Odenwald

The Odenwald is a region in Hesse with multiple small communities spread across wooded hills and valleys. The area features forests, farmland, and traditional villages with period architecture throughout.

The area was settled in Roman times and later became an important center for timber processing. Throughout the Middle Ages, numerous villages developed here, shaped by craftsmanship and farming.

The region is known for traditional craftsmanship workshops where woodworkers and artisans have operated for generations. Visitors can see these workshops and discover the handmade products that define the area.

The region is best explored by car, as the villages are spread across winding roads. Local inns and small shops exist in the settlements, though the infrastructure remains rural in character.

One particular feature is the oak forests and natural areas with rare plant species found nowhere else nearby. These woodlands remain relatively unknown to most travelers who pass through the region.

Location: Darmstadt Government Region

Capital city: Erbach

Elevation above the sea: 233 m

Shares border with: Miltenberg, Darmstadt-Dieburg, Landkreis Bergstraße, Rhein-Neckar, Neckar-Odenwald

Website: https://odenwaldkreis.de

GPS coordinates: 49.66340,8.99402

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:42