Beyond the German border, the district borders the Belgian town of Kelmis, in the Province of Liège, as well as the Dutch communities of Vaals, Wittem and Simpelveld, all contained with the Dutch Province of Limburg.
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Being on the border between France and Germany, the area has seen numerous conflicts, such as during the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon.
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It is mentioned in writing from 17 October 870, in a document from Louis the German giving the church, which was then known as ad antiquum campum, or “Church at the old field”, to the abbey at Prüm.