Mackenrode lies 9.5 km southwest of Heiligenstadt, on the stream or "Beeke", which is called "die Walse" near Dietzenrode and forms the border with Hesse. The road winds uphill past the legendary Kronenmühle mill (which is still in operation today) through a valley landscape, which is part of the so-called Eichsfeld Switzerland, to Mackenrode, which is one of the most beautiful Eichsfeld villages due to its impressive location and well-kept village appearance.