It is a part of the municipality of Borger-Odoorn, and lies about nine km north of Emmen.

It is assumed it means "settlement of the people of Odheri (person)", because older forms often used the suffix -ing.

[3] Odoorn is an esdorp which developed in the Early Middle Ages on the Hondsrug along the road from Groningen to Coevorden.

In the 13th century, a daughter church of Anloo was established in the village, and it developed into the central settlement for the satellites Valthe and Exloo.

[7] Odoorn was a separate municipality until 1998, when it merged with Borger.