It is located in the municipality of Noordenveld, Drenthe, 2 km southwest of Peize.

Altena started around 1850 during the exploitation of peat in the Bunnerveen.

[4] They were replaced with normal houses in the early 20th century.

[3] In 1978, no postal code was assigned for Altena and it was placed under Peize.

Up to 1998, it did not have a town limit sign, however the signs have been placed, it is listed in the telephone directory and has its own exit on the Peize bypass,.