Discover Kirchhundem: Nature and Culture

Kirchhundem offers a range of ways to experience nature and culture: the 80-hectare Panorama Park Sauerland is a wildlife and adventure park. Other highlights include the Schwarzbach system nature reserve with Haberg and Krenkeltal, historic viewpoints and hiking trails. Museums tell stories of village life, mining and traditional hand embroidery.

Riverside scenery and views

The Schwarzbach system nature reserve with Haberg and Krenkeltal is located in Kirchhundem. It covers 312 hectares and consists of six separate areas. It is characterized by the extensive, highly branched, natural stream system of the Schwarzbach, the Meinscheidbach and their tributaries. The landscape can therefore also be explored through its waterways and protected areas.

A special natural feature lies between Krenkeltal and Schwarzbachtal: an abandoned railway tunnel is an important winter roost for bats.

The historic Rhein-Weser-Turm on Westerberg in the Rothaargebirge is 24 metres tall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For a longer hike, a 14.4-kilometre section of the Rothaarsteig leads from the tower through the Schwarzbachtal nature reserve and the Heinsberger Hochheide to Ginsberger Heide. Along the way, it passes Dreiherrnstein and the source of the Ferndorf.

Hiking trails in different formats

In Kirchhundem, audio tours bring cultural history to life along various circular hiking trails ranging from 5 to 10 kilometres. Anecdotes and stories are about the former border between Sauerland, Siegerland and Wittgensteiner Land. The distances and circular routes provide practical guidance when planning; the Rothaarsteig section differs in that it runs from Rhein-Weser-Turm to Ginsberger Heide.

Another option is the Rothaarsteig-Spur Oberhundemer Bergtour. This signposted premium circular trail starts and ends at the Haus des Gastes hiking portal in Oberhundem’s spa gardens. The route leads through forests, past rugged rocks and to panoramic views at Kahleberg. Alongside the longer section, this offers circular routes with their own distances and landscapes to explore.

Museums and historic buildings

Kulturgut Schrabben Hof in Kirchhundem-Silberg combines a local history museum with a nostalgic café, an old bakehouse, a beer garden, a festival barn, a beer hall, an antiques barn and a theatre barn. Most of the building complex is listed, and it offers an extensive cultural programme. The museum covers life in a Sauerland village and the history of mining in Silberg across around 250 square metres. It also provides information about the region’s nature reserves and displays fossils and minerals relating to the history of the Earth.

In Oberhundem, the Embroidery Museum focuses on a different aspect of history. It is housed in a listed rectory dating from 1685. Restored historic rooms display traditional hand embroidery. The contrast between the themes is clear: Schrabben Hof focuses on village life, mining and the history of the Earth, while Oberhundem focuses on textile crafts.

Winter activities and accommodation at Rhein-Weser-Turm

Rhein-Weser-Turm has a cross-country skiing centre with a ski school and ski hire. The extensive, well-maintained Rothaarloipe trail network also starts there. Operating hours and equipment hire may vary by season, so check the details before planning your winter trip. This lets you tailor your stay to your interests, whether hiking, culture or cross-country skiing.

There is also a restaurant at the tower with a terrace, serving regional dishes, coffee and cake. Overnight accommodation is available as well. As local services can change, check the latest information before travelling. If you are looking for accommodation, consider whether an overnight stay at the tower suits your travel plans.

Kirchhundem in the wider Olpe region

The entire district is part of Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, Germany’s second-largest nature park, within the wider Olpe travel region. Olpe district also has a well-signposted network of hiking trails, with options ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.

Discover more destinations

Also discover Silberg, Heinsberg, Oberhundem, Brachthausen and Varste.

Discover more destinations: Finnentrop, Wenden, Lennestadt.

Return to the regional travel overview: Olpe.