Arpe: Circular Walks, Church and Local Traditions

Arpe is particularly easy to explore when planning a trip through its trails and local cultural attractions. The routes vary in length, course and character: the Hardt Adventure Trail is a circular walk with interactive stations, while the circular walk around Arpe (AR2) passes through Herschede, Silberg and Keppel. There are also the Lauschpohl Tour and the Myth Trail, each with its own route.

Circular Walks and Their Different Routes

The Hardt Adventure Trail Arpe is a circular walk about 2.5 kilometres long and suitable for children. At various interactive stations, visitors can test their dexterity, imagination and stamina. The route passes through woodland and meadows, rocky areas and slopes along a stream valley. It combines hands-on activities with a variety of landscapes.

The circular walk around Arpe (AR2) starts in Arpe and heads towards Herschede, passing Silberg on the way to Keppel, before returning to Arpe. After the climb to Herschede and on reaching Silberg, there are many beautiful views. The starting point is at the hiking information board opposite Gasthof Voss in Arpe. Bus route 345 serves Arpe; you can use the “Arpe” stop to get to the start of the AR2. Check the timetable before travelling.

Lauschpohl Tour 1 also starts and ends in Arpe: it passes through Keppel and Silberg, following various Lauschpohl stations to Herschede and then returning. The Myth Trail (MW), by contrast, runs from Berghausen through Niederberndorf to Arpe. Thus, the routes differ in their stated starting and ending points: the AR2 and Lauschpohl Tour 1 return to Arpe, while the Myth Trail leads there. The starting point for the Lauschpohl sites in Arpe is marked by an information board about the Lauschpohl sites in Hawerland.

Church, Pilgrimage and Local Dining

The small branch church of St. Anthony in Arpe was built in the Renaissance style. Its exact age is unknown; a date around 1650 is considered possible. The church was renovated in 2015. In front of it is a group of figures depicting St. Anthony with pigs, known as “Fickeltünnes.” The walking pilgrimage from Arpe to Werl developed into a traditional part of church and village life in Arpe. Together, the church and pilgrimage offer a glimpse into local architectural history and religious tradition.

At Gasthof Voss in Arpe, regional specialities and seasonal dishes are always freshly prepared. If you are planning to stop for a meal, check the current opening hours in advance.

More to Explore in the Wider Schmallenberg Destination

The wider Schmallenberg destination also offers reasons to visit. Schmallenberg’s old town has a uniform neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Workers’ Museum displays historic tools, pictures of former forest and village life, historical foresters’ office records, and information about the development of the chainsaw.

Families can enjoy an approximately three-kilometre-long adventure trail in Schmallenberg, with 13 stations about forests, animals, wood and birds. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail covers 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations addressing topics including forest ecology and the use of timber. The details on length, number of stations and topics provide a concrete comparison of the two trails without conflating their different content.

The 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. Another way to discover Schmallenberg is on a guided tour of the historic town: it offers insights into the town’s history and introduces local characters such as Floigenkasper and Breybalg. Check current dates and booking arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bad Fredeburg, Niederhenneborn, Niederberndorf, Sellinghausen, Nordenau, Dorlar, Winkhausen, Kirchrarbach.

Back to the wider travel overview: Schmallenberg.