Its capital, while having administrative power, was the municipality of Saanen.

From 1 January 2010, the district lost its administrative power while being replaced by the Obersimmental-Saanen (administrative district), whose administrative centre is still Saanen.

Since 2010, it remains therefore a fully recognised district under the law and the Constitution (Art.3 al.2) of the Canton of Berne.

The district has an area of 241 km2 and consists of 3 municipalities:

This Canton of Bern location article is a stub.