The highest mountain in Europe

The highest mountain in Europe: Elbrus 5650 meters (Russia) or Mont Blanc 4810 meters (France)

Which mountain is the highest in Europe is a matter of debate. It is not about the height of the mountains. At least five mountains in the Russian and Georgian Caucasus are definitely higher than the highest mountain in the Alps (Mont Blanc). It is about what belongs to Europe and what does not.

Actually, the two continents of Europe and Asia are geographically one supercontinent, which is usually referred to as Eurasia. For historical and political reasons, however, there are two continents, Europe and Asia. Sometimes the Caucasus is counted as part of Europe, sometimes as part of Asia. There is no generally accepted definition. In recent years there has been a tendency to count the Caucasus as part of Europe.

Variant 1: The Caucasus belongs to Europe

In this case, Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe at just over 5650 meters. The second and third highest mountains in Europe would then also be in the Caucasus: the Dychtau and the Shkhara, each at 5200 meters high.

The Elbrus is considered the highest mountain in EuropeImage: Elbrus ; Yuri Tuchkov — Fotolia.com

Option 2: The Caucasus belongs to Asia