Resorcinols are prepared by converting .delta.-ketocarboxylic acid esters in the gaseous phase at a temperature from 250.degree. to 500.degree. C. in the presence of hydrogen at a catalyst. The catalyst consists of two components which are prepared separately and combined thereafter. The first component contains at least one compound of a metal of group VIII and/or at least one compound of a metal of group I B supported on one or several carrier materials. The second component contains at least one compound of a metal of group II A and/or IV A and/or III B and/or IV B supported on one or several carrier materials. A particularly preferred catalyst consists of a mixture of equal volume parts of platinum/charcoal as first component and of thorium/charcoal as second component.