Offenburg, 2 hotels

The Old Capucine Monastery was the only building to survive the city’s major fire of 1689. So it is held to be the oldest building in Offenburg. The single-naved church was built between 1641 and 1647 and features late Baroque wooden altars, a pipe organ and an empire-style pulpit. The picturesque cloister beckons you to take a stroll through it, and in summer the Old Capucine Monastery hosts regular concerts.

The old marketplace is surrounded by attractive houses that were built in the Renaissance period. Inviting shops, restaurants and cafés will make you want to head for the market square.

You’ll find the Knight’s House Museum in the 18th-century headquarters of the Ortenau imperial knighthood. Across the museum’s three storeys you can see more than 10,000 pieces such as artefacts from archaeological digs, ethnological records from colonial times and regional natural history exhibits. In addition the Knight’s House Museum has a busy events programme and stages exciting varying exhibitions.

In Offenburg old town you’ll find Der Salmen, where history was made on 12 September 1847. This is where the “Friends of the Constitution” assembled to pass the motion of the “Demands of the people of Baden” and to put together Germany’s first democratic manifesto. In 2002 the cultural monument was made a public building and is now a venue for cultural activities, discussions and encounters in the form of concerts or craftwork exhibitions.

Perhaps you need to cool off? Gifiz Lake attracts visitors young and old alike, and gives you the chance to get away from the city and relax on the waterfront. Sporty types can play table tennis, beach volleyball and take part in water sports like sailing or windsurfing. Plus there’s a children’s section with a giant slide as well as pedalo and canoe hire.

The Church of the Holy Cross dates back to the 13th century. After being devastated in the city’s major fire in 1689, it was rebuilt between 1660 and 1734. The predominant feature of the Church of the Holy Cross is its three-tiered tower, and the church itself is divided into three transepts. In Joseph’s Alcove in the choir on the left-hand side you can see a Renaissance crucifix dating back to 1521.

The Ölberg is probably Offenburg’s most valuable art monument. It was built in 1524 in the form of a Gothic chapel and depicts a praying saviour together with the disciples Peter, John and Jacob. The sprawling background is a contemporary representation of a city from where the so-called pursuers approach.

The city in Alsace, which is only 30 minutes away from Offenburg, is one of the world’s most attractive cities. “Grande Île” is one of the best-preserved old towns, and has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. The vibrant city offers a vast array of cultural activities, and you’ll want to explore the historic buildings, alleyways and tourist attractions such as the 1000-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral.