When choosing Oberkirchen for a stay, you can choose between clearly distinct highlights: the Golddorf Route Oberkirchen leads through the “Sommerseite” nature reserve to Ennest; the winter hiking trail and the Hartmecketalweg O1 both include Hexenplatz along their routes. Historic sites, a painting in the parish church and the watermill add to the nature-focused attractions. This lets you tailor your stay to the views, the landscape along the trails or local history.
Hiking between Sommerseite and Hexenplatz
On the Golddorf Route Oberkirchen, a nature trail leads through the “Sommerseite” nature reserve and onward to Ennest. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view as well as a view into the Lennetal valley. The view is a specific point of interest on this route, which also crosses protected heathland. Sheep and goats are sometimes used in the area to maintain the landscape. Grazing helps preserve the heathland and promote natural biodiversity. This activity may vary seasonally.
The Oberkirchen winter hiking trail leads from Oberkirchen towards Winkhausen, then on to Almert and Hexenplatz, before returning to Oberkirchen. Whether it is accessible in winter depends on the conditions at the time; check these before setting out. The Hartmecketalweg O1 runs through a heavily wooded area via MĂĽckenplatz to Hexenplatz, then returns to Oberkirchen via LĂĽttmecke. Both route descriptions include Hexenplatz, but name different other points: the winter hiking trail includes Winkhausen and Almert, while the O1 includes MĂĽckenplatz and LĂĽttmecke.
Getting to the Golddorf Route
The “Kirche” bus stop on bus route S 40 is right at the starting point of the Golddorf Route Oberkirchen. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current connections and route information before setting off, as services and route numbers may change.
Historic sites and special details
Oberkirchen’s five historic sites include the Baroque church, the Pütte, the gallows, the dungeon and Hexenplatz. The Catholic parish church of St. Gertrud in Oberkirchen features the painting “St. Jerome.” At the watermill at Alte Poststraße 15, the upper and lower millraces are part of the complex. So, alongside the named historic sites, you can also choose a single work of art or features of a mill complex if you are more interested in art or architectural and technical details.
The witch walk route leads to the dungeon. Afterwards, participants are invited to enjoy coffee and cake in the host’s living room. This is part of the event programme; check the dates and whether the event is being offered before making plans.
More cultural attractions in the wider destination of Schmallenberg
The wider destination of Schmallenberg offers more cultural attractions: Schmallenberg’s old town features a consistent Neoclassical architectural style and many restored half-timbered houses. The Forest Workers’ Museum in Schmallenberg-Latrop displays historic tools, images of former forest and village life, historic forestry records, and information about the development of the chainsaw. This expands the range of themes beyond Oberkirchen’s local hiking and history sites to include urban architecture and forestry.
Discover more destinations: Niederhenneborn, Gellinghausen, Altenilpe, Arpe, Bad Fredeburg, Menkhausen, Fleckenberg, Schanze
Back to the main travel overview: Schmallenberg.
