Ortenau

Ortenau is a historical and administrative region in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany. It encompasses parts of the Upper Rhine valley and the western edge of the Black Forest.

The region includes vineyards, spa towns, and forested highlands, offering wine routes, hiking in forested landscapes, and river valley scenery. Tourism centers combine agricultural landscapes with access to Black Forest trails and local towns.

Ortenau has medieval origins as a territorial name in the region and later evolved into modern administrative formations; its identity is tied to both Rhine valley commerce and Black Forest settlements. Over time it has developed as a mixed agricultural and forested district.

Ortenau sits in southwestern Germany within Baden-Württemberg, running along the western slopes of the Black Forest and into the Upper Rhine plain; the administrative seat is in the town of Offenburg.

• Wine and forest tourism: The area combines Upper Rhine plain vineyards and parts of the Black Forest, making it a notable region for wine production and forested tourism within Baden-Württemberg.