Karwendel, Mountain range between Isar and Inn rivers, Austria and Germany
Karwendel is a mountain subsection within the Northern Limestone Alps, stretching between the Isar valley to the north and the Inn valley to the south. The peaks, built from sedimentary rock, are marked by steep pale cliff walls and deeply carved valleys.
The name Karwendel comes from the Old High German family name Gerwendil, which first appeared in a document dated 1280. In the 19th century, alpine explorer Hermann von Barth used the term for the entire range, helping it gain its current widespread use.
On the Austrian side, several mountain huts open during summer and offer food and rest to hikers passing through the valleys. The forests at the base of the limestone walls climb steep slopes, creating a contrast between pale rock and dark green canopy.
From Mittenwald, Scharnitz, Seefeld, Pertisau, and Hall, trails and forestry roads lead into the valleys and toward the peaks. High summer is the easiest time to explore, as snowfields and avalanches can make approaches difficult during spring.
At Großer Ahornboden in the Riss valley, over 2000 sycamore maples grow, many older than a century, making this the largest continuous maple forest in the Alps. The trees stand scattered across a wide valley floor and create a glowing color display in autumn.
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