Europe mountains

The biggest and highest range entirely in Europe is the mighty Alps, whence the very term "alpine" was derived. With iconic peaks like its highest Mont Blanc (4,810m) and the aesthetic dagger the Matterhorn (4,478m, made famous by the peakery logo), the Alps offer hikers a thrilling combination of challenging climbs, picturesque trails, and breathtaking vistas. The towering glaciers, lush alpine meadows, extensive trail and alpine hut networks, and many storybook mountain towns such as Chamonix, Zermatt, and Grindelwald, make the Alps a paradise for hikers with peaks on their brain.
Technically the highest peak in Europe is dormant volcano Mount Elbrus (5,641m) in the Caucasus mountains of Russia, a year-round snow climb. The normal route, on the southern slope, is the easiest, safest, and fastest route to the top by using the ski lifts to 3,800m and then overnighting in a group of cylindrical cabins known as "The Barrels".
The rugged Pyrenees span the border of France and Spain and are home to 30 peaks over 3,000 m. Offering a unique blend of Basque, Catalan, and French cultures, the Pyrenees region invites hikers to stay in 775 huts and shelters, many of them on or near the GR10 or GR11 long distance hiking trails.
Hiking the mountains in the United Kingdom centers on 3 areas: 1) the highest Scottish Highlands, characterized by vast expanses of rugged terrain, hauntingly beautiful lochs, and famous Munro peaks including Ben Nevis (1,345m) and the rugged peaks of the Isle of Skye, 2) the Lake District in northwest England, home of the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike (978m), and a collection of 214 peaks known as the Wrainwrights, and 3) Snowdonia in Wales, highlighted by Snowdon (1,085m) and its famous horseshoe route over a series of rugged peaks including the "knife-edged" arête Crib Goch (923m).
The 1,500 km-long Carpathians in Central Europe boast pristine forests, cascading waterfalls, and a rich cultural heritage across Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and other countries. The Carpathians reach their highest in the Tatra Mountains on the Poland/Slovakia border with the jagged peaks of Rysy (highest in Poland at 2,499m) and Gerlachovský štít (highest in Slovakia at 2,655m).
The "original" Sierra Nevada in Spain is a unique blend of Mediterranean and alpine landscapes. The blue Mediterranean lies only 35km south from the alpine summit of Mulhacén (3,482m).
Scandinavia's mountainous regions, such as the highest Galdhøpiggen (2,469m) in Norway, offer hikers vast expanses of untouched northern wilderness to explore, with abundant reindeer & wildlife, and the world's most dramatic fjords.
Europe has many more unique mountainous regions, including the rugged spine of the GR20 in Corsica, the Olympic Mountains of Greece, the stunning, rocky peaks of Montenegro, and the ancient and weathered peaks of Ireland, to name but a few. Go to each countries' page to learn more about the peak treasures scattered around the continent.

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Latest climbs

"The Pico Pelado trail in this natural park is even more beautiful than when I was here several weeks ago. It hasn't rained today, and the good weather has accompanied me throughout the trail. I found the first flax flower I've seen this year, as well as the snapdragon flower near the shelter. I also found a large feather that looks like a vulture's, as several were circling near some rock walls." — franciscobirruezo • Apr 21, 2025

"A route along the Sierra del Oro in Cieza, another afternoon trying to dodge the storms in these lonely mountains. Numerous swifts hunt insects, circling the peaks, and in the background, curtains of water move quickly down the valley as I reach my goal today. On the descent, a mountain biker takes a turn at full speed and almost knocks me over. About thirty meters away, he shouts "excuse me" as he continues downhill. I resume my steps and notice how green the blackthorn bushes have turned on this mountain and some small flowers that turn out to be wallflowers growing in marl and gypsum soils." — franciscobirruezo • Apr 20, 2025

"Easy climb to the Cucharón where the summit has plenty of telecom equipment. There is a track whicgh leads to the base of the Alto de La Rábita. Steep climb in the sticky green covered with rocks. On the way back to the Cucharón the weasy Peak 575m should not be a problem. Take care, it is an old mine area, there can be old mine holes anyware." — belgianIbex • Apr 19, 2025