In this study, we reconstruct the surface evolution of the Oligo–Miocene Central Alps using geochronological, geochemical and petrographical methods on the foreland basin sediments of both flanks of the mountain range. Our model is illustrated in four sketch maps of different time slices between mid-Oligocene to Middle Miocene times. For each time slice, we try to (1) give a palinspastic reconstruction of the Central Alps, based on the post-collisional lateral extrusion model, (2) show which tectonic units had become exposed to the surface due to exhumation processes in the Central Alps, (3) describe the thermochronologic evolution of lithological units formerly exposed but completely eroded today, (4) differentiate the catchment areas of the paleo-river systems which delivered debris to the foreland basins, and (5) describe the position of the main drainage divide relative to the exposed tectonic units.