Ansbach (German pronunciation: [ˈansbax]) is a Landkreis (district) in Bavaria, Germany.
Some of the local towns already existed during the lifetime of Charlemagne, who visited Feuchtwangen about 800.
In the 13th century, the towns of Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl and Feuchtwangen were elevated to Free Imperial cities; so they were directly subordinate to the Holy Roman Emperor.
Its northern half is occupied by the Franconian Heights, a gentle hilly countryside.
The source of the Altmühl river is located in the district.