Ortenberg(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Ottenberg is the historic Old Town Quarter, located just steps from the St. Martin Church and the charming market square. This district offers easy access to local cafés, traditional bakeries, and artisan shops selling regional crafts. Stay at Hotel am Schloss, a boutique hotel housed in a restored 19th-century manor with panoramic forest views and a private thermal spa. The neighborhood’s cobbled streets and half-timbered houses create an authentic Bavarian atmosphere, perfect for immersing in local culture and daily life.

In Ottenberg, must-try food experiences include dining at Schlosskeller Restaurant, where you can savor Black Forest Goulash, a hearty stew made with locally raised beef and wild mushrooms. Don’t miss the chance to visit a family-run Bäckerei (bakery) in the Old Town to taste fresh Spätzle and Apfelstrudel baked daily. For a unique experience, join a farm-to-table cooking class at a traditional farmhouse, where you’ll learn to prepare regional dishes using ingredients harvested that morning. Pair your meal with a glass of estate-brewed Riesling or Hefeweizen beer, crafted by local artisans.

Yes, Family Hotel Waldheim is a top-rated family-friendly hotel offering spacious rooms, an indoor playroom, and a fenced backyard with a mini-slide and treehouse. The hotel organizes weekly Forest Adventure Days, where kids explore trails, identify native plants, and learn survival skills from local guides. Located just 10 minutes from Black Forest Zoo, the hotel provides free shuttle service. Outdoor family picnics, nature scavenger hunts, and evening storytelling around a bonfire are also included. All meals accommodate dietary needs, including gluten-free and kid-sized portions, making it ideal for stress-free family travel.

Don’t miss the Ottenberg Castle Ruins, a 13th-century fortress with surviving stone towers and arched gateways that reflect medieval military architecture. Inside, the on-site museum displays artifacts like ancient armor, pottery, and manuscripts tracing the town’s evolution from Holy Roman Empire rule to Prussian administration. The site hosts Historical Reenactment Festivals each spring and autumn, featuring period costumes, knight tournaments, and medieval markets. Nearby, St. Martin’s Church features stunning Gothic spires and stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes—perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Ottenberg’s natural landscape is defined by its vast Black Forest coverage—over 60% of the region remains pristine, one of Europe’s last intact temperate forests. The Silberfall Valley Trail offers a scenic hike past crystal-clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and rare ferns. This ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including deer, red squirrels, and the elusive European Golden Eagle. In winter, the forest transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing and sledding. Early morning Fog Forest Walks are popular among locals, offering a meditative experience amid misty trees, bird songs, and the gentle rustle of leaves.

For authentic souvenirs in Ottenberg, head to the Old Town Market Square, where centuries-old shops sell handcrafted leather goods, wooden carvings, and lavender essential oils. Visit Waldschmiede Workshop, a family-run craft studio specializing in intricate oak wood animal sculptures—each piece uniquely carved by third-generation artisans. Try local treats like Black Forest Walnut Toffee or Lavender Honey, sourced directly from nearby farms. Don’t miss the monthly Farmer’s Market on the second Saturday, offering freshly picked mushrooms, wild berries, and small-batch jams—ideal for gifting and tasting real regional flavors.