The Karwendel is a mountain group of the Northern Limestone Alps. It lies mostly (about 80%) in Tyrol, the smaller part in Bavaria; the border runs over the Northern Karwendel Range and through the Vorkarwendel. Four large mountain ranges stretch from west to east; in addition, there are numerous side ranges and groups and, to the north, an extensive foothill area. The Karwendel is named after the old German family name Gerwentil, first mentioned in 1280, which was originally restricted to the Karwendel valley near Scharnitz.