Kirchrarbach: Golddorf Route and St. Lambertus

Get to know Kirchrarbach through two specific themes: the Golddorf Route, a circular hike lasting several hours, and the history of St. Lambertus Church. The route focuses clearly on hiking; St. Lambertus offers insight into the village’s architectural history. This gives you the chance to decide whether a longer hike, a cultural and historical perspective, or both should shape your stay.

The Golddorf Route: Circular Hike and Waypoints

The Golddorf Route is a moderately challenging 13.2-kilometre circular hike. It starts and ends at the church in Kirchrarbach. The route includes 327 metres of elevation gain and takes approximately four hours.

At 13.2 kilometres, with 327 metres of elevation gain and a duration of approximately four hours, the scope of the hike can be assessed more precisely than by relying solely on its moderate difficulty rating. The duration is an approximate guide, while the distance and elevation gain indicate the scale of the route. You can consider all these details together when planning.

At the foot of the Ringelskopf, the route leads to the Kyrill Hut. It offers a panoramic view and a small treasure chest filled with drinks. The route then passes the Kreuzkapelle on the Steimel.

St. Lambertus and Architectural History

St. Lambertus is a historic church in Kirchrarbach. A chapel stood on this site as early as the 10th century; 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 retained. The early chapel, the presumed first church and the substantial replacement of the older building can thus be understood as distinct stages in the village’s history.

More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Schmallenberg

Schmallenberg’s old town has a unified Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. These are two specific aspects to consider from an architectural history perspective.

Schmallenberg has a family adventure trail about three kilometres long, with 13 stations about forests, animals, wood and birds. The Forest Worker and Forester Trail starts in Schmallenberg-Latrop: it runs for 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations on topics such as forest ecology and the use of wood.

The Forest Workers’ Museum in Schmallenberg-Latrop displays historical tools, pictures of former forest and village life, historical forestry records and information about the development of the chainsaw. This means that in the wider destination of Schmallenberg, you can choose between a museum visit featuring historical exhibits and a themed trail exploring forest ecology and the use of wood.

The historic guided tour in Schmallenberg offers insights into the town’s history and introduces local characters such as Floigenkasper and Breybalg. If you would like to plan a tour, check the current dates and booking arrangements.

The 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. For a specific ride, it is advisable to check for up-to-date information about any temporary diversions beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Menkhausen, Rehsiepen, Fleckenberg, Gleidorf, Schanze, Kirchilpe, Westfeld, Obringhausen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Schmallenberg.