Winkhausen combines cultural history with specific hiking and cycling connections, as well as a golf course. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh these interests separately: St. Catherine’s Chapel is a cultural-history highlight, while routes and the hiking bus add practical aspects to your planning.

Chapel and Local History

St. Catherine’s Chapel in Schmallenberg-Winkhausen was built in the 18th century in a simple Baroque style. Its stained-glass windows were designed in 1980 by Herne artist Jupp Gesing. This brings together two distinct periods in one building: its Baroque construction and the later window design. Those interested in architecture will find here not only a specific style but also an artwork with a precise date.

Another historical connection is the Heidenstraße. Winkhausen lay along this important medieval long-distance route between Cologne and Leipzig. This gives the local history a wider regional context, distinct from the chapel’s architectural details.

Hiking and Cycling

The hiking route from Winkhausen to Nordenau follows the Sauerland-Höhenflug for much of its length. Another landmark is Seilmann’s Linden tree, designated a natural monument. It lies along another climb, which passes the signposted W1 junction, starting in Winkhausen. These details offer different points of reference: a hiking route with Nordenau as its destination and a climb along which the linden tree stands.

The Village Churches Cycling Route – Variant 1 leads to the simple Chapel of St. Catherine in Winkhausen. It therefore combines cycling with a specific cultural destination. By contrast, the hiking route to Nordenau is defined by following the Sauerland-Höhenflug for much of its length. You can therefore choose whether to visit the chapel by bike or to follow a hiking route with a named destination.

Golf and Practical Planning

Schmallenberg Golf Club operates a 27-hole course; the club grounds are in Schmallenberg-Winkhausen. This adds a clearly defined golf connection to the chapel and routes. Hiking bus Ismo 466 serves Winkhausen and the excursion destination of Wilzenberg. Each trip on the Ismo hiking bus must be booked at least 30 minutes before departure. If you plan to take the bus, book in advance and check the latest timetable and booking information.

The Wider Schmallenberg Destination

Beyond Winkhausen, the wider destination of Schmallenberg has its own architectural highlight: Schmallenberg’s old town has a uniform Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. Unlike the individual, simple Baroque chapel in Winkhausen, the focus here is on the overall appearance of the old town and its many historic houses.

Other attractions are also explicitly part of the wider Schmallenberg destination. There is a family adventure trail about three kilometres long, with 13 stations covering forests, animals, wood and birds. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Workers’ Museum displays historic tools, images of earlier forest and village life, historical forestry office records, and information on the development of the chainsaw. The Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail in Latrop runs for 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations on topics such as forest ecology and timber use.

For cyclists, the 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt, following former railway lines. The historical guided tour of Schmallenberg offers insights into the town’s history and introduces local characters such as the Floigenkasper and the Breybalg. For specific planning, check the latest dates and booking information for the tour.

Discover More Destinations

Kirchilpe, Kirchrarbach, Bad Fredeburg, Menkhausen, Altenilpe, Dorlar, Gellinghausen, Westfeld

For the wider travel overview: Schmallenberg.