Northern Styrian Alps

The Northern Styrian Alps form a mountain range in Austria’s Styria region, with small parts reaching into Upper Austria and Lower Austria. These limestone peaks rise between valleys carved by the Danube and its tributaries. The range belongs to the Northern Limestone Alps, a major sector of the Eastern Alps. Geographers classify it under the SOIUSA system as section II/B-26. Two main subsections split the range: the Ennstal Alps and the North-eastern Styrian Alps. The Ennstal Alps include striking groups such as Haller Mauern, Gesäuse and Eisenerzer Alpen. The North-eastern Styrian Alps contain the Hochschwab group, the Mürzsteger Alps and the Rax-Schneeberg group. Each subsection contains several supergroups with their own ridges and valleys. The Danube drains the whole range, carrying water from every slope and cirque. This drainage shapes the landscape below the peaks. Visitors find steep limestone walls above forested lower slopes. High plateaus like Hochschwab offer wide views over Styria’s valleys. Deep gorges such as those in Gesäuse cut through the rock, revealing layers of geological history. Alpine meadows appear near the summits in summer, dotted with hikers’ paths. The contrast between rugged peaks and gentle valleys makes the scenery varied. The Danube’s blue ribbon marks the northern edge of the range.