The Karawanken constitute the border between Austria and Slovenia. The area is best known with tourists by the Karawanken Tunnel between Villach in Austria and Ljubljana in Slovenia. From this road, you won't see much of these interesting limestone mountains.

The area forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps. To the west you will find the Karnische (Carnic) Alps, and to the east the higher and steeper Kanmik Savinja Alps. To the south are the Julian Alps with Slovenia's highest mountain, Triglav.

Highest summit in the Karawanken is the Hochsthul or Stol, 2.236 m. This summit, and many others in the region, are good for walking, and easily accessible for the experienced hiker, via marked trails.