Großbodungen is located in the charming valley of the small river Bode. In the northern part of the district, which is between 250 and 400 m above sea level, there are extensive mixed forests. Two small woods directly adjoin the village to the south. The village has been a district since 1461 and was home to the district court until 1933.

Großbodungen was granted the right to hold markets, with three markets being held every year.

The direct location on the Nordhausen - Duderstadt - Göttingen trade route favored the economic development of the community. Since reunification, after Großbodungen was once again recognized as a market town, there have been regular markets with traders from all over Thuringia. The village center is characterized by several historic buildings. The small village Wallrode spreads out to the south directly at the foot of the Hasenburg, which rises steeply as a mighty rock massif, partly wooded between the slopes. Extensive excavations have been carried out in this area, dating back to the Bronze Age.