The Eastern Alps, distinct from their western counterpart, encompass a broader and less curved terrain, stretching across several European nations. They are defined as the region east of a line from Lake Constance through the Alpine Rhine valley to the Splügen Pass, and southward to Lake Como. This range includes eastern parts of Switzerland, particularly Graubünden, the entirety of Liechtenstein, a significant portion of Austria, regions in Southern Germany, northwestern Italy, northeastern Italy, and northern Slovenia.
The highest point in the Eastern Alps is Piz Bernina, standing at 4,049 meters in Switzerland’s Bernina Group. Unlike the Western Alps, the peaks here are generally lower, contributing to a comparatively broader landscape. The range is framed by natural borders like the Italian Padan Plain to the south and the Danube River to the north, with the Vienna Woods marking its eastern extremity.
In terms of geography, the Eastern Alps are home to notable valleys like the Upper Engadin near St Moritz and iconic mountains such as the Ortler and Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak. The region also features the High Tauern National Park, emphasizing conservation, especially around the Großglockner and Pasterze Glacier. Innsbruck, a major city in this region, lies in a valley between the North Chain in the Karwendel Alps and the Patscherkofel.
The Eastern Alps are not just about towering peaks; they also encompass a range of mountain ranges such as the Silvretta, Rätikon, Verwall, and the Arlberg in Vorarlberg, Austria. The Rätikon range, shared between Austria and Switzerland, is a popular spot for climbers, with Mount Sulzfluh being a notable feature. Liechtenstein, while small, has its own significant peaks, including the Vordere Grauspitz, its highest point.
This part of the Alps is geologically diverse, featuring limestone Alps, inselbergs, and a sandstone belt called the Flyschzone, evidence of the region’s dynamic geological history. The Julian Alps, extending into Slovenia, and the High Tauern with its notable peak, Grossglockner, further illustrate the range’s variety. The Karawanks, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, mark the terrain of Carinthia, showcasing a landscape shaped by glaciers, predominantly forested and rich in natural beauty.