The town offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. To the south is the Sea of Galilee, to the north Mount Hermon, and to the west the hills of the Upper Galilee. Katzrin was established in 1977 after the government of Israel decided settling and populating the Golan Heights was of prime importance for Israel. In addition, Katzrin was planned as an urban center that would provide a variety of services to the rural communities and military bases scattered throughout the Golan. In 1981, Israel annexed the Golan Heights (including Katzrin).

Katzrin is a major center of tourism in the Golan Heights due to the historical sites it boasts. One of these is the ancient Talmudic village of Kisrin (the source of the name "Katzrin") which was destroyed in an eighth century earthquake. The village has archaeological remains of a synagogue, partially reconstructed, and foundations of ancient houses. The Museum of Golan Antiquities displays the archaeological finds uncovered in the Golan.

Katzrin is home to a kosher winery and a mineral water plant. It also has two open air strip malls.

While the headquarters of the Golan Regional Council are located in the town of Katzrin, it is not included in the regional council's jurisdiction town since it became an independent local council.