Offenburg
Introduction
You will find Offenburg situated in the state of Baden-Württemberg in south-western Germany. As the administrative capital of the Ortenaukreis, this city serves as a central hub for the surrounding region.
Before you go
Prepare for a mild winter climate characterized by frequent frosts. You will find that the region remains one of the warmest areas in Germany, which supports its status as a prominent viticultural zone alongside neighboring villages.
Position yourself to explore the heart of the Ortenau wine region. From this location, you can experience the transition toward the Black Forest at the Upper Rhine and find yourself at the gateway to both the Kinzigtal and the Renchtal.
Getting there
You can reach the city by air via several nearby airports, including Baden Airpark Karlsruhe / Baden Baden, Strasbourg Airport, and Euroairport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg. While Frankfurt Airport is further away, it offers a wider range of connections.
Traveling by train brings you to Offenburg Hauptbahnhof, which is located close to the inner city and provides direct access to the Busbahnhof situated overhead. From this station, you can catch frequent trains heading north toward Frankfurt or south toward Basel, including fast ICE trains that depart every hour. The station serves as a hub for regional travel to destinations such as Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Baden Baden, Freudenstadt, and Konstanz. If traveling in a group of up to five people, you can request Länder-tickets at the main station for use on RB and RE trains and local transport.
If you prefer to drive, Offenburg is connected to the German highway system via the A5 along the Valley of the Upper Rhine. The city is also accessible through the Kinzigtal Black Forest via the B33 or from Freuenstadt through the Renchtal on the B28. The location is reachable from Strasbourg in about 30 minutes and from Baden Baden to the north in a similar timeframe.
Getting around
You can easily explore the historic city centre on foot, as it is almost entirely a pedestrian zone. Most shops, restaurants, and sights are clustered within this walkable core, including the Market Square (Marktplatz), which you can reach from the main train station in less than 10 minutes.
If you stay overnight, check if your hotel provides the KONUS Guest Card. This card allows you to travel for free on all local buses and regional trains throughout the area.
Where to stay
You can choose between a fairytale castle experience or a traditional stay in the countryside. Stay at a youth hostel located within a landmark castle to experience local history, or opt for a hotel situated near the fairgrounds south of the city center. This location offers a rooftop terrace with views of the Black Forest, an on-site restaurant, and a sauna area, providing convenient access to the Kinzig cycle path.
Alternatively, you can stay in the vineyard district of Zell-Weierbach at a family-run hotel. This location serves as a base for the Offenburg Vineyard Trail and features an on-site restaurant known for regional Baden cuisine and seasonal specialties.
Food & drink
Savor the local flavors in the heart of the pedestrian zone, where you can experience a range of culinary styles. Indulge in handmade pralines and exquisite chocolate cakes at a renowned traditional coffee house featuring a classic Viennese-style atmosphere. For a different experience, visit a French-style brasserie housed in a historic building to enjoy Alsatian classics like Flammkuchen alongside modern European dishes and regional wines. If you prefer a rustic setting, head to a "Texas Village" themed restaurant that offers a distinct US-country atmosphere with BBQ, steaks, and open fire pits.
Elevate your evening with a drink at a stylish rooftop terrace overlooking the city and the Black Forest foothills. You can enjoy high-quality cocktails and regional wines while taking in the views from the top floor.
What to see and do
Explore the local culture and history through a variety of nearby landmarks and scenic landscapes. You can visit historic castles, such as Schloss Ortenberg, which sits atop a hill in the community of Ortenberg, or explore the ruins of Schauenburg near Oberkirch for expansive views. For those interested in heritage, you can visit the Museum im Ritterhaus to see displays on art and nature, or the Schulmuseum Zell-Weierbach. If you prefer being outdoors, hike the Offenburg Wine Trail through vineyard districts like Rammersweier and Fessenbach to enjoy views of the Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountains. You can also reach the Brandeckturm viewpoint for a 360-degree panorama of the Black Forest and the Alsace region.
Experience the local lifestyle and scenery through these activities:
- Cycle the Kinzig Valley, a route following the Kinzig river through traditional villages and lush landscapes.
- Relax at Gifizsee, where you can enjoy a swimming lake, a large park, and an animal enclosure featuring goats, ponies, and alpacas.
- Visit the weekly market to purchase regional specialties such as Black Forest ham, local honey, and fresh fruit from the Rhine valley.
Three days in Offenburg
Day one, you begin your journey in Offenburg. You can explore the local surroundings of the Ortenau region or take a trip toward the nearby Black Forest to experience the natural beauty of the Renchtal and Kinzigtal valleys.
Day two, you travel through the Upper Rhine area. You can choose to head toward Baden-Baden or navigate the scenic landscapes of the neighboring regions in Baden and Württemberg.
Day three, you use the local transport network to reach further destinations. You can take a train toward Freiburg, Karlsruhe, or even cross into nearby areas like Strasbourg.