Public reporting often refers to unprecedented natural events, but what exactly are extreme events? They differ greatly from the average and have a long, irregular return period. Environmental changes but also intensive use of endangered areas are seen as possible causes for extreme events. It's challenging to predict extreme events, so potential natural hazards can easily turn into natural disasters after their occurrence. This applies in particular to highly exposed regions such as the Alpine region. This work deals with meteorological, hydrological, gravitational, glacial and periglacial and other extreme events, as well as relevant social aspects in the Austrian Alpine region.