There is a specific hiking connection to consider when planning an overnight stay in Kirchilpe: Guests staying here are picked up locally by the hiking taxi as part of the Sauerland-Höhenflug route. Check the booking details in advance, as they may change.
Hiking Trails and Views
The Sauerland-Höhenflug runs through Kirchilpe on its route from Bad Fredeburg to Reiste. At a small rest area along the Höhenflug is a viewpoint with views to the south and over the village of Kirchilpe. The N19 circular trail is marked with the N19 trail symbol. This gives you different route options: a trail from Bad Fredeburg to Reiste and a circular trail marked with the N19 symbol. The viewpoint is part of the Höhenflug; on the N19, the trail symbol serves as a guide.
The “Bathtub Trail” at Ferienhof Stratmann in Kirchilpe is a picturesque path above the farm, with views across the Sauerland. As an offering associated with the farm, it should not be planned as a general public hiking trail. This distinguishes it from the hiking routes described above, which are not tied to the holiday farm.
Hilltop Fort and Chapel
In the Middle Ages, a hilltop fort stood south of the village of Kirchilpe; its remains were uncovered during excavations in 2000. The fort’s entry in the City of Schmallenberg’s heritage register, Section B for archaeological monuments, is dated 24 October 1985. The years refer to different events: 1985 to the register entry, and 2000 to the excavation. A chapel in Kirchilpe was mentioned as early as around 1308 and is dedicated to Saint Cyriacus. The hilltop fort is notable for its archaeological traces and heritage register entry, while the chapel is notable for its early mention and dedication.
More to explore in the wider destination of Schmallenberg
Schmallenberg’s old town has a cohesive Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. A historical walking tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local figures such as Floigenkasper and Breybalg. Check current dates or booking options if you are planning to join the tour. The old town and the tour offer different highlights: the architecture shapes the townscape, while the tour introduces its history and local figures.
In Schmallenberg, there is a family adventure trail about three kilometres long, with 13 stations covering forests, animals, wood and birds. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forest Worker and Forester Trail runs for 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations on topics such as forest ecology and timber use. The Forestry Museum in Schmallenberg-Latrop displays historical tools, pictures of earlier forest and village life, historical forestry records, and information about the development of the chainsaw. The trail and museum explore forest-related topics in different ways: the trail covers them at its stations, while the museum presents them through its historical collection.
The Sauerland Cycle Ring broadens the range of activities to include a cycling route: it is 84 kilometres long, connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt, and follows former railway lines. This means the wider destination of Schmallenberg also offers cycling and former railway routes, alongside hiking trails and local history.
Discover more destinations: Westfeld, Dorlar, Rehsiepen, Obringhausen, Winkhausen, Niederberndorf, Kirchrarbach, Lenne
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Schmallenberg.
