The district comprises the eastern part of the Lüneburg Heath (Lüneburger Heide). The Ilmenau river has its source in the district. From here it runs northwards to the town of Lüneburg. The countryside is flat and sparsely populated.
Coat of arms
The coat of arms displays:
three crosses, symbolising the monasteries of Ebstorf, Oldenstadt and Medingen
the heraldic lion from the arms of Brunswick-Lüneburg