Karavanke

The Karavanke, known in German as the Karawanken and in Slovene as Karavanke, is a mountain range that forms the southern border between Austria (Carinthia) and northern Slovenia. It stretches roughly east–west for about 120 kilometers and is part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The range acts as a natural boundary and is an important geographic feature of the border region.

Geologically, the Karavanke are dominated by limestone and dolomite from the Alpine sedimentary sequence. The terrain includes rugged peaks, deep valleys, and extensive karst features, reflecting its limestone composition. The range hosts diverse alpine flora and fauna and offers several marked hiking and climbing routes, particularly popular in summer and autumn.

The highest point in the Karavanke is Stol (Stol in Slovene; Hochstuhl in German), which rises to about 2,236 meters above sea level. Numerous other summits exceed 2,000 meters, contributing to the range’s dramatic, scalloped silhouette along the border.

Transport and cross-border links are a notable aspect of the Karavanke. The range is traversed by major road and rail connections, including cross-border tunnels that connect Slovenia and Austria, enabling regional travel and commerce between the two countries.

Human activity in the Karavanke centers on outdoor recreation, tourism, and forestry. The range is a favored destination for hikers, climbers, and winter sports enthusiasts, with several alpine huts and scenic routes that showcase the borderland landscape.