Starting from Scharnitz the mountain ranges of the Northern Karwendel range and the Hinterautal-Vomp chain limit the valley to the north, just interrupted by the Karwendel valley.

From the western side the valley first is deeply cut into by the waters of river Isar, after that part the valley follows more smoothly to the source of river Isar.

After that the valley ends at an alpine bowl called Rossloch.

Due to its length and small average inclination the route to the Kastenalm is a classic Karwendel mountain-bike tour.

From the eastern end many Karwendel peaks can be reached, for example the Birkkarspitze from the south.