Offenburg between culture, water and forest

Offenburg brings urban history and nature experiences together: at the Museum im Ritterhaus, the story ranges from archaeological finds to the present day; the Salmen recalls democratic and Jewish history; and a range of water activities are available at Gifiz Lake. The city forest and Gustav Trail offer further perspectives on the landscape.

Getting to Offenburg and finding your way around

Offenburg is on the Hamburg–Basel ICE route and the Offenburg–Paris TGV route. The centrally located station is conveniently connected to the city centre by foot; opposite it is the central bus station, with connections to the city bus and regional network. This location gives you a practical point of reference when planning your accommodation and routes for a city visit.

City history, democracy and culture

The Museum im Ritterhaus displays more than 10,000 objects, including archaeological finds and artefacts documenting the city’s history from the Middle Ages to the present day. The natural history section, “Forest, Land, River,” focuses on regional natural history and geological exhibits from Ortenau and is designed as a family museum. Temporary exhibitions and an events programme complement the permanent displays. Children can choose from more than 60 museum education courses and celebrate their birthday at the museum. As the programme may change, check the current options before your visit.

The restored Salmen is considered one of the birthplaces of German democracy. Its permanent exhibition explains the context behind the proclamation of the “13 Demands of the People” on 12 September 1847. A second exhibition room in the front building tells the story of Offenburg’s Jewish community: from the pre-war period through persecution and extermination during the Second World War to Jewish life in Offenburg today. The two exhibition themes offer different historical perspectives on a visit to the Salmen.

At the Kulturforum, on the Platz der Verfassungsfreunde, stands the 20-metre-high aluminium sculpture “Freedom - Male/Female” by American artist Jonathan Borofsky. It recalls Offenburg’s important role in the German democracy movement. The Kulturforum is located on a former parade ground and is home to the city library, music school, art school, adult education centre and riding hall. The city therefore offers both historical exhibitions and public art, as well as a range of cultural venues.

Gifiz Lake, the city forest and choosing a route

The 19-hectare Gifiz Lake includes the designated Gifiz lido. Boat hire, rowing, swimming, sailing and surfing are available there. Swimming may be restricted seasonally or temporarily. So if swimming is important to your stay, it is worth checking the specific bathing season when planning. The other activities mentioned show that the lake also appeals to people interested in boating and water sports, as well as offering opportunities for swimming.

The city forest has hiking and cycling trails, as well as fitness trails and educational trails. Two forest areas in Offenburg differ in size and location: the Auewald extends across 1,569.6 hectares to the west and northwest of the city. The 625.7-hectare Bergwald lies in the Black Forest foothills, at an elevation of between 170 and 680 metres. These figures illustrate the different scales and elevations of Offenburg’s forest landscape.

The Gustav Trail is a circular route just under 48 kilometres long, connecting Offenburg’s town centre with its eleven districts. It passes through three types of landscape: the fertile Ried, the foothills with their many views, and the Black Forest with its secluded trails. The See-Wiesen-Ried Tour has a different focus: it is easy to cycle, mostly flat and family-friendly. When choosing a route, the key considerations differ: for the Gustav Trail, its length and changing landscapes; for the See-Wiesen-Ried Tour, ease of cycling, flat terrain and family-friendly appeal.

Offenburg in its wider regional setting

The Ortenau district, a wider travel destination, lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares, stretching from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. This broader regional setting adds another landscape perspective to the specific impressions of Offenburg’s town, lake and forest.

Discover more destinations

Mahlberg, Haslach im Kinzigtal, Kappel-Grafenhausen, Ohlsbach, Ringsheim, Oberharmersbach, Ettenheim, Seelbach

Back to the wider travel overview: Ortenau district.