The Odenwald is a low mountain range in the south of the federal state of Hesse, which extends over parts of the federal states of Hesse, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The Hessian part of the study area includes large parts of the districts of Odenwaldkreis, Bergstraße and Darmstadt-Dieburg. From a geological perspective, the Odenwald is part of the crystalline basement and is characterised by striking landscapes with wooded heights, deeply incised valleys and red sandstone formations. The highest elevation is the Katzenbuckel (626 m), which, however, is already located in the Baden-Württemberg part.

Historical evidence suggests that the Odenwald was already inhabited in Celtic and Roman times. The cultural development of the region is documented by numerous castles, monasteries and half-timbered towns - such as Michelstadt, Erbach, Lindenfels and Bensheim. Today, the Odenwald is a popular excursion and hiking region with nature parks, geo-nature trails and thermal springs. Gentle tourism and regional products such as cider, Bergstrasse wine and Odenwald sausages characterise this traditional cultural landscape.