Innstetten holds the post of "Landrat" (district councillor) which is the highest administrative office in the district of Kessin in Pomerania, within walking distance of the Baltic. He and Crampas are both former guard officers and thus bound by the Prussian code of honour. The action takes place in Hohen Cremmen where Effi's parents live, in Kessin (Instetten's estate and surroundings), later in Berlin (where Instetten is promoted to "Geheimrat", we see just Instetten's flat and office), and in an unnamed southern spa to which Effi travels for her health (palm trees and a hotel).