Winkhausen: St. Katharina Chapel, high-altitude trails and cycling routes

Winkhausen combines a notable historical connection with specific destinations for hikers and cyclists. Highlights include St. Katharina Chapel, routes with different points of interest, and the history of the Heidenstraße. The Schmallenberg Golf Club is also located here: its grounds are in Schmallenberg-Winkhausen, and the club operates a 27-hole course.

The chapel and historic routes

St. Katharina Chapel was built in the 18th century in a simple Baroque style. Winkhausen lay on the historic Heidenstraße, an important medieval long-distance route between Cologne and Leipzig; the chapel is historically connected with this route. Another detail is the stained glass: the Herne artist Jupp Gesing designed it in 1980. At the chapel, a simple Baroque design, a medieval long-distance route and a much later artistic work come together. For those interested in culture, this offers a distinctive way into the history of the village, without conflating the building’s construction period with the creation of its windows.

Hiking with different points of interest

The hiking route from Winkhausen to Nordenau follows the Sauerland-Höhenflug for much of its length. Another climb starting in Winkhausen passes the marked W1 junction; along the way is Seilmann’s Linden Tree, designated a natural monument. The route descriptions therefore highlight different features: the connection to Nordenau is defined by its link with the Sauerland-Höhenflug, while the other climb lists the marked junction and the natural monument as landmarks. If you are planning a hike, these specific names can help you identify the direction you want to take and the points of interest along the way.

Cycling between the chapel and longer routes

The Village Churches Cycling Route – Variant 1 leads to the simple Chapel of St. Katharina in Winkhausen. The building is therefore also part of a cycling route. Another option is the approximately 53-kilometre Kinderland Cycling Route, which starts at the Schmallenberg Tourist Information Centre and returns to Schmallenberg after passing through a series of named places. These include Fleckenberg, Lenne, Schmallenberg spa gardens, Grafschaft, Almert, Oberkirchen, Winkhausen, Niedersorpe, Holthausen, Bad Fredeburg, Ebbinghof, Berghausen, Selkentrop, Felbecke and Werpe. For planning purposes, the difference in scale is useful: the Village Churches Cycling Route connects Winkhausen with the chapel, while the Kinderland Cycling Route takes in several places and Schmallenberg.

Bus service and Schmallenberg as the wider destination

The Ismo 466 hiking bus serves Winkhausen and the excursion destination of Wilzenberg. Each trip on the Ismo hiking bus must be booked at least 30 minutes before departure. As transport details can change, check the latest timetable and booking information before travelling.

Schmallenberg, as the wider destination, also offers attractions of its own. Schmallenberg’s old town has a unified Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. Schmallenberg also has a family adventure trail about three kilometres long, with 13 stations covering forests, animals, wood and birds. The 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt, following former railway lines. These regional examples complement Winkhausen’s specific attractions with urban architecture, an adventure trail and a longer cycling route.

Choose a holiday apartment based on the focus of your planned trip

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Winkhausen, you can choose based on the experiences you want to shape your stay: the chapel and Heidenstraße offer a historical connection, hiking and cycling routes provide different ways to explore, and the golf club is another local attraction. If you plan to travel on the Ismo, booking in advance is part of your preparations. If you would also like to visit the old town, the adventure trail or the Sauerland Cycle Ring, include Schmallenberg as the wider destination in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Altenilpe, Sellinghausen, Menkhausen, Bödefeld, Obringhausen, Kirchrarbach, Werntrop, Niederhenneborn.

For the main travel overview: Schmallenberg.