In the heart of Wenden stands the parish church of St. Severinus, visible from far away. It is a prominent starting point for getting to know the town and its diverse themes: religious heritage, a traditional folk festival and the history of ironworking. To arrange a full tour of the church, you can enquire by email. On request, the tour includes the bell chamber and the roof vault; please arrange the tour in advance.

Kärmetze and industrial heritage

The traditional Wendsche Kärmetze takes place every year. In 2027, it is scheduled for 14–17 August and includes an animal show, a market and a folk festival. The aromas of bratwurst and potato pancakes, along with a variety of food stalls, are part of the festivities. This gives anyone wishing to experience Wenden on this occasion a clear date to plan around.

Another highlight is the Wendener Hütte, one of the last charcoal blast furnace complexes in Germany and now under special protection. The Wendener Hütte Museum displays original machinery, tools and products from the ironworks. Regular blacksmithing demonstrations and special exhibitions round out the offer. If you are planning to attend a demonstration or exhibition, check the current dates in advance.

The Gräfteninsel Wenden is also part of the local heritage. It is an archaeological site on the main road. Wenden’s local heritage thus encompasses both the parish church, visible from far away, and this archaeological site.

Routes and places in the surrounding area

The Wendener Runde offers several starting points and moderate elevation changes. Wenden Town Hall is listed as a starting point, and the route is suitable for both experienced hikers and ambitious beginners. The various starting points and the stated difficulty make it easier to choose a route that suits your hiking ability, without assuming a particular walking time.

Near Wenden lies Dörnschlade, a pilgrimage site between Altenhof and Hünsborn that belongs to the parish of St. Severinus in Wenden. It invites visitors to reflect, enjoy the silence and pray. The present-day neo-Gothic chapel was built on 13 November 1864. Also nearby, the Wenden-Heid observation tower offers panoramic views over the Wendener Land; admission is free. Check opening information before your visit. Dörnschlade offers a quiet, spiritual experience, while the tower turns your gaze across the landscape.

More options in the wider destination of Olpe

Those planning to explore beyond Wenden will find other distinct attractions in the wider destination of Olpe. The entire district is part of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, the second-largest nature park in Germany. In Olpe District, the well-signposted network of hiking trails ranges from easy walking paths to challenging routes. This selection describes the wider destination of Olpe, not Wenden alone.

Boat trips on the Biggesee and Listersee are available; check the timetable when planning your trip. A guided tour of Atta Cave lasts about 40 minutes, and visitors enter the cave through an 80-metre-long tunnel. From the BiggeBlick viewing platform, 90 metres above the ground, you can see across Biggesee and Gilberg Island, as well as the ruins of Waldenburg Castle. These examples give a broader picture of the district without suggesting that these attractions are in Wenden itself.

Plan your stay around the occasion

If your main reason for visiting is to tour the church, allow time to enquire by email and arrange the full tour in advance. For hikers, the Wendener Runde offers a different focus from the quiet, spiritual places nearby. First choose the purpose of your trip, then look for suitable accommodation for your preferred dates.

Discover more destinations: Kirchhundem, Drolshagen, Olpe, Attendorn, Lennestadt, Finnentrop.

Go to the wider travel overview: Olpe.