It is bounded by (from the north, in clockwise direction) the districts of Schwandorf, Cham, Straubing-Bogen, Kelheim and Neumarkt.

The city of Regensburg is enclosed by it, but is not part of the district; nonetheless it is its administrative seat.

The region became a part of Bavaria in the late 12th century, when the line of the counts of Regensburg and Stefling came to an end.

While Regensburg became a Free Imperial City (meaning subordinate to the emperor only), the surrounding lands were Bavarian property.

While the district dates back to medieval times, its present shape was established in 1972.