Neckar-Odenwald

This rural district in Baden-Württemberg stretches across hilly terrain between the Neckar valley and the Odenwald uplands, made up of numerous small towns and villages. The landscape shifts between forests, meadows, and river valleys that define the character of the area.

The district came into its current form in 1973 when two separate administrative regions merged, though the land itself had experienced centuries as part of different German territories. Before modern reorganization, this area was divided among several different rulers and states.

The region's position between two natural landscapes shapes the architecture and village layouts you see today, where half-timbered houses and small market squares reflect how people have lived here for generations.

The area is best explored by car or regional train services since villages are scattered and not all are easily reachable by public transport. Visitors should know that some parts are small and quiet, with fewer tourist facilities than larger towns.

The Katzenbuckel near Waldbrunn at about 626 meters is the highest peak in the entire Odenwald range and offers wide views across the region from the top. Reaching this point is fairly easy for hikers and worth the effort for the views.

Location: Karlsruhe Government Region

Capital city: Mosbach

Elevation above the sea: 416 m

Shares border with: Miltenberg, Rhein-Neckar, Odenwald, Heilbronn, Hohenlohe, Main-Tauber-Kreis

Website: http://neckar-odenwald-kreis.de

GPS coordinates: 49.48333,9.28333

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:01