Europe is home to some of the most incredible mountain scenery and ranges.
From the awesome Alps that traverse eight Alpine countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia; to the incredible Pyrenees in the south and Caucasus Mountains in the East.
On this page you will find information on some of the most notable ranges, mountains and hikes in Europe.
European Mountains
Europe is an incredibly mountainous continent, with around 20% of Europe's landmass classified as mountainous.
There are over 10 major mountain ranges in Europe, and upwards of 100 minor ranges.
Starting on the far eastern side of Europe, the Ural and the Caucasus Mountains form the divide between Europe and Asia. In fact the Caucasus Mountains, in a twisted geographic sense, mark the beginning origins of the Caucasian race.
Moving westward are the Carpathian Mountains in Central and Southern Europe. This range is the 3rd longest in Europe at 1,500km (932 miles) and crosses Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Ukraine.
Into Central and Western Europe, one finds the most famous range - The Alps! This range winds its way through several countries including Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and France; and is home to some of Europe's most iconic peaks, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
Running through Southern Europe are the Apennines, Pyrenees and Cantabrian ranges, whilst in the North one finds Europe's second longest range, the Scandinavian Mountains (1,700 km / 1,056 miles).
Other notable mountain ranges in Europe include the Dinaric Alps in the Balkans and the Scottish Highlands in the United Kingdom.
Top 10 European Mountain Ranges
Range | Countries | Highest Point |
|---|---|---|
Alps | France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia | Mount Blanc (4,810m) |
Pyrenees | Spain and France | Aneto (3,404m) |
Carpathian Mountains | Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Serbia | Gerlachovský štít (2,654m) |
Caucasus Mountains | Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia | Mount Elbrus (5,642m) |
Dinaric Alps | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Maja Jezercë (2,694m) |
Scandinavian Mountains | Norway, Sweden and Finland | Galhøpiggen (2,469m) |
Scottish Highlands | Scotland | Ben Nevis (1,345m) |
Apennine Mountains | Italy | Corno Grande (2,912m) |
Balkan Mountains | Bulgaria and Serbia | Botev Peak (2,376m) |
Dolomites | Italy | Marmolada (3,343m) |
Notable European Mountains
Europe hosts some of the World's most iconic peaks and is the playground for climbers, hikers, skiers and mountain enthusiast the world over.
The highest peak in Europe, west of the Caucasus range is Mont Blanc (4,808m / 15,777 ft), however, if one counts the Caucasus mountains in Europe, then Mount Elbrus (5,642 m / 18,510 ft) is officially the highest peak on the continent.
This is corroborated by the famous Seven Summit challenge, which many mountaineers undertake to climb the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, and includes Elbrus as the official highest peak for Europe. Mt. Elbrus is also part of the volcanic seven summits.
Other notable mountains in Europe include the unforgettable Matterhorn (4,478 metres / 14,692 ft) and the famous Eiger-Nordwand (aka Eigerwand or just Nordwand), a 1,800-metre-high (5,900 ft) north face of rock and ice. You can even hike to the seat of the gods if you climb Mount Olympus, Greece, or experience a via ferrata hike up Mt Triglav. Learn more about what via ferrata is.
Highest Mountains in Europe
Mountain / Range | Height | Country |
|---|---|---|
Mount Elbrus (Caucasus) | 5,642m (18,510ft) | Russia |
Dychtau (Caucasus) | 5,204m (17,073ft) | Russia |
Shkhara (Caucasus) | 5,200m (17,060ft) | Georgia and Russia |
Kazbek (Caucasus) | 5,047m (16,558ft) | Georgia and Russia |
Mont Blanc (Alps) | 4,810m (15,781ft) | France and Italy |
Monte Rosa (Alps) | 4,634m (15,203ft) | Switzerland and Italy |
Zumsteinspitze (Pennine Alps) | 4,563m (14,970ft) | Switzerland and Italy |
Signalkuppe (Pennine Alps) | 4,559m (14,975ft) | Switzerland and Italy |
Dom (Pennine Alps) | 4,545m (14,911ft) | Switzerland |
Lyskamm (Pennine Alps) | 4,527m (14,852ft) | Switzerland |
Notable Hikes in Europe
Europe offers incredible hiking. From stunning day walks to epic multi-day, high altitude circuit treks, there is literally something for everyone in Europe.
Trails throughout Europe are generally well marked and accomodation options are plenty, which means self-guided hiking is very popular.
In our guide on the Best Hikes in Europe, we go into detail on the top 20 hiking routes throughout the continent.
This is a must read if you are planning a hike in Europe, however, if you already know what country or route you are interested in then use our Quicklinks below to navigate to our detailed guides.
European Hikes by Country
Popular European Hiking Routes
References: List of Mountains Ranges in Europe, Visit Europe
I would love to know which mountain that is – with the beautiful pink tree and flowers – do you happen to know?
Hi
I would like to point out a misleading information on your webside. In the table over the 10 European Mountains Ranges, it says that Kebnekaise is the highest mountain in the Scandinavian mountain range with 2469 meters. That is not correct. Kebnekaise is 2096 meters, and the correct is that Galhøpiggen in Norway is the highest mountain in Scandinavia with i 2469 meters.
Thanks for the heads up, that’s been corrected.