Gutenstein Alps
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gutenstein Alps | |
|---|---|
 The Reisalpe (highest mountain in the Gutensteiner Alps) seen from the Türnitzer Höger to the SW | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Reisalpe |
| Elevation | 1,399 m above sea level (AA) |
| Geography | |
  Gutenstein Alps Location of the Gutenstein Alps within the Eastern Alps | |
| Country | Austria |
| Region | Lower Austria |
| Range coordinates | 47°57′N 15°39′E / 47.95°N 15.65°E |
| Parent range | Northern Limestone Alps |
The Gutenstein Alps (German: Gutensteiner Alpen) are a mountain range in the Eastern Alps in Central Europe, and the northeasternmost part of the Northern Limestone Alps, reaching heights over 1,000 m.
Die Gutenstein Alps are separated in the north from the Vienna Woods by the valleys of the Gölsen and Triesting. In the east they descend to the Vienna Basin. Their boundary with the Rax-Schneeberg Group to the south is formed by the valley of the Sierningbach between Ternitz and Puchberg am Schneeberg, the saddle near the Mamauwiese and the Voisbach and Schwarza valleys. To the west, from the Seebach stream near St. Aegyd am Neuwalde, the boundary with the Türnitz Alps runs along the Unrecht Traisen and the Traisen.
The highest elevations in the Gutenstein Alps are, from west to east:
- Kloster-Hinteralpe (1311 m) and the Muckenkogel (1248 m)
- Reisalpe (1399 m) and Hochstaff (1305 m)
- Handlesberg (1370 m) near Schwarzau im Gebirge
- Jochart (1266 m)
- Unterberg (1342 m)
- Katharinenschlag (1222 m) and Schober (1213 m) on the Dürre Wand
- Plackles (1132 m) on the Hohe Wand
Near Ebenwald, in the municipality of Kleinzell, is the northernmost thousander in the Alps: the Sengenebenberg (1,104 m).
The eastern part of the Gutenstein Alps is split by the valley of the River Piesting. Other important rivers are the Traisen in the west, the Gölsen and the Triesting in the north and the Schwarza south of the mountain range.
Geology
Most of the Gutenstein Alps consists of limestones of the Eastern Alpine formation (Decke), in particular, Gutenstein limestone and dolomite from the lower and middle Triassic. These relatively coarse-grained rocks almost always indicate a significant layering (Bankung) and a number of coloured layers. In the southeast and northwest, conglomerate rock from the Cretaceous period is found.
Numerous caves are found in the limestone rock. Of these, the Unicorn Cave in Dreistetten and the Eisenstein Cave in Brunn an der Schneebergbahn are show caves which are accessible to the public.
Gutenstein dolomite is so named after its occurrence in this region. It may be fine and coarse-grained and contain siliceous or argillaceous components. The gray to brown, usually layered sediment was formed in the lagoons of the Triassic and is related to Bunt dolomite. Its highly variable forms are common in the west as far as the Dachstein Mountains.
.JPG)
