Elbrus

Elbrus is the highest mountain of Russia and in the Caucasus. It is often also regarded as Europe’s highest peak, making it one of the Seven Summits. The lower east summit of Elbrus was first climbed in 1829. The higher west summit was first reached in 1874. The normal route to the top is not particularly difficult. Thus the mountain was already climbed frequently during Soviet times. The great altitudes, low temperatures and harsh winds remain the biggest obstacles on the way to the summit. Because of the extreme cold winter ascents are still very rare.