Gengenbach, Medieval town in Black Forest, Germany.
Gengenbach is a medieval town in the Black Forest with narrow streets and traditional half-timbered houses whose wooden beams decorate the facades. The old town is characterized by stone towers and displays architecture from various periods within a cohesive urban setting.
The town originated in the 8th century and gained the status of a Free Imperial City in 1360, which it retained until the Treaty of Lunéville in 1801. After this date, it lost its political independence and became part of the Baden region.
The Narrenmuseum displays regional crafts and traditional costumes from Alemannic carnival celebrations that have been practiced for centuries. This carnival culture still shapes local life today and is experienced by both residents and visitors throughout the year.
The town is connected to larger cities like Offenburg, Freiburg, and Strasbourg by the Schwarzwaldbahn railway and the B33 road. The old town is best explored on foot since the narrow streets are not suited for cars.
The town hall transforms into the world's largest advent calendar each December, with 24 illuminated windows representing each day until Christmas. This spectacular display attracts visitors from across the region and has become a well-known winter attraction.
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