The storybook town of Gengenbach is a gateway to the Black Forest. Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and soaring church spires make it one of the most charming towns in Germany. Amble around the medieval Old Town, enjoy leisurely riverside strolls and relax in sunny beer gardens. Outdoor adventures await in the Kinzig Valley and the Black Forest.
Things to do in Gengenbach
Stroll around the Old Town and get lost in a labyrinth of winding lanes and alleys. You’ll find some of the best-preserved medieval houses along pedestrianised Engelgasse. Vines climb the half-timbered facades and flowers spill from window boxes. Brightly painted doors and shutters add to the postcard-perfect aesthetic.
You’ll eventually find yourself in Marktplatz, a triangle-shaped plaza framed by handsome historic buildings. Nearby is Kloster Gengenbach, a Benedictine abbey founded in the 8th century. Wander around the fragrant herb garden planted by monks and learn about medicinal plants.
Many of the town’s historic buildings house cosy pubs and taverns where you can enjoy hearty Badisch cuisine. Try specialities like beef goulash soup, crispy pork knuckles and smoked sausages. Wash down your meal with a glass of Alpirsbacher beer made with local spring water. Tables and chairs spill onto the streets in the summer. The outdoor setting is perfect for sipping coffee and enjoying a slice of Black Forest cake.
The Kinzig river flows through the Black Forest and is dotted with chocolate-box towns and villages. Rent a bike to hop between villages and explore the scenic riverside trails. For high-altitude adventures, spend the day in Black Forest National Park. The 10,000-hectare park protects a pocket of towering mountains, glacier-carved lakes and pristine coniferous forests. Pick up a map from the visitor centre in Ruhestein to plan your route.
Getting around Gengenbach
Gengenbach is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Baden-Württemberg on the western border of the Black Forest. Stuttgart is two hours away by car and train, while you can cross the border to Strasbourg, France in under one hour.