Discover Gleidorf: Churches, Cycling Route and Circular Walk

Gleidorf’s geographical centre is where the Gleier and the Lenne meet. Churches, local history and trails shape the themes to discover here, from the GL3 circular hiking trail to the SauerlandRadring. This gives you a clear choice when planning: a hike of manageable distance, a cycling tour or cultural stops in the village.

Churches and history in Gleidorf

The Church of the Resurrection in Gleidorf was built in 1873. The Peace Chapel was built in 1858: brothers Franz and Anton Lingemann had it constructed in honour of the Virgin Mary. The Sacred Heart Church adds a different architectural note; since 1984, it has been considered an example of contemporary church architecture. Visitors can select texts and songs on an interactive screen there, and the lighting changes colour accordingly.

The Church of the Resurrection has also seen a more recent change in use: the Gleidorf Kulturkirche opened on 7 August in the former Protestant Church of the Resurrection. The historical perspective reaches further back. Gleidorf was a route through which pilgrims, traders and mercenaries travelled along the old Heidenstraße to cross the Sauerland. Together, these themes tell of the village’s different religious and historical connections.

Exploring on foot or by bike

The regional GL3 circular hiking trail starts and ends at the church in Gleidorf. The route is 4.7 kilometres long and takes about 1.5 hours. It climbs gently towards Bad Fredeburg and descends gently on the way back to Gleidorf; the trail is marked with the GL3 hiking symbol.

Parking for the GL3 is available at the church. The starting point can also be reached via the Unterdorf bus stop, served by bus routes S90, 463, R69 and S40. When planning your journey, you can therefore choose between travelling by car and taking the bus, without confusing the bus connection with the walking route.

For cycling tours, the SauerlandRadring passes through Gleidorf and close to both the Protestant and Catholic churches. The Bauernland cycling route joins the SauerlandRadring, which runs through Gleidorf to Schmallenberg. The “Wilde 13” playground is right on the SauerlandRadring and features, among other things, a climbing frame, swings and slides. The route therefore offers different reasons to stop: churches along the way and a playground with specific play equipment.

More culture and nature in Schmallenberg

The wider destination of Schmallenberg offers additional attractions located specifically there. Schmallenberg’s old town has a consistent Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. The historic town tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local characters such as Floigenkasper and Breybalg. If this tour fits your plans, check the latest dates or booking options in advance.

A family adventure trail is also located in Schmallenberg: it is about three kilometres long and has 13 stops focusing on forests, animals, wood and birds. The Forestry Workers’ Museum in Schmallenberg-Latrop displays historical tools, pictures of former forest and village life, historical forestry records and information about the development of the chainsaw. The Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail in Schmallenberg-Latrop runs for 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stops covering topics such as forest ecology and timber use. The trail’s length and number of stops make it easy to compare with the shorter family adventure trail; the stops cover different topics.

For longer cycling tours, the 84-kilometre Sauerlandradring connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. Together with the section passing through Gleidorf, this shows the difference between a cycling tour through the village and the ring’s regional route. The historical stops, trails and distances listed here can help you choose whether to focus your stay on Gleidorf or on other attractions in the wider destination of Schmallenberg.

Discover more destinations: Lenne, Kirchilpe, Kirchrarbach, Bad Fredeburg, Sellinghausen, Niederhenneborn, Rehsiepen, Oberrarbach.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Schmallenberg.