Neighboring districts are (from west, clockwise) Konstanz, Sigmaringen and Ravensburg, and in Bavaria, Lindau district.

To the south, on the opposite shores of Lake Constance, lies Switzerland.

The landscape covered by the district is called Oberschwäbisches Hügelland and Westallgäuer Hügelland, and as the name suggests it is mostly hilly landscape.

The blue colour as well as the three wavy lines at the bottom of the coat of arms represent the Lake Constance.

The wheel derives from the coat of arms of the Lords of Markdorf and Raderach, but it also represents the industry in the district.