It is bounded by (from the north and clockwise) the districts of Coburg, Kronach, Kulmbach, Bayreuth and Bamberg.

The castle of Lichtenfels was property of Andechs, which later fell under the Duchy of Merania.

In 1248 the Dukes of Merania became extinct, and the entire region was annexed by the clerical state of Bamberg.

In 1803 the clerical states of Germany were dissolved, and the Bishopric of Bamberg fell to Bavaria.

The district is situated on both banks of the river Main in the hills of the Franconian Jura (Fränkische Alb).