The landscape is rugged and diverse, with above-average elevations compared to the rest of the country. The territory extends into three geomorphological mesoregions: Křižanov Highlands (most of the territory), Upper Svratka Highlands (north and east) and Upper Sázava Hills (smalls part in the west). The highest point of the district is the mountain Devět skal in Křižánky with an elevation of 836 m (2,743 ft), the lowest point is the river bed of the Bobrůvka in Strážek at 370 m (1,210 ft).
From the total district area of 1,578.7 km2 (609.5 sq mi), agricultural land occupies 874.7 km2 (337.7 sq mi), forests occupy 552.2 km2 (213.2 sq mi), and water area occupies 33.6 km2 (13.0 sq mi). Forests cover 35.0% of the district's area.[1]
There are several important rivers that originates here (in the area of Žďárské vrchy) and drain the territory. The Sázava flows through the north and west. The Svratka originates near the Sázava and flows through the north and east. The Oslava flows through the central part of the district to the south. The Doubrava River originates here, but soon leaves the district. Other notable watercourses are the Bobrůvka and Balinka.
The territory is rich in bodies of water. The largest body of water is Vír I Reservoir. The largest pond is Velké Dářko, which is also the largest pond of the whole Vysočina Region.
The most visited tourist destinations are the Šikland western town in Zvole, Mining Museum in Nové Město na Moravě, Žďár nad Sázavou Castle, and Eden Centrum amusement park in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem.[9]
