It is situated in the Nitra, Zlaté Moravce, Žarnovica, Topoľčany, Partizánske and Prievidza districts.

Protected areas declared before include Dobrotínske skaly (1980),[1] Makovište (1973),[2] Solčiansky háj (1984),[3] and Zoborská lesostep (1952).

Vtáčnik, in the north is a range of volcanic origin and is part of the Slovenské stredohorie mountains.

Tribeč, in the south, is a crystalline mountain range built on granitoide rocks, limestone and dolomite.

Beech, hornbeam and in higher locations oak forests are covering the area.