Discover Wenden: St. Severinus, Kärmetze and Industrial Heritage

Wenden can be explored through a range of themes: the parish church of St. Severinus, visible from afar; the traditional Wendsche Kärmetze; and the protected Wendener Hütte. There is also a hiking route with several access points and a nearby viewpoint. When planning your trip, you can choose how to balance local history, a specific festival date, industrial heritage and outdoor activities.

Church and local history

The parish church of St. Severinus stands in the heart of Wenden and is visible from afar. You can request a full tour by email; if you wish, the tour can include the bell chamber and the roof vault. Please arrange the details in advance. This makes it easy to plan a visit to the church as part of your stay.

Gräfteninsel Wenden, an archaeological monument, is also located on the main road in Wenden. Together with the parish church, it offers another perspective on the history of the town. The two sites have different points of interest: one is a place of worship visible from afar, while the other is a site on the main road designated as an archaeological monument.

Festivities and local atmosphere

The traditional Wendsche Kärmetze takes place from 14 to 17 August 2027. It includes an animal show, a market and a fair, and is held annually. The aroma of bratwurst and potato pancakes, along with a variety of food stalls, contributes to the festive atmosphere. If you would like to plan your stay around the Kärmetze, these dates provide a specific timeframe for your visit.

Industrial heritage and craftsmanship

Wendener Hütte is one of the last charcoal-fired blast furnace plants in Germany and is now under special protection. Blacksmithing demonstrations and special exhibitions are held regularly at Wendener Hütte. The Museum Wendener Hütte, in the municipality to which it belongs, displays original machinery, tools and products from the ironworks. This gives you an insight into different aspects of industrial history: the preserved objects in the museum and the demonstrations held regularly.

Pilgrimage site and nearby viewpoints

Near Wenden lies Dörnschlade, a pilgrimage site between Altenhof and Hünsborn. It belongs to the parish of St. Severinus in Wenden and offers a place for reflection, quiet and prayer. The present-day Neo-Gothic chapel was built on 13 November 1864. The site therefore combines religious use with a clearly dated building history; if these aspects interest you, you can take both into account when planning your visit.

Also nearby, the Wenden-Heid observation tower offers panoramic views over the Wendener Land, and admission is free. Check the latest opening information before your trip. For a hike in Wenden, the Wendener Runde is a specific option: it has several access points and moderate elevation changes, making it suitable both for experienced hikers and for ambitious beginners. Starting at Wenden Town Hall gives the route a clear connection to the town.

The wider regional setting: Olpe

In the wider destination of Olpe, the well-signposted hiking network ranges from easy walks to challenging hikes. The entire Olpe district is part of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, Germany’s second-largest nature park. The Rothaarsteig is also designated as a quality or premium hiking trail in the Olpe district. This regional variety complements the picture of Wenden: the Wendener Runde offers moderate elevation changes for a specific local hike, while the Olpe district encompasses a broad range of hiking trails.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Olpe.