The administrative seat is in the town of Zarasai. The foundation of Zarasai dates back to the 16th century. The district has 304 lakes, the total area of which is 1338 hectares. There are 8 rivers and 19 artificial water reservoirs. The area of forest land is greater than average for the country, with pine groves predominating.
Tourism promises to become one of the more successful areas of economic development.
Facilities for relaxation have been established near the Asavas, Smalvos, Samanis, Sartai, and Luodis lakes. The farm vacation branch of tourism also has potential. StelmuZe is a small village that is famous for having one of the oldest oak trees in Europe. It is said the StelmuZe Oak is over 1500 years old. Its height is 23 metres, and the trunk measures 13.5 metres in circumference.