Geologically, the Alpstein
massif is different from the predominantly
granitic central
Alps. The Alpstein are predominantly a
limestone massif and thus represent a kind of western continuation of the eastern ranges, running between the
Bavarian Alps (Germany) and the
Austrian Alps. of the Alpstein ) Morphologically, there are three main tectonic folds running from southwest to northeast. The main peaks and mountains of the northern chain are (from west to east):
Silberplatten,
Grenzchopf, Säntis, Altenalp Türm, Schäfler and
Ebenalp (known for the
Äscher hut and
Wildkirchli caves). The
Altmann is the main peak of the middle chain, which also includes the
Wildhuser Schafberg,
Hundstein,
Marwees and Alp Sigel, while the southern chain is marked by the Kreuzberge, Saxer Lücke,
Furgglenfirst, Staubern,
Hoher Kasten and
Kamor. Only the Lisengrat, the connection between the two peaks of Säntis and Altmann runs perpendicular to the main ridges. There are three lakes. The
Seealpsee is located between the northern and middle chain, while the
Fälensee and
Sämtisersee lie in the valley between the middle and southern chain. Because of
erosion, numerous cracks, caves and
sinkholes which prevail in the limestone, two of the three lakes have no surface drainage: the water of the Fälensee flows by the mountain ridge southwest into the
Alpine Rhine The
Churfirsten are the mountain range to the south of the Alpstein, while the
Kronberg is located north of it. To the west of the Alpstein is the
Stockberg, while east of it is the
Alpine Rhine Valley. ==Transport==