{{filter.label}}

Holidays in Offenburg: Villas and holiday homes via ItaliaVillas

Loading properties

No properties were found

Experience Offenburg: The Gateway to the Black Forest



Located between the rolling vineyards of the Ortenau region and the dense, mystical peaks of the Black Forest, Offenburg is often called the "Gateway to the Black Forest." It is a city where German tradition meets a sunny, almost Mediterranean feel.

History



Offenburg's roots date back to Roman times, but the city was officially mentioned in 1148. For centuries it held the prestigious title of a free imperial city within the Holy Roman Empire.

It is perhaps most famous for its role in the Baden Revolution of 1848. In the "Halmen" inn, the "Thirteen Demands of the People of Baden" were formulated - one of the earliest German declarations of basic human rights. Today, walking through the city center feels like a journey through time, with its baroque town hall and medieval city walls still standing tall.

Description and Accommodation



Offenburg is a vibrant, walkable city, characterised by its pastel-coloured Baroque façades and lively market squares. It strikes the perfect balance between a bustling business centre and a relaxed wine community.

For those planning a stay, the city offers a wide range of holiday accommodation. You can find everything from a modern city apartment near the train station to a luxurious penthouse with a roof terrace overlooking the Rhine Plain. If you prefer a more rustic experience, the surrounding hills are dotted with charming villas and traditional Black Forest farmhouses that have been converted into spacious holiday homes, often with wooden beams, private gardens and stunning views of the vineyards.

Typical dishes



The cuisine here is a delicious blend of hearty German food and refined Alsatian (French) influence:

Flammkuchen: A paper-thin crust topped with crème fraîche, onions and bacon.

Schwarzwälder Schinken: The world-famous smoked Black Forest ham.

Spätzle & Knöpfle: Soft egg noodles, often served with a rich mushroom cream sauce.

Reberwein (Ortenau wine): Specifically Riesling and Pinot Noir from the local slopes.

Schneckensuppe: A traditional, creamy Baden snail soup (much tastier than it sounds!).

Activities and festivals



There's never a dull moment in Offenburg, especially if you enjoy nature and the local culture:

Ortenau Wine Festival: Held on the last weekend of September, the highlight of the year features local vintages and live music.

Fasent (Carnival): A deeply rooted tradition where locals dress up in elaborate wooden masks and traditional costumes to "drive out winter".

Shopping and culture: Museum im Ritterhaus offers in-depth dives into local history, while the town centre is a hub for upmarket boutiques and cosy cafés.

Nature



Nature is literally on your doorstep. To the east, the Black Forest offers endless hiking and mountain biking trails. To the west, the Rhine Plain offers flat, scenic cycle paths leading towards France.

Gifizsee: A local lake that’s perfect for swimming, stand-up paddling or a relaxing stroll.

Durbach Vineyards: Just a short drive away, it offers “first-class hiking trails” with panoramic views that stretch all the way to Strasbourg Cathedral in France.
Click to show the map