Sizzling Europe

Known as the highest mountain in Europe, Mount Elbrus is situated in the western Caucasus Mountains in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia and is near the border of Georgia. It stands about 5,642 meters and its east summit is about 5,621.

It has a permanent icecap that feeds 22 glaciers that give rise to the Baksan, Kuban and Malka Rivers. The ancient people call the mountain as Strobilus which is the Latin term for “pine cone” and it is also a direct loan from Greek strobilus that means “a twisted object.” It basically describes the shape of the volcano’s summit. It was in the year 1959 when a cable car system was created in stages which can take visitors as high as 3,800 meters.

Every summer, it is common for 100 people to be attempting the summit through the straight up route to the slope. However, every winter, ascents are rare and they are usually undertaken only by experienced climbers.

mount elbrus, europe, destination