Neighboring districts are Marburg-Biedenkopf, Vogelsbergkreis, Wetteraukreis, and Lahn-Dill.

In 1821 the duchy of Hessen-Darmstadt created districts (called Landratsbezirke) in the reorganisation of its internal administration.

In 1832 these entities were replaced with bigger structures, now called Kreis.

The coat of arms shows a wooden triangle in the top, depicting the traditional house style.

In the bottom there is the symbol of the Saint Antonius order, which founded a monastery in Grünberg in 1242, and also supported the foundation of the university on Giessen in 1607.