This paper summarises the recent progress and current status of research undertaken on the Jurassic strata of the Northern Calcareous Alps. The Jurassic GSSP (Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point) at the Kuhjoch section of the Northern Calcareous Alps is also explained in detail. The base of the Jurassic strata is defined at this location by the occurrence of the oldest known Jurassic ammonite, Psiloceras spelae tirolicum Hillebrandt & Krystyn. The Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic successions of the Northern Calcareous Alps were developed along the passive continental margin of the Neotethys Ocean. In Middle Jurassic time, a change in the plate tectonic setting influenced the sedimentary facies, which suggest northwest-verging nappe stacking in association with the partial closure of the Neotethys Ocean. Deep-water radiolarite basins developed in the area in front of the advancing nappes and were the sites of mass flow deposits that produced olistoliths of various sizes. These olistoliths were included in the radiolarite matrices. Therefore, the use of radiolarian fossils as a dating method plays an important role in understanding the formations of the Northern Calcareous Alps.