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Katzenbuckel

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Katzenbuckel, standing at 626 meters, is the highest elevation in the Odenwald and is located in northern Baden-Württemberg near the municipality of Waldbrunn. Geologically, it is the remnant of an extinct volcano from the Lower Eocene epoch, dating back approximately 53.5 million years. In contrast to the surrounding Bunter sandstone of the Odenwald, the mountain consists of sanidine nephelinite, a silica-poor volcanic rock that has resisted erosion due to its extreme hardness. An 18-meter sandstone observation tower, erected in 1820, stands at the summit and provides extensive views over the Neckar Valley. A notable feature is the former quarry, now containing the Katzenbuckelsee lake, which gives insights into the volcanic vent fillings. The mountain is also an essential site for nature conservation, supporting rare plant species on its nutrient-poor basaltic soils.

Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Top sights: St. Maria · Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Strümpfelbrunn · Aussichtsturm Katzenbuckel
Nearby: Eberbach (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	0	1	5	10	14	18	21	20	15	10	5	1
Rain mm	65	52	54	44	75	62	70	71	50	61	63	72

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Visitors generally reach this prominent Odenwald peak by driving up through the scenic Baden-Württemberg countryside, with several nearby rural communities acting as convenient gateways.

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Best season

Mid-spring through early autumn provides the most reliable conditions for exploring the volcanic landscape, though bright, crisp winter days also offer striking views across the region.

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Terrain & paths

Trails vary from gentle woodland walks to somewhat steeper, rockier sections near the summit, presenting a moderately challenging but highly rewarding experience for regular hikers.

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What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots with a good grip are recommended for the volcanic terrain, along with comfortable layered clothing and binoculars to fully appreciate the expansive summit panoramas.

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Parking

Adequate parking facilities are usually located at the base of the summit trails or in adjacent villages, offering a straightforward starting point for the ascent to the highest peak.

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Safety

Exercise reasonable caution on rocky paths, particularly after rainfall when stones can become quite slippery, and always respect the natural boundaries set up to protect the local environment.

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Time needed

Most visitors spend about a half-day tackling the ascent and enjoying the summit views, though dedicated hikers might easily extend their stay by exploring connected regional trail networks.

Geography

Coordinates

49.46700, 9.06600

Facts

Highest mountain in the Odenwald at 626 meters.
Volcanic origin from the Eocene (53.5 million years ago).
The observation tower was constructed in 1820.
Quarrying operations only ceased in 1974.
Occurrence of rare nephelinite volcanic rock.
The Katzenbuckelsee lake formed in a former mining pit.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Eberbach6 km · WExplore →

Karkar Mountains6 km · NWExplore →

📍Beerfelden13 km · NWExplore →

📍Mosbach14 km · SExplore →

📍Buchen20 km · EExplore →

📍Neckargemünd21 km · SWExplore →

📍Waibstadt22 km · SWExplore →

📍Gundelsheim22 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Katzenbuckel (9)

St. Maria

St. Maria is a church building in Strümpfelbrunn.

Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Strümpfelbrunn

The Protestant church is a church building in Strümpfelbrunn.

Aussichtsturm Katzenbuckel

The observation tower on Katzenbuckel mountain in the Odenwald features a wide view.

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Katzenbuckel

Katzenbuckel is a mountain in the Odenwald, Germany.

Freya-Quelle

The Freya Spring is the highest spring in the Odenwald, developed for water extraction.

Kneipp-Anlage

A Kneipp facility in the Mülben spa park.

Kur Park🌳 park

The spa park is a park in Waldbrunn, Germany.

Hirschberg

Hirschberg is a hill in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Jagdschloss Max-Wilhelmshöhe🏰 castle

Jagdschloss Max-Wilhelmshöhe is a hunting lodge in northern Baden-Württemberg.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest point in the Odenwald?

The Katzenbuckel in the Hoher Odenwald is the highest point of the low mountain range at 626 meters.

Is the Katzenbuckel a volcano?

Yes, it is an extinct volcano from the Tertiary period, recognizable by its basalt rock.

Is there an observation tower there?

There is an 18-meter-high observation tower on the summit offering wide views over the mountains.

Can you go hiking there?

Yes, the Geological Educational Trail is particularly interesting for understanding the mountain's formation.

Where can you park?

There are parking spaces near the Katzenbuckel Lake and at the Waldbrunn spa center.

Katzenbuckel: where is it located?

Katzenbuckel is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Katzenbuckel: what is there to see?

Highlights include St. Maria, Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Strümpfelbrunn, Aussichtsturm Katzenbuckel.

Katzenbuckel: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Katzenbuckel: why is it worth visiting?

The Katzenbuckel, standing at 626 meters, is the highest elevation in the Odenwald and is located in northern Baden-Württemberg near the municipality of Waldbrunn.

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