Chapels, a Stations of the Cross trail and a forest-rich circular route give Niederberndorf a distinctive character for a stay focused on culture and nature. The Catholic Chapel of St. Blasius was originally built in the 17th century. Inside is a magnificent Baroque altar, while the chapel also marks the centre of the village. This brings together architectural history and a prominent local landmark.

Chapels and Stations of the Cross

Another chapel is the Kohlhagen Chapel. It lies between Berghausen and Niederberndorf and belongs to Niederberndorf. It was built in 1938 by Josef and Berta Sasse. Its interior paintings depict stylised patron saints of Nieder- or Oberberndorf, Heiminghausen and Mailar. The Schmallenberg-Berghausen Stations of the Cross trail leads from Niederberndorf up to Kohlhagen. The local sights therefore include both the chapels themselves and a route with religious significance.

Circular routes and audio stories

The circular trail around Niederberndorf, NB2, starts in the village, passes through a forest-rich area around Kohlhagen and returns to Niederberndorf. If you are looking for an excursion that starts and ends in the same place, this route has a clearly described course. The Lauschpohl Tour 2 offers another way to explore the past: along the route, several Lauschpöhle bring stories, legends, myths and anecdotes from earlier times to life through audio. While the forest-rich circular route is the main feature of NB2, the stories told shape the experience on the Lauschpohl Tour.

Bus route 345 serves Niederberndorf. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Discover more in Schmallenberg

Schmallenberg also offers its own cultural and nature experiences. The Old Town has a uniform Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. A historical guided town tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and also introduces local characters such as the Floigenkasper and the Breybalg. Before planning, check the current dates and booking options for the tour.

Schmallenberg also has a family adventure trail about three kilometres long, with 13 stations covering forests, animals, wood and birds. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the focus is on forest history and forest use: the Forest Workers’ Museum covers historical tools, photographs of earlier forest and village life, historical forestry records and the development of the chainsaw. The Forest Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail also starts in Latrop and runs for 4.5 kilometres, with 17 stations on topics such as forest ecology and timber use.

For a longer bike ride, the SauerlandRadring is another option in the Schmallenberg destination. The 84-kilometre route connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. The options differ considerably in theme and length, from the adventure trail to the forest trail and the long-distance cycling route. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, it is best to first decide whether you want your stay to focus on the chapels and trails in Niederberndorf or also on the Old Town and forest experiences in Schmallenberg.

Discover more destinations: Arpe, Dorlar, Schanze, Bad Fredeburg, Bödefeld, Oberkirchen, Winkhausen, Oberrarbach

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Schmallenberg.