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Oberkochen
ℹ️Practical info — Oberkochen
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the ZEISS Museum of Optics on weekdays to see historical exhibits for free.
- Hike up to the Volkmarsberg tower for panoramic views that can reach as far as the Alps.
- Check out the source of the Black Kocher river, a peaceful natural spring on the town's edge.
- Remember that the optics museum is generally closed on weekends, so plan accordingly.
- Use the 'Explore ZEISS' app for an augmented reality guided tour of the town's highlights.
🍽 Food
Try these traditional filled pasta dumplings in the historic inns of the town center.
Enjoy modern regional cuisine in a stylish setting right at Eugen-Bolz-Platz.
Hike to the mountain hut on weekends for a hearty snack and great views.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Unique, handmade traditional wooden footwear produced directly in Oberkochen.
Visit the market for fresh regional produce from the Swabian Jura area.
A calm spot in the forest where the water bubbles directly out of the rocks.
A rocky outcrop away from the main trails with a quiet view over the valley.
Water temperature…
Oberkochen is set in the valleys of the eastern Swabian Jura, a region characterized by its dramatic karst topography and dense forests. The town is globally significant as the 'Capital of Optics,' being the headquarters of the Carl Zeiss AG since 1946. The migration of optical expertise from Jena to Oberkochen after World War II marked the beginning of its transformation into a high-tech hub. Today, the local economy is dominated by optics and precision engineering, with Leitz also maintaining a major presence here. Despite its small population, Oberkochen is home to a massive industrial output and a high density of skilled jobs. Geographically, it is the site of the Kocherursprung, the scenic karst spring where the Kocher River begins its journey. The surrounding area is part of the UNESCO Swabian Jura Geopark, offering excellent recreational facilities. The town effectively balances its status as a global technology center with its role as a gateway to the natural wonders of the Ostalb, providing a high standard of living and a bustling community atmosphere.
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Top sights: ZEISS Museum of Optics · Kocher Spring · Volkmarsberg Tower
- Nearby: Aalen (6 km)
- Population: ~8.055
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 | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 68 | 50 | 57 | 47 | 89 | 73 | 89 | 83 | 56 | 63 | 63 | 70 |
Geography
Facts
- Headquarters: Carl Zeiss AG
- First mentioned: 1337
- Karst spring: Kocherursprung
- Region: Stuttgart
- Postal code: 73447
- Highest point: Volkmarsberg (743 m)
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Oberkochen (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is Oberkochen world-famous for?
Where does the river Kocher originate?
What is the Volkmarsberg?
Is there an optics museum?
What sporting activities are popular?
Oberkochen: where is it located?
Oberkochen: what is there to see?
Oberkochen: when is the best time to visit?
Oberkochen: why is it worth visiting?
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