Offenburg, a city of 60,000 residents, sits at the edge of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany. You'll find wine taverns serving local Riesling along the Kinzig River valley, a twice-weekly farmers market on Steinstraße, and the 18th-century baroque town hall in the city center. From the medieval Staufenberg Castle, you can see across the Rhine to Strasbourg Cathedral, while the 13th-century St. Andreas Church rises above the old town's rooftops.
Getting to Offenburg
Hourly ICE trains connect Offenburg's Hauptbahnhof with Frankfurt and Basel. For international travelers, Baden Airpark (FKB) lies closest to the city, while Frankfurt Airport (FRA) provides more connection options. Driving takes 30 minutes from Strasbourg and 50 minutes from Freiburg via the A5 highway.
Weather and Wine Growing
Offenburg's climate supports extensive vineyards. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, but moderate temperatures during the growing season help vineyards produce Riesling and Pinot noir grapes. In the surrounding Ortenau district, you can visit wine taverns in villages like Durbach and Oberkirch, which host wine festivals from September to October.
Shopping and Local Markets
The city center has 450 stores spread across several pedestrian streets. Every Tuesday and Saturday, local farmers and vendors sell produce, flowers, and regional specialties at the market on Steinstraße and Fischmarkt streets. Start your market visit with coffee and fresh pastries at one of the nearby cafes.
Regional Food
The local menus include Baden specialties such as Maultaschen (stuffed pasta), Spätzle (egg noodles), and Black Forest ham. At Gasthof Blume in Rammersweier, the kitchen has earned a Michelin recognition for its interpretation of these regional dishes. Confiserie Kaffeehaus Gmeiner makes chocolate cakes using ingredients from local producers.
Day Trips
You can reach several destinations within an hour from Offenburg. Europa Park has rides and shows for all ages. At the Black Forest Open Air Museum, you'll see restored farmhouses and craft workshops from the 16th to 19th centuries. Drive the Schwarzwaldhochstraße (Black Forest High Road) through pine forests and mountain passes, or visit Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral, 25 kilometers away.
