The Golddorf Route gives Kirchrarbach a clear connection to hiking; the history of St. Lambertus dates back to a chapel from the 10th century. This brings practical route planning and a historical perspective on the village together.
The Golddorf Route: Distance, Ascent and Course
This moderately difficult circular route is 13.2 kilometres long and includes 327 metres of ascent. The start and finish are at the church in Kirchrarbach; the estimated duration is around four hours. This provides a useful time estimate for the tour. Allow additional time for breaks and your own pace. The “moderate” rating can be considered alongside the distance and ascent: length, elevation profile and time are different factors that may all be equally important when planning.
At the foot of the Ringelskopf, the route leads to the Kyrill Hut. There, it offers a panoramic view and a small treasure chest filled with drinks. It then passes the Kreuzkapelle chapel on the Steimel.
St. Lambertus and Its Building History
The history of St. Lambertus spans several construction phases. A chapel stood on the site of the church by the 10th century at the latest; a first church is believed to have been built in 1257. The older church building was largely replaced by a new one in 1912, while the tower and choir were preserved. These surviving parts connect the older fabric with the later church building.
More Perspectives in the Wider Destination of Schmallenberg
In the wider destination of Schmallenberg, the old town offers a different architectural character: it has a unified Neoclassical architectural style and many restored half-timbered houses. While St. Lambertus illustrates the history of a single church, with its preserved tower and choir, the cohesive townscape shapes the impression of the old town.
The routes also differ in length and theme. The family adventure trail in Schmallenberg is around three kilometres long and has 13 stations about forests, animals, wood and birds. The Forest Worker and Forester Trail in Schmallenberg-Latrop runs for 4.5 kilometres and leads to 17 stations, covering topics such as forest ecology and the use of wood. For a significantly longer cycle route, the 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. The stated distance does not account for temporary detours; therefore, check route information for detours before setting off.
For those interested in history, a historical town tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local characters Floigenkasper and Breybalg. If you plan to join the tour, check current dates and booking options. The Forestry Museum in Schmallenberg-Latrop displays historical tools, photographs of former forest and village life, forestry records and information about the development of the chainsaw. Alongside the townscape and local history, this offers forest and forestry topics as distinct areas of interest.
Kirchrarbach’s own points of interest are the Golddorf Route and St. Lambertus; the town, museum, cycling and adventure activities mentioned above are part of the wider destination of Schmallenberg. This distinction helps you choose the focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Fleckenberg, Kirchilpe, Sellinghausen, Nordenau, Oberkirchen, Schanze, Bad Fredeburg, Menkhausen.
Go to the wider travel overview: Schmallenberg.
