Gengenbach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gengenbach
Gengenbach
Gengenbach
Gengenbach
Gengenbach

Situated between the woods and vineyards on the edge of the Black Forest lies this stunning town famed for colourful architecture and fascinating history.

Stroll through the cobbled streets of Gengenbach to step back into Germany’s past. The geometric beams of its half-timbered houses and its distinctive church spires make the town look like the setting of an old folk tale.

Gengenbach has been the home of Celts, Romans and medieval abbots, though most of the town was burnt to the ground towards the end of the 17th century during a war with France. Visit the town today and learn about how the town recovered from that devastation, later flourishing as a hub for local craftspeople.

Wander around the Old Town (Altstadt) to enjoy the historical atmosphere. Pass sights such as the Röhrbrunnen, an iconic fountain depicting a knight, and the steep orange spire of the Kinzig Gate Tower. Search for the remains of the old fortifications, which circle the town.

Surround yourself with picturesque buildings on Engelgasse (Angel Alley). This pedestrianized street is one of the best places in the city to see the half-timbered houses that typify the old-world architecture of the region.

Explore the elegant 18th-century Town Hall, one of the most famous buildings in Gengenbach. The 24 windows of the symmetrical pink façade are turned into a giant advent calendar every December. Come in winter to experience the festive spirit of Germany’s famous Christmas markets.

Learn about different aspects of Gengenbach’s history in the town’s museums and heritage sites. Admire the Baroque designs of Gengenbach Abbey and St. Mary’s Church, two of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. The Timber Rafting and Transport Museum shows how the Kinzig River brought trade to the region.

Gengenbach is located in the Central Black Forest region. Trains run here from larger towns such as Offenburg, which has intercity connections to the rest of Germany. Once here, leave all transport behind and explore on foot to move at your own pace along the town’s pretty streets and alleyways.

Where to stay in Gengenbach

Gengenbach Old Town

While visiting Gengenbach Old Town, you might make a stop by sights like Gengenbach Town Hall and Upper Gate Tower.

Gengenbach Old Town
MOXY Rust
MOXY Rust
3.5 out of 5
Jakob-Schneider-Strasse 2, Rust
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £87 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£87
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rust. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (738 reviews)
"Great little hotel. Took us a couple of days to figure out transport options for Europa Park and Rulantica- would be great if staff were more informed on this as they weren’t able to help! We discovered the free Rust-Bus loop on our final day- stops opposite Lidl and both theme parks and runs every ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

MOXY Rust
Hotel Tandem - Boutique Hotel
Hotel Tandem - Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
2, place de la gare, Strasbourg
The price is £87 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£87
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (855 reviews)
"Very nice last minute stay for my family of 4."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel Tandem - Boutique Hotel
Hotel Athena Spa
Hotel Athena Spa
4 out of 5
Rue Armande Béjart, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is £89 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£89
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Very relaxing stay again"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Hotel Athena Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Atelierhaus Beckmann, the space for your holidays
Atelierhaus Beckmann, the space for your holidays
Gengenbach, BW
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Gengenbach. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Upper Gate Tower and Kräutergarten ...
Perfect apartment in perfect location
"This is a perfect holiday location....the apartment has everything you need & was spotlessly clean. Gengenbach is probably the prettiest town we saw in the Black Forest & a fantastic base to explore the region. We stayed 11 nights & used the train on the Konus card scheme every day bar 1.....great ..."

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2019

Atelierhaus Beckmann, the space for your holidays
Villa Villa Beckmann - room for your holidays
Villa Villa Beckmann - room for your holidays
Gengenbach, BW
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Gengenbach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Upper Gate Tower and Kräutergarten are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Perfect location to enjoy Gengenbach
"An elegant, spacious property ideally located at the edge of this lovely town. We regularly walked the short distance to the many restaurants and cafes and the younger members of our group enjoyed the nearby tennis courts and open air swimming pool. We also enjoyed many walks direct from the house ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Villa Villa Beckmann - room for your holidays
City Residence Access Strasbourg
City Residence Access Strasbourg
2 out of 5
11 rue des magasins, Strasbourg
Stay at this aparthotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,340 reviews)
"Excelente ubicación y atención. Te permiten dejar las maletas"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

City Residence Access Strasbourg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Gengenbach

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Top destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful and picturesque town with lovely walks

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