Limestone Alps

The Limestone Alps are two 600 kilometer long mountain ranges, which accompany the central ranges of the Central Alps in the north and south:

  • Northern Limestone Alps: with some Rätikon, Wettersteingebirge, Karwendel, Wilder Kaiser, Stone Mountain, Dachstein Massif, Dead Mountains, Gesäuse, and the Vienna House Mountains
  • Southern Limestone Alps: known the Dolomites, the Carnic Alps and Karavanke.

The mountain and landforms of the Limestone Alps are very diverse, ranging from rugged peaks and walls to far-flung high plateaus and karst areas. Of economic importance are, inter alia, due to the drinking water source areas and many walk- stalactite and ice caves.

While the Central Alps usually consist of crystalline rocks (granite, gneiss) or slate ( Hohe Tauern ), the Limestone Alps from lighter and more porous rock are built. In addition to limestone, it may also be dolomite, marl, sandstone and the like.

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