Offenburg

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

OFFENBURG

State : Baden-Württemberg
District (Kreis) : Ortenaukreis (until 1973 Offenburg)
Additions : 1971 Bühl (Offenburg), Elgersweier, Fessenbach, Griesheim, Rammersweier, Waltersweier, Weier, Zell-Weierbach; 1973 Zunsweier; 1975 Bohlsbach, Windschläg

Origin/meaning

Offenburg was a free imperial city from the 13^th century until 1803, when the city became a possession of Baden. The town was granted city rights in the 13^th century.

Between 1240 and 1803 the city was ruled by vassals for the German Emperor, such as the Markgraves of Baden, the Counts of Fürstenberg and the Archdukes of Austria.

Regardless the actual ruler, the arms never changed. The arms show the image seen on the oldest seal of the city, which is probably made around 1260. All seals and images of the arms of the city have used the simple castle. Often in such cases the arms of the overlord (here the Emperor) or the local vassal were added in the gate. This never happened with Offenburg.