Kirchhundem – Nature, Hiking and Culture in the Sauerland
Accommodation in Kirchhundem
Kirchhundem combines nature experiences and hiking trails with insights into regional history. Wildlife and activities are part of the profile of the 80-hectare Panorama Park Sauerland. Nearby, trails lead through nature reserves and to viewpoints, while museums explore village life, mining and traditional crafts. This gives you a choice of different ways to spend your stay.
Hiking Trails and Views
The historic Rhein-Weser-Turm on Westerberg in the Rothaar Mountains is 24 metres high and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From there, a 14.4-kilometre section of the Rothaarsteig Trail leads through the Schwarzbachtal nature reserve and the Heinsberger Hochheide heathland to Ginsberger Heide. Along the way, it passes Dreiherrnstein and the source of the Ferndorf. The length and route give you specific points of reference if you would like to include a longer hike in your day’s plans.
Another option is the Rothaarsteig Spur Oberhundemer Bergtour: this waymarked premium circular trail starts and finishes at the Haus des Gastes hiking portal in Oberhundem’s spa park. It leads through forests, past rugged rocks and to panoramic views from Kahleberg. If you would rather hear about cultural history along the way, Kirchhundem offers audio tours on various circular hiking routes between 5 and 10 kilometres long. Through anecdotes and stories, they bring the history along the former border between the Sauerland, Siegerland and Wittgenstein region to life.
Nature Conservation and Regional History
The Schwarzbach system nature reserve, including Haberg and Krenkeltal, covers 312 hectares and comprises six separate areas. Its defining feature is a largely natural, extensive and highly branched stream system made up of the Schwarzbach, Meinscheidbach and their tributaries. The disused railway tunnel between Krenkeltal and Schwarzbachtal is also an important winter roost for bats.
At Kulturgut Schrabben Hof in Kirchhundem-Silberg, a largely listed ensemble of buildings brings together a local history museum, café, old bakehouse, beer garden, festival barn, beer hall, antique barn and theatre barn. Covering around 250 m², the museum tells the story of life in a Sauerland village and the history of mining in Silberg. It also provides information about the region’s nature reserves and displays fossils and minerals that tell the story of the Earth. A visit therefore offers several ways to explore local history and nature at one cultural venue.
The Oberhundem Embroidery Museum displays historic hand embroidery in restored period rooms. It is housed in a listed parsonage dating from 1685. The visit offers a different focus from the museum in Silberg: here, the emphasis is on textile handicrafts and the rooms of the historic building.
Cross-Country Skiing and Refreshments at the Rhein-Weser-Turm
The Rhein-Weser-Turm has a cross-country skiing centre with a ski school and equipment rental. The extensive, well-maintained Rothaarloipe trail network also starts there. If cross-country skiing is one of your travel interests, this starting point offers a distinct focus for your planning. A restaurant at the tower serves regional dishes, coffee and cake, and has a terrace.
When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider which aspects of Kirchhundem you would like to shape your stay: hiking, nature, regional culture or cross-country skiing. You can also explore the municipality’s villages: Silberg, Heinsberg, Oberhundem, Varste and Brachthausen.
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