Things To Do
in Altena
Altena is a small historic town in North Rhine-Westphalia’s Sauerland region, perched along the Lenne River and dominated by the medieval Burg Altena. The town is known for its well-preserved castle, the Deutsches Drahtmuseum (Wire Museum) and scenic hilltop viewpoints. Altena blends traditional Westphalian culture with easy access to extensive hiking and cycling routes in the surrounding forests.
Its compact old town, riverfront, and nearby uplands make it an appealing base for outdoor activities and quiet cultural exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Altena Castle, which offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval architecture. As you wander through the castle's halls, enjoy a guided tour that illuminates the history of the region. Don't forget to take in the breathtaking views of the Lenne Valley from the castle's towers.
After descending from the castle, stroll through the charming streets of Altena's historic center, where you can explore local shops and cafes. Stop by the Altena Museum to learn more about the town's rich history and its significance in the industrial revolution. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a cozy restaurant, sampling regional specialties like Sauerbraten or Reibekuchen.
As the sun sets, find a local beer garden to relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage. Engage in conversation with the locals, who are often eager to share stories about their town. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a restaurant offering traditional German cuisine, making sure to try a slice of Black Forest cake for dessert.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before setting out for a nature walk along the Lenne River. The path is lined with lush greenery and offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the serene landscape. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the river as you walk.
After your morning hike, enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Post-lunch, consider renting a bicycle to explore the surrounding trails further, taking in the picturesque views of the valley. Look out for local wildlife as you cycle through this beautiful region.
Return to Altena for a relaxing evening, where you can unwind at one of the local cafés. Sip on a cup of coffee or tea while you reflect on your day's adventures. For dinner, consider trying a steakhouse that specializes in grilled meats paired with a robust local wine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L in pub) | $3-5 |
| 🚌Regional day train/bus pass | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, historic town with a striking hilltop castle and panoramic views
- Excellent access to hiking, cycling and outdoor recreation in the Sauerland
- Strong regional culture and traditional Westphalian cuisine
- Quieter, more relaxed pace than larger German cities — good for restful stays
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with big cities
- Public transport connections are regional — you may need a car to reach some sites
- Some attractions have limited opening hours outside peak season
- Fewer specialized dietary or international-cuisine options than metropolitan areas
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke (schön)" - Thank you (very much)
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Altena
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic hilltop fortress with sweeping views over the Lenne valley, historic architecture and photogenic terraces at sunrise or sunset.
Picturesque river scenes with reflections, bridges and waterside paths — good for long exposures and tranquil landscape shots.
Narrow streets, timbered houses and the market square provide atmospheric urban photography with local color.
Nearby ridgelines like Homert offer wide vistas, forest mosaics and seasonal colors — excellent for landscape panoramas and fall foliage.
Museum interiors and exhibits on the wire industry give unique industrial and macro photography opportunities; the juxtaposition with the castle adds context.
Food in Altena
Altena Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured and smoked ham from the region — served thinly sliced in delis and on restaurant plates; try at local markets and traditional Gasthäuser.
Must-Try!
A peppered beef stew popular in Westphalia, often served with potatoes or bread; available in traditional restaurants and during regional festivals.
Kale with a smoked sausage (Pinkel) and potatoes — a winter specialty served at many local eateries during the cold months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering regional cheeses, breads, smoked meats and seasonal produce — a great spot to sample local specialties and buy picnic supplies.
During festivals look for food stalls selling bratwurst, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), and mulled wine; Christmas markets are especially atmospheric.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and use of formal address (Sie) in first meetings is common among older residents; younger people often switch to first names quickly. A simple "Guten Tag" or "Hallo" is appreciated.
Germans value punctuality — arrive on time for tours, appointments and public transport connections.
Strict recycling rules and waste separation are enforced; follow local bins and separate paper, plastics and organic waste. Respect nature by sticking to trails and not leaving litter.
Be mindful of Ruhezeiten (quiet hours), typically in the afternoon and at night, when noise should be kept to a minimum — especially in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Altena
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of about 5–10% is customary in restaurants if service was good; for cafés and smaller orders people often round up the bill. Taxi drivers and hotel porters appreciate small tips for help with luggage.
Cash (euros) is still common, especially in small shops and cafés. Debit cards (girocard/EC) and credit cards are widely accepted in larger venues; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, budding forests and blooming meadows; trails can be muddy early on so waterproof shoes are useful. Spring festivals and quieter hiking make it pleasant for nature walks.
Warm, often pleasant weather ideal for hiking, cycling and outdoor dining; expect longer daylight hours and more visitors on popular trails and at the castle.
Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage in the hills — one of the best times for photographers and hikers. Cooler evenings make hearty local dishes and pubs especially inviting.
Cold with possible snow in higher elevations; cross-country skiing and winter walks are possible when conditions permit. Some attractions may have reduced hours, so check ahead.
Altena at Night
Hiking in Altena
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of forested ridge trails in the Ebbegebirge nature area offering panoramic viewpoints, varied terrain and marked routes of different lengths.
A popular local ridge with scenic lookouts, mixed forests and accessible paths suitable for day hikes and nature photography.
Gentler riverside routes following the Lenne River through valleys and villages, ideal for relaxed walks and birdwatching.
Part of longer high-route trails crossing the Sauerland with sections near Altena offering multi-day trekking options and spectacular landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Altena by plane.
About 45–60 minutes by car from Altena (longer by public transport via regional trains and bus connections). Offers domestic and European flights; convenient for regional connections.
Approximately 1–1.5 hours by car or accessible by train with a transfer; major international hub with wide flight options and good rail links to the Ruhr area.
Around 1.5–2 hours by car; serves many European and some intercontinental routes and is reachable by regional trains plus a transfer.
Smaller regional airport about 60–90 minutes’ drive depending on route with some seasonal and budget carrier flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly German families and older residents with deep ties to local traditions, businesses and civic life.
People who commute to nearby industrial and service centers such as Hagen or Lüdenscheid for work, influencing daytime traffic patterns.
Includes families of various backgrounds (e.g., Turkish and Eastern European origins) contributing to local cultural variety and businesses.
Visitors who come seasonally for hiking, cycling and cultural tourism, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally; local clubs and youth teams are active and matches are community events.
Handball has a strong local following in Westphalia, with clubs and indoor league play common for youth and adults.
Road cycling and off-road mountain biking are popular due to the varied terrain of the Sauerland hills and dedicated trails.
Given the extensive network of paths and scenic ridgelines, hiking and trail running are widespread recreational activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Altena.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities; many restaurants will adapt dishes, and cafés offer salads, egg and cheese-based options. Supermarkets carry vegetarian products and fresh produce.
Vegan choices are increasing but not ubiquitous; look for cafés with plant-based milk, simple veggie bowls or bakeries that can accommodate requests. Carry snacks if you have limited options while hiking.
Some bakeries and restaurants can provide gluten-free options on request, and supermarkets stock gluten-free products. Ask staff about cross-contamination if sensitivity is high.