Europe is pure magnificence when it comes to winter destinations as it is home to some of the world-class and extraordinary ski resorts, such as Zermatt in Switzerland, Courchevel Tourisme in France, Innsbruck in Austria, and many more.
Europe is a smorgasbord of rich culture, timeless structures like castles and cathedrals, beaches with the finest sands and the sunniest spots, magnificent vistas over the mountains and the seas.
Unlike other continents like Asia, Europe is just a small continent but is home to some longest mountain ranges that also constitute about 20% of the continent’s total landmass.
Mountains have colorful physical beauty and historical value as they were used by warlords and explorers and were a significant part of many trade routes and military triumphs.
Here are the longest and spectacular mountain ranges in Europe.
Scandinavian Mountains
Also called the Scandes, this mountain range stretches through the Scandinavian Peninsula. Although the mountains are not too high, they are notable for their steepness. Its northern area is prone to ice fields and glaciers. The Kebnekaise is the highest point is at 2,469 meters (8,100 feet.)
Carpathian Mountains
Stretching across Eastern and Central Europe, the Carpathian mountain is the second-longest mountain range in the region. It can be divided into three major sections: Eastern Carpathians, Western Carpathians, and the Southern Carpathians. This range is home to the second-largest virgin forest in Europe and is a habitat to a large population of brown bears, wolves, chamois, and lynx. The Gerlachovský štít is the highest point at 2,654 meters.
Alps
The Alps mountains are perhaps the most famous mountain range in the continent, and it stretches across eight countries: France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Monaco, and Liechtenstein. The Alps boasts as one of the most loved travel destinations in the world. Farming and forestry are significant contributors to these mountains’ economies, along with tourism. Mont Blanc is the highest point at 4,810 meters (15,781 feet.)
Caucasus Mountains
The mountain range is featured by its length and its dividing line between Europe and Asia. This mountain range is very significant to the historical trade route known as the Silk Road that connected the ancient Eastern and Western world. During 207 BCE, the road was used in transporting silk and other good via horses. Mount Elbrus is the highest point at 5,642 meters.
Apennine Mountains
The Apennine mountain range stretches the Italian Peninsula’s length. In 2000, Italy’s Environment Ministry suggested extending the range to incorporate Northern Sicily’s mountains. The inclusion would result in 1,500 kilometers long, tying in length with the Carpathians. Corno Grande is the highest point at 2,912 meters.
Pyrenees
The Pyrenees Mountains in Southwest Europe form a natural boundary between Spain and France. The range is approximately 491 km from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay and separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe. Aneto is the highest peak at 3,404 m.
Dinaric Alps
This mountain range runs in Southern and Southeastern Europe that form a natural boundary between the Adriatic Sea and the Balkan Peninsula. It is 645 km long and passes through Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. Maja Jezercë, with an elevation of 2,694 m, is the highest peak in the range.
Balkan Mountains
In the eastern Balkan Peninsula lies this mountain range that stretches approximately 557 km from the Vrashka Chuka Peak near the Bulgaria-Siberia border to Cape Emine along the coast of the Black Sea.
The central part of Bulgaria has the highest peaks of the Balkan Mountains. Botev Peak, with an elevation of 2,376 m, is the tallest peak. Numerous caves found within the range are a significant tourist attraction of the region.
Ural Mountains
This mountain range forms part of the natural boundary between Europe and Asia as the mountains run through western Russia, from the coast of the Arctic Ocean to the Ural River and Kazakhstan. Several islands, such as Vaygach Island and Novaya Zemlya’s islands, are parts of the Ural Mountains that run below the sea and emerge again on the islands. The mountains are abundant in minerals, including coal, metal ores, and precious stones, making mining in the region a significant contributor to Russia’s economy.
Black Forest
The Black Forest, approximately 160 km long, is in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is a vast forested area bordering the Rhine Valley to the south and west. Feldberg Mountain is the highest peak at an elevation of 1,493 m.
Owl Mountains
This mountain range in southwestern Poland has approximately 26 km in length and extends from Kłodzko Land to the historic Lower Silesian region. Wielka Sowa, an elevation of 1,014.8 m, is the highest peak in the Owl Mountains. The Owl Mountain Landscape Park protects a significant part of the range and its landscape.