Four chains stretch from west to east; in addition, there are a number of fringe ranges and an extensive promontory (Vorkarwendel) in the north.

The term Karwendel describes the part of the Alps between the Isar river and the Seefeld Saddle mountain pass in the west and Achen Lake in the east.

In the south the Lower Inn Valley with the city of Innsbruck separates the Karwendel from the Central Eastern Alps.

Other major settlements include Seefeld in Tirol and Mittenwald in the west, as well as Eben am Achensee in the east.

Neighbouring ranges are the Wetterstein and Mieming Mountains in the west and the Brandenberg Alps in the east.