Oberkirchen: Heathland, Trails and History

Oberkirchen combines trails through varied landscapes with historic sites and local culture. The Golddorf Route Oberkirchen runs through the “Sommerseite” nature reserve up to the Ennest; other routes pass through forested areas or head towards Winkhausen and Almert. The village also has architectural and artistic monuments, as well as the Witches’ Hike.

Heathland and nature conservation

Sheep and goats are occasionally used for landscape management in the “Sommerseite” nature reserve. Their use is intended to preserve the heathland and promote natural biodiversity. This gives the landscape a special connection between natural habitat and conservation: the animals are part of a measure aimed at preserving the heath and promoting biodiversity. As they are only used occasionally, you should not expect to see them on every visit.

The Golddorf Route Oberkirchen also passes through the “Sommerseite”. A nature trail runs through the nature reserve and continues up to the Ennest. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views as well as a view of the Lennetal. If you would like to combine a nature trail with scenic views, the Golddorf Route offers both.

Three different routes

The Golddorf Route is not the only route described here. The Hartmecketalweg O1 passes through a forested area via the Mückenplatz to the Hexenplatz and returns to Oberkirchen via the Lüttmecke. The Oberkirchen winter hiking trail runs from Oberkirchen towards Winkhausen, continues to Almert and the Hexenplatz, and then returns to Oberkirchen. You can distinguish the routes by their described landscapes and waypoints: the Sommerseite and scenic views on the Golddorf Route, forest and named waypoints on the O1, and the route via Winkhausen and Almert on the winter hiking trail.

The “Kirche” stop on bus route S 40 is right at the starting point of the Golddorf Route Oberkirchen. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the latest timetable information in advance, as bus services and route numbers can change.

Historic sites and local culture

Oberkirchen’s five historic sites include the Baroque church, the Pütte, the gallows, the dungeon and the Hexenplatz. The Catholic parish church of “St. Gertrud” also has a notable artistic connection: it includes the painting “St. Jerome”. The watermill at Alte Poststraße 15 comprises the upper and lower mill races. Together, these named places and features offer specific points of interest for exploring Oberkirchen’s cultural heritage.

The Witches’ Hike in Oberkirchen leads to the dungeon. Afterwards, participants are invited to enjoy coffee and cake in the hostess’s living room; this offer depends on the arrangements for each event. Scheduled event dates may change, so check the latest dates before making plans. This makes the hike a distinctive event experience, separate from the routes and historic sites described as permanent attractions.

More to discover in the wider destination of Schmallenberg

The wider destination of Schmallenberg also offers experiences different from Oberkirchen’s trails and historic sites. Schmallenberg’s old town has a cohesive Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the forestry workers’ museum displays historic tools, pictures of former forest and village life, historical forestry records and information on the development of the chainsaw. These experiences offer a distinct perspective on architecture and forestry in the wider destination.

Schmallenberg also has a family adventure trail of about three kilometres, with 13 stations about forests, animals, wood and birds. The forestry workers’ and foresters’ trail in Schmallenberg-Latrop runs for 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations covering topics such as forest ecology and timber use. The two trails differ in their approximate length, number of stations and themes. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore take your planned focus for the trip into account: Oberkirchen’s landscapes and culture, or other experiences specifically located in Schmallenberg.

Discover more destinations: Schanze, Bad Fredeburg, Altenilpe, Sellinghausen, Gellinghausen, Nordenau, Oberhenneborn, Arpe.

For the overview of the wider destination: Schmallenberg.