Discover your perfect stay in Emmendingen.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Emmendingen
Find the perfect place to stay in Emmendingen





Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Emmendingen
In Emmendingen, the standout choice is Hotel Alte Mühle, a boutique hotel blending traditional Baden-Württemberg architecture with modern comfort. Located on the banks of the Rhine River, it offers panoramic views and easy access to the historic Old Town. The rooms feature locally sourced wood finishes, smart climate control, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests enjoy organic breakfasts with homemade jams and rye bread. The hotel also features a private thermal spa, perfect for relaxation after exploring nearby vineyards and forests.
The Old Town district is the prime location for staying in Emmendingen. It’s just steps from the Church of St. Mary and the Town Hall Square, surrounded by cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. You’ll find a vibrant mix of family-run guesthouses and charming small hotels like Gasthof Rössli, known for warm hospitality. With the Emmendingen Train Station only a 300-meter walk away, it’s ideal for travelers arriving by rail or car. The area is quiet yet central, offering both convenience and authenticity.
Visitors should not miss the annual Rheintal Folk Festival held in summer, where locals in traditional Baden costumes perform folk dances, craft markets, and regional food tastings in the Old Town Square. For history buffs, the Emmendingen Historical Museum showcases artifacts from the Bronze Age to the 19th century, including ancient pottery and farming tools. At night, catch a performance at the Kleines Theater, where local troupes present short plays in regional dialect, offering an intimate glimpse into South German traditions.
Yes, Emmendingen is highly family-friendly. The Rheinblick Park features child-safe playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and open grasslands ideal for games. Nearby, the Naturzentrum Rheintal offers interactive nature exhibits and guided discovery tours perfect for kids. Family-oriented hotels like Familienhotel Hirschen provide cribs, baby kits, and hands-on cooking workshops. The scenic Rhine River bike path is safe and flat, allowing families to ride together with frequent rest stops and viewpoints along the way.
Must-try dishes in Emmendingen include Badische Wurst (local sausage) served with sauerkraut and dark rye bread—best enjoyed at Wirtshaus zum Roten Adler, a centuries-old tavern. Another highlight is Rheinlachs-Kochtopf, a slow-cooked river trout stew made with fresh local fish, potatoes, and herbs. For dessert, sample the Emmendingen-style Black Forest Cake, enriched with local honey and almond powder for a richer texture. All restaurants emphasize farm-to-table sourcing, supporting sustainable local agriculture.
Emmendingen is about 70 km from Stuttgart Airport (STR), reachable by train in approximately 1.5 hours. Take the airport express bus to Mannheim Central Station, then transfer to a regional train bound for Emmendingen Railway Station. Alternatively, drive via the A6 motorway, exiting at Karlsruhe. Once in town, parking is limited, so walking or cycling is recommended. The city has free bike-sharing stations near the center. Local transit is operated by SWB, with mobile ticketing available and affordable fares.
For couples, a romantic evening stroll along the Rhine River promenade leading to the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) is unforgettable, especially at sunset. Book a riverside suite at Hotel Alte Mühle for private balconies and candlelit dinners. Enjoy a live performance at the Kleines Theater or spend a quiet moment in the Starnacht-Garten (Starlight Garden). Many hotels also offer couple’s spa treatments and custom wine tastings, making love blossom amid the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley.
The Rhine River Trail (Rheinuferwanderweg) is a must-visit—8 kilometers of scenic paths through ancient forests and wildflower meadows, with stunning views of Schwarzenburg Mountain. In spring, the banks bloom with hyacinths and tulips, creating a living gallery. Summer brings kayaking on quieter tributaries, where you can paddle past birds and trees. Nearby, the Hohenberg Nature Reserve offers wooden boardwalks and birdwatching towers—ideal for peaceful hikes and photography. Early mornings and late evenings offer misty, dreamlike atmospheres.
Visit the weekly Saturday Market at Marktplatz, where artisans sell handmade crafts, organic produce, and regional soaps. Look for Baden embroidery textiles and hand-carved oak figurines. The Kunsthandwerkladen am Rathaus specializes in independent designer goods—think ceramic tableware and wool scarves. Don’t miss Emmendingen’s own honey liqueur (Himbeerlikör), crafted from local berries and honey, with a low alcohol content and rich fruit flavor. Every item comes with a label indicating its origin, promoting ethical and sustainable shopping.
The peak season in Emmendingen runs from May to September, especially during the Folk Festival (June) and Wine Festival (August), when the town buzzes with energy. Spring (April–May) offers blossoming flowers along the Rhine, while autumn brings golden foliage. Winter (December–February) sees fewer crowds, but the Christmas Market and snow-covered landscapes create a magical atmosphere. Avoid public holidays and long weekends; book accommodations early for best availability.
Emmendingen is a charming small town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, located at the edge of the Black Forest. Known for its medieval castle ruins, scenic natural landscapes and long-standing winemaking tradition, the town offers visitors a peaceful traditional German atmosphere while providing easy access to Black Forest hiking and skiing. Emmendingen's well-preserved old town features cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses full of historic charm.
Top attractions include the Emmendingen Castle Ruins, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views despite its ruined state. The City Museum showcases local history and culture. Nature lovers will enjoy numerous hiking and cycling trails in the nearby Black Forest. Don't miss the Market Square, where weekly markets offer authentic local experiences.
Emmendingen's cuisine is heavily influenced by Black Forest traditions. Must-try foods include Black Forest ham, traditional German sausages, and local craft beers. Many restaurants serve Swabian specialties using regional ingredients, such as potato dumplings and Spätzle. The summer wine festival is perfect for sampling regional wines.
Public transport includes regional trains and buses connecting to nearby towns and cities like Freiburg. The compact city center is best explored on foot or by rented bicycle. Driving is convenient for exploring the countryside, but old town streets are narrow and often pedestrian-only. Freiburg Airport is about 40 minutes away. Check schedules in advance on weekends and holidays.
The best time to visit is April to October when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) attracts more tourists. The December Christmas market is magical, but winter temperatures can drop below freezing.
German is the main language, but English is understood in tourist areas. WiFi coverage is limited - consider a local SIM. Euros are used everywhere with credit cards accepted at most businesses but not street vendors. Pharmacies ("Apotheke") have limited hours. Dial 112 for emergencies. Tap water is safe to drink. Medical facilities are excellent, with EU citizens eligible for emergency care using EHIC. Standard voltage is 230V with plug types C/F.