Along with Vilnius region, a large part of Varėna District Municipality was on the Polish side of not-mutually recognized border during the interwar period.

Unlike in neighboring regions, where the number of Poles is high, the territories now comprising the municipality always had a Lithuanian majority.

The Nemunas itself passes by its western edge while the Merkys (with its tributaries Ūla, Grūda, Varėnė) is the main watercourse.

There are circa 40 nature monuments - old pine trees used for beekeeping, some outcrops, unique geological landforms.

There are stations in Valkininkai, Matuizos, Varėna, Marcinkonys, and stops in Kalviai, Pamerkiai, Zervynos, Darželiai, Margionys, Kabeliai, Senovė (the last three recently closed after the train route to Hrodna was discontinued).