Things To Do
in Offenburg
Offenburg is a historic town in Baden-Württemberg, tucked in the Ortenau wine region near the northern edge of the Black Forest. Its picturesque old town features timber framed houses, a lively market square, and convenient access to the Kinzig River. The surrounding region is renowned for wine growing, scenic vineyard routes, and easy day trips into the Black Forest.
With a charming mix of culture, cuisine, and regional hospitality, Offenburg serves as a convenient base for exploring southwestern Germany.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day in Offenburg by visiting the picturesque Marktplatz, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings. Grab a freshly baked pastry from a local bakery and enjoy it while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the square. Don't forget to stop by the St. Ursula Church to appreciate its beautiful stained-glass windows.
After a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, venture to the Offenburg Museum to delve into the local history and culture of the region. The museum's exhibits provide fascinating insights into the town's past and its significance in the Baden-Württemberg area. Spend some time strolling through the charming streets, exploring local shops and boutiques that showcase handmade crafts.
As the sun sets, make your way to a traditional German restaurant to savor local specialties such as Flammkuchen or Black Forest cake. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Kinzig River, where the serene sounds of water and the twinkling lights create a magical ambiance. End your evening at a cozy pub, sampling regional wines or craft beers while mingling with locals.
Kick off your adventure with a short drive to the iconic Black Forest, known for its dense woodlands and stunning scenery. Start your hike along one of the marked trails, where you can enjoy the fresh air and the rich aromas of pine and earth. Be sure to bring your camera, as the views of rolling hills and quaint villages are breathtaking.
After a morning of hiking, find a quaint gasthaus nestled in the woods and indulge in a hearty lunch featuring local ingredients. Post-lunch, consider visiting the nearby Triberg Waterfalls, one of Germany’s highest waterfalls, where you can walk along the pathways and admire the cascading waters. Take time to explore the charming village of Triberg, known for its cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cake.
Return to Offenburg and unwind with a light dinner at a local bistro, where you can reflect on the day’s adventures. Opt for some regional wines to accompany your meal, enhancing the local experience. As the night deepens, explore the vibrant nightlife scene, perhaps catching a live music performance or enjoying a quiet drink at a bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🧃Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🧃Bottle of water | $1-2 |
| 🚆Public transport single ride | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming historic center with walkable streets
- Excellent access to wine country and Black Forest day trips
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger cities
- Limited high-end dining compared to bigger urban centers
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Bitte" - Please / Here you go
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern…" - I would like to have…
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
- "Prosit" - Cheers
Places to Visit in Offenburg
Visit one of these nice places.
A central square framed by half-timbered houses and lively activity, ideal for daytime street photography and golden hour shots.
Panoramic scenes of rolling vineyards and the surrounding hills, especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Offenburg
Offenburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional pork shoulder roast with crackling, often served with dumplings or potatoes and regional vegetables.
Must-Try!
Swabian style filled pasta pockets that may be served in broth or pan fried with onions.
Cheesy egg noodles layered with caramelized onions, a comforting regional favorite.
Onion tart with bacon and cream, a seasonal bite especially good with young wine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market with seasonal produce, regional cheeses, breads, sausages, and ready-to-eat treats from local vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite hello or guten Tag upon entering shops or restaurants; punctuality is appreciated in meetings and reservations.
Maintain a considerate volume in public spaces and restaurants, especially in the evenings.
Safety
Tipping in Offenburg
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is common if service is good. Cash is widely accepted, though card payments are increasingly common.
Debit cards (EC/Kaufkarten), credit cards are accepted in many places, and mobile payments are becoming more common in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming vineyards and city gardens. Great for outdoor walks and early wine tastings.
Warm to hot days with abundant outdoor cafés and wine taverns. Occasional rain, so carry a light layer.
Harvest season in the Ortenau wine region. Rich colors in the vineyards and many wine events.
Cool and often sunny days with festive lights in the old town. Possible short lists of snow in the surrounding hills.
Offenburg at Night
Hiking in Offenburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic forest and valley hike near Offenburg with varied terrain.
Gentle to moderate climbs through vineyard slopes with panoramic overlooks.
Easy to moderate loop through pine forests leading toward higher forested ridges.
Airports
How to reach Offenburg by plane.
International airport about 30-40 miles from Offenburg, reachable by train or car; good option for European connections.
Regional airport about 60-90 minutes from Offenburg by road or rail, with domestic and some international flights.
Tri-national airport complex about 1.5-2 hours away by train/car; convenient for connections to Western Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Family-friendly attractions, parks, and a safe, relaxed city atmosphere.
Regional colleges and easy access to larger university towns nearby.
Quieter neighborhoods, scenic landscapes, and wine culture appeal to longer stays.
Base for exploring the Black Forest, wine routes, and cross border day trips.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and watching matches are popular social activities.
Protected bike lanes and scenic routes along vineyards and through the foothills.
Public tennis courts and clubs are common in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Offenburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Baden dishes can be adapted for vegetarians; look for egg and cheese based options and ask for vegetable sides or mushroom dishes.