Abstract Lead and zinc ores of the Alpine Triassic occur mainly within shallow water sediments of lower Carnian age; these sequences underwent emersion periods and were affected by weathering and meteoric karstification (Lagny, 1975; Bechstadt, 1975a, b, 1979; Assereto et al, 1976). The Bleiberg-Kreuth mineralization within the Wetterstein limestone is controlled by at least four geologic factors: (1) it occurs on lagoonal platforms, situated some distance from the mainland to the north, which might have been the original source of the metal; (2) on these platforms it is localized within areas where an extensive cavity network had been formed by karstic weathering; (3) the mineralization is bound to areas close to or with peritidal cyclic and evaporitic sedimentation (“special facies” of Schneider, 1964); and (4) it occurs below sealing shales (Raibl beds). Only the subaerial exposure facies is described in more detail, whereas the conflicting theories concerning lead-zinc mineralization are mentioned only briefly (Figs. 1,2).