DJH Hostel

The Black Forest


The Hogwarts gang would feel at home in the 12th-century Schloss Ortenberg, rebuilt in whimsical neo-Gothic style complete with lookout tower and wood-panelled dining hall. A staircase sweeps up to dorms with Kinzig Valley views. From Gengenbach station, take bus 7134 or 7160 to Ortenberg, and get off at the 'Schloss/Freudental' stop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Black Forest attractions

1. Engelgasse

3.38 MILES

The best way to discover Gengenbach’s historical centre is with a serendipitous mooch through its narrow backstreets, such as the gently curving…

2. Marktplatz

3.44 MILES

Between the town’s two tower-topped gates sits the triangular Marktplatz, dominated by the Rathaus, an 18th-century pink-and-cream confection. The…

3. Kloster Gengenbach

3.48 MILES

Amble along Klosterstrasse to check out the former Benedictine monastery. A calm Kräutergarten (herb garden), stippled with fragrant and medicinal herbs,…

4. Allerheiligen Wasserfälle

11.53 MILES

The 90m-high Allerheiligen Wasserfälle spill in silky threads over several cascades. From here, a short round-trip trail leads over bridges and up steps…

5. Ottenhöfen

11.69 MILES

As storybook Black Forest villages go, Ottenhöfen fits the bill nicely with its plethora of lovingly restored watermills (best explored on the 12km…

6. Jardin des Deux Rives

11.69 MILES

An expression of flourishing Franco-German friendship, Strasbourg and its German neighbour Kehl have turned former customs posts and military…

7. Le Vaisseau

12.78 MILES

Science is never boring at this interactive science and technology museum, 2.5km southeast of central Strasbourg. There are plenty of hands-on activities…

8. Schwarzwälder Trachtenmuseum

12.79 MILES

Haslach’s 17th-century former Capuchin monastery houses this museum, showcasing flamboyant costumes and outrageous hats, the must-have accessories for the…