The municipal area stretches from the Drava Valley up to the Mirnock range, part of the Nock Mountains, and the southeastern shore of Millstätter See.

It comprises the cadastral communities of Ferndorf and Gschriet, made up of numerous scattered settlements and farmsteads.

Original an agricultural area, the population today largely depends on the magnesite works in nearby Radenthein and on summer tourism.

The municipality has access to the Tauern Autobahn (A10) running through the Drava valley and to the parallel railway line from Villach to Spittal an der Drau at Ferndorf station.

Seats in the municipal assembly (Gemeinderat) as of 2015 local elections: Ferndorf is twinned with: