It is bounded by (from the north and clockwise) the districts of Rhein-Hunsrück, Mainz-Bingen, Alzey-Worms, Donnersbergkreis, Kusel and Birkenfeld.

The region is full of medieval castles, especially along the Nahe River.

Best known is the Kyrburg of Kirn, built in the 12th century and sitting in state above the river.

The main axis of the district is the Nahe River, which enters the territory in the west, runs through Kirn, Bad Sobernheim and Bad Kreuznach, and leaves to the northeast.

Away from the stream, there are sparsely populated forests crisscrossed by the narrow affluents of the Nahe River.