Top 9 Mountains to Hike or Climb in Europe

If you have a head for heights or maybe want to go on a once in a lifetime adventure, pack your snowshoes as you are now entering the freezing world of snowy peaks and beautiful views: Welcome to the world of mountains.

In 9th place, its Mount Etna in Italy. Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and its height constantly changes due to its eruptions. There is a cable car, on the south face, taking you 1,970 feet (600 m) up this rocky mountain from there you can get a guide to take you to the peak which is 10,990 feet (3,350 m) above sea level.

In 8th place, Mount Olympus in Greece. This rocky master has a legend… In Ancient Greek Mythology this mountain was home to Greek Pantheon Gods. Mount Olympus stands at 9,573 feet (2,918 m). Can you imagine the view? - people climb it every year!

In 7th place, is Ben Nevis located in Scotland is the highest peak in the UK! It stands at 4,413 feet (1,345 m) and has a variety of trails leading up to the top. This is a popular climb for training sessions and takes about 3-6 hours to climb variating on your hiking capabilities.

In 6th place, the Dolomites in Italy are very steady when it comes to weather. Made of limestone, these peaks have a variety of hotels, refuges, and restaurants. These white peaks are fabulous to climb as the stone you hike on is glossy, white, limestone. It is also a hotspot for skiers, snow boarders etc.

5th comes Mount Blanc in the Alps, one of the mightiest mountains in Europe, standing at 15,770 feet (4,808 m), it has a large variety of paths like the Goûter route. If you are going to attempt to reach the summit, bring ice picks and crampons, as this is considered to be “Europe’s Deadliest Mountain”.

In 4th is Monte Perdido in Spain. A simple climb with magnificent views, if you want to start off easy, Monte Perdido is your place to be. This beautiful mountain is a wildlife wonderland and not a very hard climb, just enough of a challenge for a starter.

3rd is Vignemale, in the French Pyrenees, standing just under 10,820 feet (3,298 m) tall. It is a relatively easy mountain to climb with several clear routes and paths. A very peaceful and nature orientated summit with beautiful views and amazing caves.

2nd is Mount Elbrus, located in Russia is part of the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe is 18,510 feet (5,642 m) tall, the tallest mountain in Europe, an extinct volcano. There are two main routes, both are extremely tough. Only very experienced experts should be attempting to reach the summit.

In 1st place is the Matterhorn in the Alps. The Matterhorn is known as a picture-perfect mountain. Dividing Italy and Switzerland, this perfectly shaped, remarkable mountain is covered in snow caps and glaciers all year round. Thinking about reaching the top? Don’t forget your coat as it can reach a freezing temperature of -10 degrees Celsius.

My Personal Experience

My dad has climbed several mountains, but he is experienced and does a lot of training before the hike!

He has climbed the Eiger, Matterhorn, White Tooth (he says this is the hardest one) and also Mont Blanc twice!

I have hiked around Monviso with my family and I can say this from experience that there are many animals and insects you don’t see anywhere else, when we hiked Monviso we spotted a very rare black salamander that doesn’t need water to live! Plus, a rare frog called Rana Temporanea. Most mountains are split into 3 main parts. The lower part: woods and rivers, the middle part: rocks and streams (no trees) and finally the summit, where the glaciers and snowy peaks are.

Last Few Things

Never go adventuring around these tall, white peaks alone as they can be extremely dangerous. Always tell someone where you’re going and how long it might take you so if anything happens, they can send help. I hope you enjoyed this snowy adventure and learnt some things about mysterious mountains and their shifting climate.