Discover Kirchilpe: Hiking and Local History

Kirchilpe combines hiking with a long history. The Sauerland-Höhenflug trail passes through the village; a hilltop fort stood south of the village in the Middle Ages, and the chapel was first mentioned around 1308. You can plan a trip that takes in both the hiking route and the village’s historical traces.

Hiking and views in Kirchilpe

On its route from Bad Fredeburg to Reiste, the Sauerland-Höhenflug trail passes through Kirchilpe. At a small rest area along the way, there is a viewpoint overlooking the south and the village. The viewpoint gives this section of the route a specific connection to the place and serves as a landmark for planning your hike.

The N19 circular trail is marked with the trail symbol N19. Guests staying overnight in Kirchilpe are picked up locally by the hiking taxi as part of the Sauerland-Höhenflug route. If you are planning to take the route, check the hiking taxi’s current booking details before your tour.

Hilltop fort and chapel: traces of local history

The medieval hilltop fort stood south of the village of Kirchilpe; its remains were uncovered during excavations in 2000. It is listed in Section B for archaeological monuments in the City of Schmallenberg’s monument register. The entry is dated 24 October 1985.

Kirchilpe’s chapel also has a long history: it was first mentioned around 1308 and is dedicated to Saint Cyriacus. The hilltop fort and chapel offer different perspectives on the village’s history—from medieval fortifications to the chapel’s early mention and religious dedication.

A path associated with a farm

The “Badewannenweg” (Bathtub Path) is part of the Ferienhof Stratmann in Kirchilpe. This picturesque path above the farm offers views across the Sauerland. Its connection to the Ferienhof sets it apart from the Sauerland-Höhenflug route that passes through Kirchilpe: it is a landscape experience associated with the farm.

More to explore in the Schmallenberg travel destination

The Schmallenberg travel destination offers more history and landscapes to explore. Schmallenberg’s old town has a uniform Neoclassical architectural character, with many restored half-timbered houses. The historical town tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local characters such as the Floigenkasper and the Breybalg. Check the current dates or booking arrangements if you would like to take part.

In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Workers’ Museum displays historical tools, pictures of earlier forest and village life, historical forester’s office records, and information about the development of the chainsaw. The Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail also starts there. It runs for 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stops covering topics such as forest ecology and timber use.

Schmallenberg also has a family adventure trail about three kilometres long, with 13 stops covering forests, animals, wood and birds. Its length and number of stops give you a clear basis for planning your walk; its topics range from nature to the uses of wood.

For cycling enthusiasts, the Sauerlandradring offers a different scale: the route is 84 kilometres long, connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt, and follows former railway lines. It is a longer cycling route to complement the hiking and cultural attractions around Schmallenberg.

Discover more destinations: Lenne, Obringhausen, Schanze, Bad Fredeburg, Bödefeld, Gleidorf, Gellinghausen, Rehsiepen.

For the main travel overview: Schmallenberg.