Gengenbach vs Offenburg

Gengenbach is quite small, almost a suburb of Offenburg which is a busy town with 5 - 6 times the population. Gengenbach would be quieter at night. They are 9 minutes apart by local train (which like all other local transport in the Black Forest Region is free once you've checked into a hotel, http://www.blackforest-tourism.com/info/KONUS ). Really you are visiting both, it's just a question of where your bed is.

I've spent 12 days in Gengenbach in the past 3 years. It's pretty and quaint

Offenburg is on the main north-south rail line, Gengenbach on an offshoot line from Offenburg that leads further into the Black Forest. See dotted rail line on this map.

Free transportation with the KONUS card is not automatic in the Black Forest region - it is available only in towns which participate in the program. Offenburg (and other towns like Baden-Baden and Freiburg) do not participate and do not issue the card. Gengenbach does - so stay there if you want the free transportation.

Note that getting a KONUS card in Gengenbach (or another participating town) means you CAN travel for free to ALL towns within the allowed travel zone (including Offenburg, Baden-Baden, and Freiburg) on the local and regional trains (IC, ICE, etc. are taboo.)

Note also that the card is valid throughout your day of departure; you can use it after checking out of your room or apartment to travel within the zone.

Type in Gengenbach and your travel info. at this page from the Black Forest Tourism association to find a wide choice of accommodations. Try not to stray too far from the rail station if you plan to do outings by train:

http://www.blackforest-tourism.com/stg/ukv

I would definitely choose Gengenbach.

...and another vote for Gengenbach!

Looks like the winner is gengenbach!

Now I have to find lodging.

Mike