Black Forest.

Gengenbach is a small town in the Black Forest region of Germany. It is listed in the "100 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World" published by National Geographic magazine. It is a charming old town located in the middle of the Kinzig Valley in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The total area is 61.91 square kilometers and the total population is about 11,000. This town has a great history. It was not only a royal city in the Middle Ages, but also an important trade center. The city was first mentioned around 1231 and became an imperial city in 1366. Since 1500 it has belonged to the Swabian Empire. Although the town's strategic position close to the French border has led to it suffering massive destruction several times in its history. But in the city center, we can still see many old buildings built during the economic boom in the 17th and 18th centuries. Later, with the increasing industrialization of the valley and the construction of railways along the Jinqi River, the economy became more prosperous, but it also ended its long-standing "drifting trade". Gengenbach, with the most beautiful half-timbered cottages in the Black Forest and the simple folk customs of a medieval town, is a place full of history and culture. Strolling here, you will see the landscape of the 18th century town, ancient earth walls, traditional half-timbered houses, cobblestone town squares, vineyards and bakeries that continue traditional craftsmanship. The town hall in Gengenbach, built in 1784, is a work of early Baden classicism and has 24 windows. Every December, these 24 windows are decorated to look like a calendar, making the City Hall the largest advent calendar in the world. This tradition began about 20 years ago and is held every December. This unique event has made Gengenbach a popular tourist destination. Especially during Christmas, tourists from all over the world come here to visit. The streets of the town are a bit winding, like a maze. A favorite photo spot for tourists is the famous winding back alley, Engelgasse. It’s a community of old timber-framed homes adorned with colorful hanging flower beds and whimsical decorations.