Their southernmost point forms a sharp boundary with the natural region of the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape.
In general, the region is dominated by dry and nutrient-poor sandy areas that are a long way above the groundwater table.
The climate of the Muskau Heath is weakly continental, with warm dry summers and long periods of fine weather, and cold winters.
Other areas, on the other hand, are ecologically still very valuable, as in the north-western part of the ancient forest of Weißwasser and the Trebendorf Wildlife Park.
The numerous ponds offer habitats to water birds as well as otters, beavers, white-tailed eagles and ospreys.