There are several options for the border between Europe and Asia: in some, it runs along the watershed of the Caucasus Range, in others - much further north. Therefore, the title of the highest mountain in Europe is ambiguous: it can belong to both Elbrus in the Caucasus and Mont Blanc in the Alps.
Elbrus
If the border between Europe and Asia is drawn along the Caucasian ridge, then Elbrus can be called the highest European mountain. It is located in Russia, between the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, approximately in the central part of the Big Range, on its northern side. The mountain has two main peaks: western and eastern, between which there are about three kilometers. The first one rises to 5642 meters, the second - to 5621.
Elbrus is a volcano, but its last eruption occurred about two thousand years ago. The mountain was formed about twenty million years ago after a violent eruption.
The exact origin of the name of Elbrus is unknown, there are several variants: it is either the Iranian phrase "high mountain", or the word "shiny", or the Georgian "storm and ice". The old Russian name is Shat-mountain, which translates as “mountain with a hollow”.
Elbrus is one of the most popular ski resorts in Russia, and for a change this area is also visited by ski lovers from Europe. The Elbrus region is famous not so much for its tracks and sports opportunities, but for its magnificent nature and stunningly beautiful landscapes. The mountain is almost completely covered with eternal snow and glaciers. In addition, many climbers set themselves the goal of conquering the highest peak in Europe. Climbing does not present any particular difficulties for trained athletes and is quite safe if all the rules are followed.
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is often called the highest mountain in Western Europe, but if we consider the Caucasus Range as belonging to Asia, then this alpine peak can be called the highest in all of Europe. The height of Mont Blanc is 4810 meters. This mountain does not stand out so much against the background of neighboring peaks in comparison with Elbrus, it has an elongated shape - it stretches for almost 50 kilometers. Mont Blanc with neighboring mountains looks like a long massif with several peaks, approximately the same in height.
The mountain is located in the Western Alps, on the border of Italy and France. On one side there is the French resort of Chamonix, on the other - the Italian town of Courmayeur. There is a long road tunnel under the mountain that connects the two countries.
Like Elbrus, Mont Blanc is popular with climbers and mountain lovers. Alpine meadows, snow-capped rocks, transparent lakes and fresh cool air are the main attractions of this part of the Alps, and typical neat European towns complete the picture.
