Altena (disambiguation) facts for kids

Altena is a name that refers to several different places and things, mainly in Germany and the Netherlands. The most famous "Altena" is a historic town in Germany, known for its ancient castle.

Altena: A German Town

Altena is a town located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. It sits in a beautiful valley, surrounded by hills and forests. The town has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. It grew up around the famous Altena Castle.

Altena Castle: A Historic Fortress

Altena Castle is a very old castle that was built in the early 12th century. It stands on a hill overlooking the town of Altena in Germany. The castle is much older than the town itself!

The Castle's History

The castle was first built by the Counts of Berg. Later, it became the home of the Counts of Altena. This family eventually became known as the Counts of Mark. They were powerful rulers in the region for many centuries. The castle played an important role in protecting the area.

Youth Hostel at the Castle

Today, Altena Castle is famous for being one of the first youth hostels in the world. A youth hostel is a place where young travelers can stay cheaply. The first youth hostel was opened here in 1914 by Richard Schirrmann. It's still a youth hostel today, making it a unique historical site. Visitors can also explore the castle's museum and learn about its past.

Other Places Named Altena

The name Altena is also used for other places:

• Land van Altena is a historical region in the Netherlands. It was a separate area for a long time, from around 900 AD to 1589.
• There are also villages and municipalities named Altena in the Netherlands, like Altena in Drenthe and the larger municipality of Altena in North Brabant.
• Fort Altena was a Dutch colony in North America. It was located near what is now Delaware, during the time when the Dutch had settlements there.

See Also

In Spanish: Altena para niños

• Atena (disambiguation)
• Athena (disambiguation)