Nestled in the Black Forest region of Germany, Gengenbach is a picturesque town full of charm and beauty. With its winding cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and rustic atmosphere, Gengenbach is the perfect place to explore for the day. If you are wondering what you can see there, we have a list of 5 things to do in Gengenbach.
Similar to towns along the Romantic Road or The Alsace Wine Route, Black Forest, Germany boasts some of the most picturesque storybook towns in this part of Europe.
While Gengenbach is often overlooked, it really should be on everyone’s must-see list!
Where is Gengenbach, Germany?
Gengenbach is a town in the district of Ortenau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Because it is centrally located on the Western edge of the Black Forest, Gengenbach makes a great day trip destination for those visiting nearby cities like Freiburg, Germany, and Strasbourg, France.
5 Things to do in Gengenbach, Germany
Make sure that you give yourself a day in Gengenbach to explore all it has to offer.
These are the best 5 things to do in Gengenbach:
1. Rathaus (Town Hall)
Built in 1736, this red sandstone building features an impressive Baroque facade.
Inside, visitors can admire a beautiful frescoed ceiling dating back to 1780.
During the holiday season, it becomes the largest advent calendar in the world with each of its windows turning into Christmas displays.
2. Kinzigtor
The Kinzigtor was once the main entrance to the city and where the town watchman would live and observe the comings and goings of the townspeople.
Today, it serves as a museum that tells the story of the tower and the Gengenbach militia.
3. Obertor
The upper gate of the city dates back to the 14th century but the structure above was rebuilt during the 1600s.
To the side of this tower is a set of stairs. Walk up the stairs and you can get a nice view of the Medieval homes that line the street.
4. Stadtkirche Sankt Marien
The church of St. Marien was built on the site of the former Romanesque Benedictine monastery church of the Benedictine Abbey.
After burning down, in 1689, the Baroque Stadtkirche Sankt Marien was built with the bell tower & dome added later in 1716.
When you walk inside the church, you will notice that the interior does not match the exterior Baroque style.
It was renovated & Romanized in 1900.
5. Black Forest Open-Air Museum: Vogtsbauernhof
Located in nearby Gutach, the Black Forest Open-Air Museum is a great place to visit while in Gengenbach.
Vogtsbauernhof offers visitors the opportunity to see how people lived in this region hundreds of years ago.
You’ll be able to explore historic buildings, farms, and villages from different eras.
Christmas in Gengenbach
When it comes to beautiful places to visit in Germany during the Christmas season, don’t overlook Gengenbach.
Gengenbach goes all out for Christmas. In addition to the largest Advent Calendar in the world, the entire town lights up for Christmas.
There is an annual Christmas market that takes place from late November until just before Christmas Eve.
Visitors to Gengenbach can stroll through the historic center and explore the wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, locally-crafted gifts, and delicious treats such as gingerbread andglühwein (mulled wine).
No matter what time of year you choose to visit Gengenbach, I guarantee that you are going to absolutely love it. It is truly a hidden jewel of the Black Forest!