Perhaps you’re reading this because you’re looking for your next mountain climbing adventure. Maybe you’re searching for an answer to a pub quiz (in which case, put your phone away, you cheater!). Either way, if you’re looking for a list of the highest mountains in Europe, you’ve come to the right place.
The 10 Highest Mountains in Europe
1. Mount Elbrus, Caucasus Mountains, Russia - 5642m
The highest mountain in Europe is Mount Elbrus with an elevation of 5,642m (18,510 feet) above sea level. Located in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia, Mt Elbrus is considered one of the Seven Summits, the tallest mountains on each continent.
It's a dormant stratovolcano with two summits - the western one is the tallest at a lofty 5,642m, while the eastern summit is a metre shorter. The higher summit was first ascended in 1874 by an English expedition party led by F. Crauford Grove. Thousands of people attempt the climb each year; the most popular route is from the south. It’s suitable only for experienced climbers.
Fancy learning more? Read Together on Top of the World: The Remarkable Story of the First Couple to Climb the Fabled Seven Summits
2. Dykh-Tau, Caucasus Mountains, Russia - 5250m
Dykh-Tau, the second highest peak in the Caucasus at 5,250 meters, is three miles north of Georgia's border. Known as one of the 'Brothers of Bezengi' alongside Koshtan-Tau, it is part of the Northern Massif in Bezengi National Park.
Despite being a little shorter than Mount Elbrus, Dykh-Tau is a much more technical climb. There’s no easy route to the summit - it’s renowned for its technical difficulty, and avalanches are common. A great deal of advanced planning is required to get a permit for the Bezengi area.
Fancy learning more? Watch this vlog on climbing Dykh-Tau
3. Shkhara, Caucasus Mountain Range, Georgia - 5193m
Shkhara, the highest point in Georgia and the third highest mountain in Europe at 5,193 meters, lies near the Russian border. It is part of the Bezengi Wall, a 7.5-mile mountain range. Audrey Salkeld describes traversing the Bezengi Wall as "Europe's longest, most arduous, and most committing expedition," making Shkhara a challenging climb.
The easiest route to the summit is the Cockin Route, named after the first mountaineer to reach the peak, in 1888. It’s graded 4B-5A under the Russia system, and involves climbing up an ice slope and crossing the northeast ridge.
Fancy learning more? Read this account of Thirteen Days on Shkhara.
4. Koshtan-Tau, Caucasus Mountain Range, Russia - 5151m
Koshtan-Tau, the second of the Brothers of Bezengi and the fourth highest mountain in Europe at 5,151 meters, features a striking pyramid shape that appeals to mountain enthusiasts. First climbed in 1888 by the Austrian Alpine Club, it remains a testament to the golden age of mountaineering.
Like all the mountains on this list, climbing Koshtan-Tau requires skill and dedication; experienced Alpinists can take the 4A route along the northern side of the mountain.
Fancy learning more? Read this guidebook, Classic Climbs in the Caucasus.
5. Mount Kazbek, Caucasus Mountain Range, Georgia - 5054m
Mount Kazbek, the tallest mountain in Eastern Georgia at 5,054 meters, is a dormant stratovolcano with a striking pyramid-shaped peak. Known as one of Georgia's best hikes, it is more accessible than other peaks on this list but still offers a thrilling challenge. Climbers should acclimatize with local day hikes, such as Arsha Pass (3,880 meters), and base themselves at the Altihut mountain refuge.
Hiking Mount Kazbek is a two-day affair. On the first day, head from Altihut up to Meteo Station, a former meteorological station which is now a refuge and campsite. Look out for the high-altitude Betlemi Church, which is located 3,930m above sea level. From Altihut it’s an 11-hour trek to the summit and back. It’s a tough route up narrow paths, across a glacier, and a final 100m climb to the top. But the views are incredible!
Fancy learning more? Read The Caucasus: An Introduction
6. Tetnuldi, Caucasus Mountain Range, Georgia - 4858m
Tetnuldi, a 4,858-meter peak in Georgia's Caucasus Mountain Range, lies in the remote Svaneti region, renowned for its excellent hiking opportunities. Though shorter than Mount Kazbek, Tetnuldi is the 6th highest mountain in Europe and offers a spectacular and challenging climb. Climbers are advised to acclimatise with lower-altitude hikes before attempting the summit.
Most climbers head up Tetnuldi via the Southwest Ridge. It’s most common for groups to pitch a tent at Camp 2 (3,700m) on the first day, and spend a day acclimatising and hiking around the area. It’s a steady climb up until the 4,300m mark - after that you’ll be scrambling along an exposed ridge. You might need to use a top rope to reach the summit, so make sure you travel with an experienced guide.
Fancy learning more? Read Svaneti, the Essence of the Caucasusi
7. Mont Blanc, European Alps, France - 4805m
Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe at 4,085 meters, ranks as the 7th highest in Europe and the 11th most prominent peak globally. Jacque Balmat and Michel Paccard achieved the first ascent in 1786. In 2013, Kilian Jornet set a record for the fastest ascent and descent at 4 hours 57 minutes. With 20,000 summits annually, it is a challenging yet accessible climb.
We’d recommend tackling the peak in a small group with an experienced guide - head up to the top on a Monday, the quietest day of the week. As always, some day hikes in the area will help improve your head for heights. Get Tramway du Mont Blanc to the Refuge du Nid d’Aigle. It takes between 11-14 hours to ascend and descend the summit via the most popular route via Dome de Goûte and the Bosses Ridge - sleep the night in the futuristic Goûter Refuge.
Fancy learning more? Watch Summits of my Life, a documentary about Kilian Jornet’s climbing adventure.
8. Mount Dzhimara, Caucasus Mountain Range, Russia - 4780m
Mount Dzhimara, at 4,780 meters, lies 5.5 miles west of Mount Kazbek in North Ossetia-Alania, a Russian republic. It is the second highest peak in the Khokh range, with Mount Kazbek being the highest.
Unlike its neighbour, you won’t find guided expeditions to the summit - in fact, we weren’t able to find much information out about Dzhimara (also known as Jimara) at all. There were no blogs or recorded climbs in the usual places (although we did see some videos about trekking its foothills). Feeling intrigued about this mysterious mountain? Yes - we are too!
Fancy learning more? Read about North Ossetia-Alania
9. Ushba, Caucasus Mountain Range, Georgia - 4710m
Ushba, a prominent peak in the Western Caucasus, features two summits: the south at 4,710 meters and the north at 4,690 meters. Its steep slopes and towering double peaks attract climbers despite its notorious difficulty. Approximately six climbers lose their lives annually due to its treacherous vertical walls and ice-filled crevices. The region’s harsh weather, including gale-force winds and icy blizzards, adds to the challenge.
There are around 50 routes up the mountain known as “the Matterhorn of the Caucasus” - most of them are grade 5 and 6 classifications. The Northern Ushba classic route is considered the easiest (it’s 4B) - it will take you across the Ushba Plateau and up to the summit. Should you wish to reach the higher southern summit, the Gabrieli Route is considered the least demanding.
Fancy learning more? Read this article, Mount Ushba: the Irresistible Climb
10. Monte Rosa, Swiss Alps, Switzerland - 4634m
Monte Rosa, at 4,634 meters, is Switzerland’s highest mountain and the 10th highest in Europe. Its stunning alpine scenery makes it a top hiking destination. This snowcapped massif has four summits, the highest being Dufourspitze, named after surveyor Guillaume-Henri Dufour. Monte Rosa has inspired artists like Leonardo da Vinci and boasts a rich climbing history, with the first recorded ascent in 1778.
There are plenty of routes up Monte Rosa - you can choose any of its four peaks to summit. There’s also the popular ‘Spaghetti Route’, so named because it zigzags up a number of peaks on the massif. Talking of spaghetti, many of the mountain refuges on Monte Rosa offer hot dinners such as pizza, pasta, and alpine platters - Refugio Gnifetti in particular is renowned for its food!
Fancy learning more? Read The Tour of Monte Rosa: A Trekker’s Guide
Depending on how much you know about Europe's mountains, you may be surprised the likes of the Matterhorn, in the Swiss Alps, haven’t made it onto the list. In fact, most entries can be found in the Caucasus Mountains, a vast system of mountain ranges spanning Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. The mountains are viewed as the geographical dividing line between Europe and Asia - so can be considered part of either continent. Mount Elbrus, in the Russian Caucasus, is commonly agreed to be the highest mountain on the European continent.
Stuart Kenny
To continue the confusion, Russia is considered to be Eurasian, or trans-continental. While most of its landmass is located in Asia, around 23% of it lies within Europe. Georgia is also a borderland country - while some geographers consider it to be part of Asia, others (including many Georgians) identify it as a European country. In fact, Georgia has recently applied to become part of the EU. For the purposes of this article, we’re designating the Caucasus Mountains in both Georgia and Russia as part of Europe - in line with the majority of ‘highest mountains in Europe’ lists.
Feeling inspired? Then check out our mountain climbing holidays adventure collection.