Neighboring districts are (from the east clockwise) Rottal-Inn, Deggendorf, Freyung-Grafenau.

The district consists of two geographically different parts, separated by the river Danube.

In the north is the southern part of the Bayrischer Wald (Bavarian Forest) mountains with hills up to 1000 meters tall.

The bottom of the coat of arms show the blue-and-white checkered symbol of Bavaria.

The panther is the symbol of the Wittelsbach family, and it represents the area of the former districts Vilshofen and Griesbach.