What to Climb in Europe: Ranking the Highest Point of Every Country (The Crown of Europe)

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

In 2018, I traded my consultant’s briefcase for a hiking backpack and a brave goal: standing on the highest point of every European country. I call this project European Peaks but you can also find this challenge under the name the Crown of Europe. After months of preparation and the adventure of a lifetime, I managed to set a world record by completing all 45 peaks in just 361 days.

Today, that record has been lowered by even faster climbers, but that doesn’t change the magic of the project. If anything, it makes it better. It proves that the Crown of Europe is now a legitimate discipline in the world of professional adventure.

During my journey, I realized that climbing in different European countries brings completely different stories. In this project, you have everything from cute city hills where you can “climb” in flip flops to wind-swept glaciers where one wrong step is your last.

To help you navigate in our beautiful continent of Europe, I have ranked all 45 summits into three “tiers” of experience. It doesn’t matter if you look for a weekend “quick-win”, a pleasant hike, or a tough alpine expedition, this guide will give you taste of all kinds of adventures.

The Master Ranking: All 45 European Peaks

Think of this table as your adventure roadmap. I’ve sorted these 45 peaks from the highest giants to the smallest hills, but elevation only tells a small part of the story. To give you the full picture, I’ve ranked the peaks based on technical skill, physical demand, and the hit to your wallet. I’ve also added my Experience & View Score – my personal ‘stamp of approval’ on how much I truly enjoyed the journey in the country and the scenery at the top.

Country	Peak Name	Elevation	Difficulty	Experience & View Score (1-6 stars)	Cost (1-6 stars)
Russia	Elbrus	5,642m	Expedition Peak	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
France / Italy	Mont Blanc	4,808m	Expedition Peak	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Switzerland	Dufourspitze	4,634m	Expedition Peak	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Austria	Grossglockner	3,798m	Expedition Peak	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spain	Mulhacén	3,479m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Germany	Zugspitze	2,962m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Andorra	Coma Pedrosa	2,942m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bulgaria	Musala	2,925m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐	⭐
Greece	Mount Olympus	2,917m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Slovenia	Triglav	2,864m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Albania / N. Macedonia	Golem Korab	2,764m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐
Kosovo	Rudoka e Madhe	2,658m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Slovakia	Gerlachovský štít	2,655m	Expedition Peak	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Liechtenstein	Vorder Grauspitz	2,599m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romania	Moldoveanu	2,544m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐
Montenegro	Zla Kolata	2,534m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Poland	Rysy	2,501m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Norway	Galdhøpiggen	2,469m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bosnia & Herz.	Maglić	2,386m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Serbia	Midžor	2,169m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Iceland	Hvannadalshnúkur	2,110m	Expedition Peak	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sweden	Kebnekaise	2,097m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ukraine	Hoverla	2,061m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐
Portugal	Torre	1,993m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Cyprus	Mount Olympus	1,952m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Croatia	Dinara	1,831m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Czechia	Sněžka	1,603m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
UK (Scotland)	Ben Nevis	1,345m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finland	Halti	1,324m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ireland	Carrauntoohil	1,038m	Hiker’s Paradise	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Turkey (Europe)	Mahya Dağı	1,031m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐	⭐⭐
Hungary	Kékes	1,014m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐	⭐⭐
San Marino	Monte Titano	749m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Belgium	Signal de Botrange	694m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Luxembourg	Kneiff	560m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Moldova	Dealul Bălănești	430m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐	⭐
Belarus	Dzyarzhynskaya Hara	345m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐	⭐
Netherlands	Vaalserberg	322m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Estonia	Suur Munamägi	317m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Latvia	Gaiziņkalns	312m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐	⭐⭐
Lithuania	Aukštojas Hill	294m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Malta	Ta’ Dmejrek	253m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Denmark	Møllehøj	171m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monaco	Chemin des Révoires	161m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vatican City	Vatican Hill	75m	Scenic Quick-Win	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

For even better navigation, you can also take a look at the map below where you can find all the European Peaks.

My Methodology: Why Categorizing European Peaks?

When I started this project, I was excited to discover the variety of the European landscape. I knew there would be technical climbs and beautiful hikes, but also “peaks” that are just hills where you can get by car.

However, an easy hill doesn’t mean you can’t have an adventure. To spice up the smaller summits, I got creative. I decided to change my hiking boots for a bike or even a scooter. For example, did you know you can summit the highest points of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg in a single day by bike?

To help you plan your own journey, I’ve divided the 45 summits into three categories based on my experience. Which level are you ready to tackle first?

• Tier 1 (Scenic Quick-Wins): These are the high points you can conquer in a day trip. To some of them you can easily drive; others require a pleasant walk through a forest or a city. All in all, these places are about the experience of the country, not just the quick visit of the highest points. I always stayed around longer to experience the local culture such as listening to Pope stories in Vatican, tasting amazing dishes in the Balkans or party like crazy in Moldova after tasting local amazing wine. There is so much to experience in every country!
• Tier 2 (Hiker’s Paradise): This is the sweet spot for hiking lovers. These are mountains that require hiking boots, a backpack, and some effort. These mountains aren’t technically “dangerous,” but they offer that deep sense of achievement when you enjoy the view from their tops. You can reach some of these peaks pretty easily in just half a day (Snezka in Czechia for example). Most of the peaks in this category require the whole day effort though and Moldoveanu or Kebnekaise even multiple days.
• Tier 3 (Expedition Peak): These are the peaks where the rules change. You need specialized gear (crampons, ice axes, ropes) and probably also a guide if you don’t have enough experience. Reaching mountains in this category were the milestones which I’ll never forget. How actually could I forget climbing the hardest peak of the project with a broom or crazy snow storms in Russia?

How to use this guide:

I have linked every mountain in the table above to detailed trip reports with photography galleries. Use these tiers to find your starting point, but remember: even within these categories, the difficulty varies a lot. A peak in the “Hiker’s Paradise” could be a gentle half day walk or a tough multi day trek depending on the weather and the route. Make sure to read my specific blog posts properly before you head out.

My Guide to the Cost Rankings

• Cost 1–3: You can summit these mountains for the cost of peanuts. The price level in these countries is so low that you can enjoy nice accommodations and great food for a train ticket price in the expensive countries of this project. You’ll find the most affordable mountains in Eastern Europe and in the Balkans. Do you wonder which ones are the absolutely cheapest ones? In my experience, it was in Ukraine and Moldova where the whole trips cost less than half a day in Switzerland.
• Cost 4–6: These countries and its peaks are still affordable but you won’t be spoiled like in the first cost group. If you are looking for a great experience without emptying your wallet, I recommend climbing peaks in Spain or Central Europe.
• Cost 7–8: This is the “Technical & Logistics” zone. You’re paying for specialized gear rentals, mandatory mountain guides (like in Slovakia), or “Nordic” prices (Norway/Sweden).
• Cost 9–10: These are full-blown expeditions which will cost you a bit more but don’t be afraid to spend some money on these extraordinary experiences. These peaks are an investment in your soul. Read my stories of epic climbing Swiss Dufourspitze or Icelandic Hvannadalshnúkur and you’ll understand why. In these countries, everything is expensive.

For a more detailed cost comparison, you can also take a look at the website Numbeo where you can compare the costs of any cities in the world. I use it often before my trips to know what to buy and what to avoid in the destination.

Final Pro-Tip on Research

While I’ve categorized all 45 mountains to make your planning easier, don’t just rely on the labels. Some “Quick-Wins” involve tricky navigation such as in the Vatican (you need a ticket to the Vatican Gardens to get to the highest point and it’s sold out months ahead) and some peaks are much harder to reach in May than they are in August (read for example about my avalanche danger in Liechtenstein). My blog posts contain the logistics, maps, and “what I wish I knew” details. Treat them as your primary source!

Tier 1: The “Scenic Quick-Wins” (17 Peaks)

It’s time to be honest for a moment. If you love mountains, standing next to a radar station in a field (like I experienced in Moldova) might not feel like “climbing”. Before my expedition, I was wondering how it will feel to stand on these “boring hills”. But I quickly learned that every peak, hill or mountain has something to offer. Instead of worrying about oxygen levels or crevasse rescue, you can focus on the country, people, the history, and a very good local lunch. Look at the summary of my experiences:

The “Urban” High Points (Microstates’ peaks)

These peaks are located in Europe’s micro-states in or very close to Italy. You can summit them in your city clothes and be back in a five-star restaurant 20 minutes later. I myself made a very nice roadtrip to all these places around New Year’s Eve and it was a fantastic break from Swedish winter. Besides visiting wonderful cities, we also took breaks on beaches and we even made a New Year’s Day swim!

• Vatican Hill (Vatican City – 75m): Technically located within the Vatican Gardens. You need to book a garden tour to reach the official high point. It might be surprising how many European Peaks collectors have troubles with this one. You have to think ahead and book your tickets well in advance. The Vatican Gardens are popular, especially in summer.
• Chemin des Révoires (Monaco – 161m): This is a sidewalk on a steep street. There is no view and the spot is not even marked. It sounds boring but the experience was not! You can’t reach the highest point of a country by a walk from the sea in many places and you’ll feel like a rich man for a while. I remember walking past Ferraris while “summiting.”
• Monte Titano (San Marino – 749m): This is actually one of my favorites. Three beautiful towers on a limestone ridge. It feels medieval and epic, especially during sunrise. I experienced there a fairy tale one when we were just above the morning clouds. What a view!

The “Lowland” Legends (Benelux & Denmark)

The challenge here isn’t the altitude; it’s finding the exact spot! Surprisingly, it wasn’t easy to find the highest point in Netherlands, Luxembourg and especially in Denmark. To make this part more exciting, I made full day biking trip via all the Benelux high points and I was surprised: It was one of the coolest bike rides in my life and I can definitely tell you: the Benelux is not flat. We had 1451m elevation gain!

• Vaalserberg (Netherlands – 322m): It lies very close to the Drielandenpunt (Three-country point) where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet. There are also two observation towers from which you can see half of the Netherlands and also a maze and a pancake house. Cool spot for a family trip!
• Signal de Botrange (Belgium – 694m): Belgium was so determined to have a 700-meter peak that they built a 6-meter stone staircase on top of the hill. I really liked the funny random stories of my trip and climbing those stairs was definitely one of them. And there is another interesting thing I learnt in Belgium: there are actually cross country skiing tracks around the highest point. Did you know that you can ski in Benelux?
• Kneiff (Luxembourg – 560m): This quiet spot next to a field was a bit boring when I visited it (but now, there is a flag and the Kneiff story you can read). It’s because Luxembourgers thought the highest point was at another spot (Buergplaz – 559m) for a long time! There you can find an observation tower.
• Møllehøj (Denmark – 171m): A hill in a cow pasture with a special cow smell. Yes, that you can experience only in Denmark. But be careful. It isn’t easy to find. For a long time, people thought nearby Yding Skovhøj or Ejer Bavnehøj were the highest, but the “cow hill” won the measurement war.

The Baltic & Eastern “Forest Peaks”

These are all about the towers. Because the terrain is flat, these countries have built cute observation towers so you can actually see the horizon. To make visit of these peaks more interesting, I rented a scooter in Riga and I had a cool roadtrip to Suur Munamägi and Gaiziņkalns. In Lithuania and Belarus, it was actually affordable to take a taxi to the high points and in Moldova, I experienced the biggest wine party of my life in the largest winery in Europe before the actual trip. What a hangover summit!

• Suur Munamägi (Estonia – 317m): The “Great Egg Hill” as it translates from Estonian has a fantastic tower and a cozy café at the bottom. You’ll enjoy here wonderful forest views.
• Gaiziņkalns (Latvia – 312m): It’s a lovely spot in the winter for skiing. In summer, you can enjoy here a local water slide.
• Aukštojas Hill (Lithuania – 294m): It’s located nearby the capital Vilnius so you can connect the trip with the visit of this wonderful capital. I made it to the peak just for the sunset and enjoyed it from the local tower.
• Dzyarzhynskaya Hara (Belarus – 345m): A simple monument in a quiet area. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Soviet-era times. Be careful, Google Maps show the wrong spot. Follow my article how to find it.
• Dealul Bălănești (Moldova – 430m): Rural, rustic, and surrounded by vineyards. This is where you go to experience the “real” Moldova. I was there during Orthodox Easter and it was cool watching people having picnics everywhere.

The “Surprise” Peaks (Central & Southern)

These were the big European Peaks surprised for me. While these peaks are rather high, you can reach them very easily and enjoy there stunning views. I also include the highest peak of Malta which isn’t very high but it’s special for another reason. It stands literally on a cliff!

• Torre (Portugal – 1,993m): Another surprise skiing area can be found in Portugal. You can ski down from the highest peak of the country Torre. Another speciality of Torre is that there is a roundabout on the top so you can literally circle in your car around it. I enjoyed here a night with a local port wine and view of beautiful night sky.
• Kékes (Hungary – 1,014m): Named after its bluish color. It’s a popular ski resort and home to a massive TV tower that offers incredible views of the Mátra Mountains. Don’t forget to taste there an amazing langos like I did. There are many stalls to choose from.
• Mahya Dağı (Turkey – 1,031m): Located in the Istranca Mountains on the European side of Turkey. It’s nearby a military zone, so be careful when taking pictures there!
• Mount Olympus (Cyprus – 1,952m): Yes, Cyprus has an Olympus too! You can drive to the top, which is dominated by a giant British radar “golf ball.” It’s a strange but cool mix of military tech and mountain air. If you come in winter, you can also ski here on slope Zeus.
• Ta’ Dmejrek (Malta – 253m): Located on the Dingli Cliffs, this is a wonderful sea viewpoint. Standing on the edge of the cliff with the Mediterranean stretching to the horizon is another special highlight of the project.

Tier 2: The “Hiker’s Paradise” (22 Peaks)

If the first tier was mostly about the journey, this tier is about both the journey and the destination. These are the mountains where you actually feel the effort from the hikes but the reward is so worth it! Most of these mountain offer fantastic views on the way and especially on the top. This is the most rewarding section of the European Peaks. You have the drama of the high peaks, but your hands aren’t shaking from adrenaline as these peaks aren’t technically difficult to reach. Here, it’s hard to find my favourite or the least popular one. I simply enjoyed every single summit of this category.

The “Northern Peaks” (Scandinavia & The UK)

These peaks are defined by wild weather and dramatic, vast landscapes. If you like wilderness, these are the mountains for you. You can tent almost anywhere in these countries (with exception of Ireland where rules are a bit stricter) so you can enjoy the nature here 100%.

• Galdhøpiggen (Norway – 2,469m): You won’t be surprised that the highest mountain in Scandinavia offers spectacular views but be careful when you visit it. I did at the end of March and it was super cold there. My friend got frostbite there and we were superscared he’ll lose his nose on the top. We probably made one of the fastest descents in Galdhøpiggen’s history to save it.
• Kebnekaise (Sweden – 2,097m): It is the most remote mountain from civilization from all the European Peaks. To reach it, you can either go on the legendary trek of Kungsleden (slightly over 100km) or make a three day hike from the nearest Sámi settlement Nikkaluokta. As I live in Sweden, this is a peak where I am always happy to come back. I come to the basecamp every year on my Winter Kungsleden expedition and you can join me! Here, I offer an annual guided tour.
• Ben Nevis (UK/Scotland – 1,345m): Don’t let the “low” elevation fool you. The weather changes in seconds so you will definitely meet some drama here, of course besides wonderful views.
• Carrauntoohil (Ireland – 1,038m): Irish highest peak is even lower than Ben Nevis but to be honest, I like it even more for its dramatic routes. Both most popular routes The “Devil’s Ladder” and Brother O’Shea’s Gully are simply epic. I was lucky to catch here one of the few days of the year with a clear sky and it was one of the most beautiful hikes in my life.
• Halti (Finland – 1,324m): This is a true wilderness mission. This is the most northern located peak of the project that the hike itself is a test of navigation and isolation.

The “Balkan Gems” (The Underrated Legends)

In my opinion, the Balkans offer the most underrated hiking experiences in Europe. It’s affordable, rugged, and completely without people. I was literally alone (ok, just with my friends or my family members) at all of these peaks.

• Mount Olympus (Greece – 2,917m): We can’t start this category with anything else than the home of Zeus. I completely understand why he chose this peak to rule from. Standing on Mytikas makes you feel like a god. It’s a steep, tough hike to the top but the reward is absolutely amazing.
• Musala (Bulgaria – 2,925m): The highest in the Balkans. You can take a lift halfway up, making the final summit push very achievable for a day trip but I recommend to do the whole ascent from Borovets, stay at the Ledeno Ezero hut under the peak and make it to the top for sunrise. You won’t regret it.
• Zla Kolata (Montenegro – 2,534m): This is maybe the most beautiful part of Balkan mountains. My wife and I had a wonderful hike there… until we met a bear on the way back to civilization. Did we survive? Check out my article what happened!
• Maglić (Bosnia & Herzegovina – 2,386m): Offers a breathtaking ferrata experience to the top. It’s steep, a bit scary for people scared of heights but the views are wonderful. This is another very underrated peak which should be on your bucket list.
• Golem Korab (Albania/North Macedonia – 2,764m): This mountain is shared by two countries and it’s the highest of both of them so you can catch two birds with one stone here. And you’ll love it. The grassy slopes and high pastures make it feel like the Alps 50 years ago.
• Dinara (Croatia – 1,831m): Most people visit Croatia to spend summer there on a beach but mountains are fantastic here too! Dinara is a beautiful limestone giant which you can’t skip on your beach holiday if you come here. Just be careful. It’s very hot and dry in the summer, so carry plenty of water.
• Rudoka e Madhe (Kosovo – 2,658m): Offers a long beautiful and remote hike that you won’t forget. My hike there was spiced up by a surprise snow shower which made me feel like I am walking in a landscape coated with powdered sugar.
• Midžor (Serbia – 2,169m): Is the least steep peak of the Balkan gems but its starting point Babin Zub offers a cool ski resort next to a rock which looks like a grandma’s tooth. No surprise that the nearby village was called like that.
• Moldoveanu (Romania – 2,544m): We will end this section with another of my favourite peaks of the project. Moldoveanu peak is located in the middle of the Făgăraș Mountains. It’s a long, multi-day trek to the peak, but the “Transylvanian Alps” are worth every step.

The “Central & Eastern” Hikes with Amazing Hospitality

• Sněžka (Czechia – 1,603m): I’ve climbed this mountain more times than I can count. It’s the soul of Czech hiking and once you’ll visit it you’ll understand why. Views are wonderful and the huts on the ridge offer fantastic hospitality. My secret tip is to visit the highest one Luční Bouda – there is even a brewery when you can take a beer spa. What a mountain experience!
• Rysy (Poland – 2,501m): The highest point of Poland lies on the border with Slovakia. Just a few hundred meters from the peak on the Slovakian side, you’ll find the cosiest hut I’ve visited – Chata Pod Rysmi. Stay there overnight and get to the top for sunrise. Unbelieveable experience!
• Hoverla (Ukraine – 2,061m): Hoverla offers a wonderful hike and views. I can’t wait for the war to be over so I can visit it again.

The “Peaks of Iberian Peninsula”

• Mulhacén (Spain – 3,482m): The highest on the Iberian Peninsula is surprisingly tough to reach. It’s a long hike from civilization and I met there multiple people with altitude sickness. You will feel here like on Mars. No water, dust and wonderful red views during sunset.
• Coma Pedrosa (Andorra – 2,942m): Was another highlight of European Peaks. This beautiful peak was an excellent choice for a skitouring summit. Just don’t be stupid like me and don’t climb it in shorts if it’s too nice weather. My calves got extremely sunburnt.

The “Peaks of the Alps”

Before we move to the Alpine Giants, the most challenging ascents of European Peaks, there are other peaks in the Alps which offer fantastic experiences. Triglav and Zugspitze are secured with via ferrata so you can experience this exposed terrain in a safe way and Vorder Grauspitz is a hidden gem of the Alps which only a few tourists know about.

• Triglav (Slovenia – 2,864m): It’s said that you aren’t a true Slovenian until you’ve stood on Triglav. If you want to become one, you’ll climb this massive limestone tower via a steep, thrilling via ferrata and you’ll be rearded by the best views in the Julian Alps. I strongly recommend to stay at the Kredarica hut, just below the peak so you can easily make it to the top during sunrise.
• Zugspitze (Germany – 2,962m): While there is a cable car coming to the top, the “real” way is via the Höllental. It involves a gorge, a glacier, and a long via ferrata. I am sure you will take the difficult but epic way up.
• Vorder Grauspitz (Liechtenstein – 2,599m): This one is a bit “spicy.” It involves some scrambling on loose rock so you have to be careful. But you will love it. You will pass a hiking tunnel on the way to the top and the views are magnificent. This is a very underrated mountain.

PRO TIP: These peaks are also perfect as acclimatization and training for the Alpine Giants.

Tier 3: The “Alpine Giants” (6 Peaks)

Adrenaline, thin air, and total focus. This is where the “hiking” stops and the “mountaineering” begins. If Tier 1 was a stroll and Tier 2 was a trek, Tier 3 is a real challenge. These are the peaks that kept me awake at night during my world-record expedition. They require specialized equipment such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses, ropes and most importantly, the knowledge of how to use them. For these summits, you don’t just check the weather; you study the mountain.

The “Big Three” of Europe

These are the massive summits that every serious climber dreams of.

• Mont Blanc (France/Italy – 4,808m): The roof of the Alps and, statistically, the deadliest mountain in the world is a real physical test. Most people take the Gouter route, but don’t underestimate the Grand Couloir. Once it gets warm, it’s a bowling alley of falling rocks. I strongly recommend to book a guide if you haven’t done a similarly difficult climb.
• Mount Elbrus (Russia – 5,642m): Technically the highest point in Europe. It is classified as a potentially active volcano but don’t worry. It hasn’t erupted in thousands of years. There is another challenge – extreme cold and the high altitude. Even though the climb isn’t technically difficult, it’s a “Giant” in every sense of the word. I myself experienced there a crazy storm. Be careful and don’t underestimate the dangers there.
• Dufourspitze (Switzerland – 4,634m): This is the toughest peak of the entire 45-mountain project. The approach is long, the altitude is punishing, and the final steep ridge requires serious climbing. For me, it was for sure the biggest test in my climbing life and I am very proud I made it to the top.

The “Technical Beauties”

These peaks might be lower than the Big Three, but they also require a high level of skill.

• Grossglockner (Austria – 3,798m): Austria’s highest point is a serious climb where you’ll be very exposed. A guide is a must if you miss climbing partners and/or if you don’t have experience with climbing on rope. My secret tip is to skip the most busy times of the year if you don’t want to end up in queues like I did during a July weekend.
• Gerlachovský štít (Slovakia – 2,655m): Slovakia is the only country where it isn’t allowed to climb the highest peak without a mountain guide (unless you are a member of a climbing club). It’s a complex scramble through rocky couloirs where rope security is a must.
• Hvannadalshnúkur (Iceland – 2,110m): A massive glacier hike. The danger here isn’t the steepness, but the hidden crevasses. You must be roped up and be very careful but once you are standing on the summit, you’ll never forget the view over the vast glacier together with the Atlantic Ocean.

The “Bonus” Summits: Beyond the Geographical Borders

While my project focused on the 45 European Peaks that define the European continent, there are a few “bonus” mountains that every adventurer should have on their radar. You might wonder why Mount Teide (the highest point of Spain), Mount Pico (the highest of Portugal), or the rugged Slættaratindur (the Faroe Islands’ crown) aren’t in the main list.

The reason is simple: for my expedition, I followed the strict Guinness World Record definition, which states that the peaks must be located within the geographical borders of Europe. Geographically speaking, Teide sits in Africa, Pico is a volcanic giant in the mid-Atlantic, and the Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory in the North Atlantic. They may not have counted toward the official “European” record, but they are absolutely spectacular. If you have the chance, climb them anyway. At the end of the day, a world-class view doesn’t care about continental shelf definitions!

Quick Look: The “Exotic” European High Points

• Mount Teide (Spain – 3,718m): Located on Tenerife, it’s significantly higher than Mulhacén on the mainland and offers a surreal, volcanic landscape that feels like another planet. You can experience here the longest volcanic shadow in the world.
• Mount Pico (Portugal – 2,351m): Located in the Azores, it’s a perfectly shaped stratovolcano rising directly from the sea. This mountain is still on my to climb list. If you’ve been here, send me a message how your climb was!
• Slættaratindur (Faroe Islands – 880m): While Møllehøj is the highest point of “Denmark proper,” this is the true roof of the Faroes. On a clear day, some say you can see all 18 islands of the archipelago.

Conclusion: Why Climbing All European Peaks?

When I finished my last European Peak in Liechtenstein, I didn’t feel like a world-record holder but I felt fullfiled. It really felt like – now I have “seen” Europe. I saw the contrast between the quiet forests of the Baltics and the fascinating peaks of the Alps. If you are looking for a “Scenic Quick-Win” to tick off a new country, or you want to test your soul on an “Alpine Giant,” the European Peaks project is the perfect way to explore this continent.

My Final Advice for Your Journey:

1. Respect the Mountain: Even the “easiest” peak can be dangerous in a storm. I read a story that someone managed to break a leg on the way to Møllehøj.
2. Invest in Experience: If you are moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3, hire a guide. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make.
3. Capture the Moment: Don’t just rush to the top for the records. Look around. The best viewpoints aren’t always at the summit. They are often in the struggle along the way.
4. Browse the Full List of 45 Peaks for technical stats and maps.
5. Join the waitlist for my English Book, European Peaks, for the full, untold stories of the expedition.

Be the first to get my European Peaks book!

I’m working hard to translate my Czech book about the highest peak of every European country to English now and it will be published soon!

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