In the early Middle Ages the tiny county of Burgau ruled the region.

In 1213 the county was acquired by the lords of Berg; it was then known as Berg-Burgau, but the last ruler of this collateral line died in 1301, and Burgau (now raised to the level of a margraviate) became an exclave of Austria.

In the early 17th century the administrative seat was moved from the town of Burgau to Günzburg, but the margraviate retained its name.

When the Holy Roman Empire ceased to exist in 1806, the margraviate was dissolved and the region was annexed by Bavaria.

The Danube runs through the northernmost parts of the district, passing the cities of Günzburg and Leipheim.