Elbrus
Highest peak in Russia and Europe, a dormant stratovolcano.
Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in both Russia and Europe, is a dormant stratovolcano that rises to 5,642 meters above sea level, making it the highest volcano in Eurasia and the tenth most prominent mountain on Earth. Located in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, it sits in the western part of Ciscaucasia, roughly 100 kilometers from the Black Sea and 370 kilometers from the Caspian Sea, which is visible from the summit on exceptionally clear days. The mountain lies eleven kilometers north of the Greater Caucasus Watershed, which marks the border with Georgia, and is accessible via the A158 road through Prielbrusye National Park. Elbrus features two main summits, both dormant volcanic domes: the western summit, the taller at 5,642 meters, and the eastern summit at 5,621 meters, separated by a pass at 5,416 meters. The eastern summit was first ascended on 10 July 1829 by a Circassian man named Khillar Khashirov, while the western summit was first climbed in 1874 by a British expedition led by F. Crauford Grove. The volcano began forming about 10 million years ago, with its main caldera created around 700,000 years ago. Its snowfields feed 22 major glaciers and 77 secondary glaciers, which give rise to the Baksan, Kuban, and Malka rivers; these glaciers are receding, having lost between 80 and 500 meters in length. The longest lava flow extends 24 kilometers northeast from the crater, and fumaroles and hot springs still occur on the mountain’s slopes. The last eruption is estimated to have occurred around AD 50, and the volcano is considered dormant.
- Location
- Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia
- Type
- Dormant stratovolcano
- Prominence
- Tenth-most prominent peak in the world
Quick Facts
- Native Name
- kbd · Ӏуащхьэмахуэ / krc · Минги тау
- Elevation M
- 5642
- Prominence M
- 4741
- Prominence Ref
- Ranked 10th
- Map Size
- 325
- Listing
- Seven Summits / Volcanic Seven Summits / Country high point / Ultra
- Parent
- Lateral Range / Caucasus Mountains
- Topo Map
- Elbrus and Upper Baksan Valley by EWP
- Mountain Type
- Stratovolcano (dormant)
- Age
- Unknown
- Country
- Russia
- Subdivision1
- Kabardino-Balkaria · Karachay-Cherkessia
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The earliest recorded ascent of the eastern summit was on 10 July 1829 by a Circassian man named Khillar Khashirov. The western summit was first climbed in 1874 by a British expedition led by F. Crauford Grove and including Frederick Gardiner, Horace Walker and the Swiss guide Peter Knubel. The name Elbrus seems to have a connection with Alborz (also called Elburz), a mountain range in northern Iran, derived from Avestan Harā Bərəzaitī, a legendary mountain in Iranian mythology. Circassians use the name 'Uash-ha Makhua' which means 'The mountain of happiness'. The name 'Mingi Taw' used by Karachays and Balkars means 'Eternal Mountain' in Turkic languages.
Reader's Guide
Mount Elbrus is located in the northwest of the Caucasus, 100 kilometres from the Black Sea and 370 kilometres from the Caspian Sea. It rises 5,642 metres above sea level, eleven kilometres north of the Greater Caucasus Watershed, on the border of the Russian republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. It is the highest peak in both Russia and Europe. The volcano is currently considered dormant; evidence of recent volcanism includes several lava flows, solfataric activity, and hot springs. According to the Global Volcanism Program, the last eruption took place about AD 50. The longest lava flow extends 24 kilometres down the northeast summit. The western summit has a well-preserved volcanic crater about 250 metres in diameter.
Did You Know?
- Elbrus has two summits: the western summit is 5,642 metres and the eastern summit is 5,621 metres.
- The earliest recorded ascent of the eastern summit was on 10 July 1829 by a Circassian man named Khillar Khashirov.
- During World War II, German Gebirgsjäger climbed to the summit and planted a swastika flag on 21 August 1942.
- The name 'Mingi Taw' used by Karachays and Balkars means 'Eternal Mountain' in Turkic languages.
- Elbrus was formed more than 2.5 million years ago and its last eruption is estimated to have occurred about AD 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mount Elbrus located?
It sits in the Kabardino-Balkaria republic in southern Russia, forming part of the western extension of the Ciscaucasian mountain range.
Is Mount Elbrus an active volcano?
No—it is classified as dormant, meaning it is not currently erupting but retains the geological structure of a stratovolcano and could theoretically become active again.
Why is Mount Elbrus considered so significant?
Beyond topping both Russia and Europe, it is the highest volcano in all of Eurasia and ranks as the tenth-most prominent peak on the planet, making it a landmark in both geography and mountaineering history.
More in Notable Mountains And Peaks 1-23
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