set up here in 1914, and a museum room recounts its history.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Land's heritage lists.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q1010748
• Official website

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