Referinghausen: Hiking Trails and History

Referinghausen combines hiking and cycling trails with distinctive traces of its local history. Above the village, the Marienkapelle stands beside the historic Heidenstraße; the church houses a Romanesque seated Madonna. This means you can get to know the area through both outdoor activities and its tangible cultural history.

Hiking and Cycling in Referinghausen

Referinghausen has numerous hiking and cycling trails, and signposts at marked junctions make it easier to find your way. The local circular trails include the marked routes R1, R2 and R3. Another specific hiking option is the Referinghausen South Round: it is 10.6 kilometres long and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. These details give you a clear timeframe for planning your tour. You can choose between the marked circular trails and a longer hike with a specified distance and duration.

Before setting off, check the trail markers and downloadable route information. When looking for accommodation, consider whether you plan to spend your holiday mainly hiking, cycling or visiting historic sites as well. This will help you tailor your search to the focus you want for your stay.

Marienkapelle, Heidenstraße and Local History

The Marienkapelle stands above Referinghausen beside the historic Heidenstraße. Locally, the road is regarded as a centuries-old military and trade route from Cologne to Leipzig, and it is also part of a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. An information plaque on site explains the route. The chapel, road and plaque connect this specific place with the history of an old trade and pilgrimage route.

The church in Referinghausen also tells of a turning point in the village’s history: after the village fire of 1781, it was once again available for church services in 1797. The church houses a Romanesque seated Madonna from the 13th century. The combination of a historic event and a medieval work of art offers cultural points of interest beyond the trails.

More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Medebach

If you would like to explore other themes in the wider destination of Medebach, you will find a range of ideas for culture and outdoor activities there. The museum and the narrow-gauge railway exhibition are at Oberstraße 26 in Medebach. If you are planning a visit, it is worth checking the latest opening information. In the district of Düdinghausen, the Heimathaus offers guided tours of the house as well as woodturning demonstrations at the Dreggestobe. Dates may vary by season, so check the current schedule.

The hiking options also offer a variety of experiences: the Medebacher Bergweg quality trail is 66 kilometres long and connects the town of Medebach with all its districts. In the climatic health resort of Medebach, the Terrainkurwege offer good conditions for health-promoting hikes through the landscape of the Medebacher Bucht. The Gelängebachtal nature trail in Medebach features an interactive nature activity for children and adults; check its condition before visiting. The Freistuhl Düdinghausen is a historic court site with wide views over forests and meadows.

For a different kind of activity, guided mountain bike tours start at the Tourist Information office in Medebach. They can be adapted to participants’ physical fitness and riding skills. Check the latest details before booking. The wider destination therefore offers everything from cultural and historical sites and long-distance hiking trails to guided cycling tours.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Titmaringhausen, Dreislar, Oberschledorn, Küstelberg, Düdinghausen, Medelon.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Medebach.