Guide To The Hardest Mountains To Climb In Europe

If you're the type who gets excited at the mere mention of steep ascents, rugged terrains, and breathtaking views, then you're in the right place!

Europe, with its diverse landscapes, offers some of the most exhilarating and demanding mountain climbing experiences in the world.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the rugged trails of the Pyrenees, each mountain here tells its own tale of adventure, endurance, and awe-inspiring beauty.

Here at Skyhook, we offer some of the best climbing trips through Europe's most formidable mountains.

These are also some of the highest mountains in the world that have been challenging for seasoned climbers and enthusiastic beginners alike.

Whether you're a pro with a penchant for high altitudes or a newbie with a heart full of courage, there's a mountain here that's calling your name.

Mont Blanc reigns supreme as the hardest mountain to climb in Europe. It features an imposing height that challenges climbers both mentally and physically. 

Novices grapple with crevasses and unpredictable avalanches, while experienced mountaineers navigate shifting ice and treacherous rock faces. 

The reward for summiting is not just the sense of accomplishment but also the awe-inspiring panoramic views that await at the top.

Ready to try this tough climb?

You can book a 4-day Tour du Mont Black climb, or a 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc trip with us at Skyhook.

Click here for more Swiss trips around Mont Blanc with us too!

Eiger, with its notorious North Face in the Swiss Alps is an emblem of challenge for mountain climbers.

The sheer rock walls and the ever-present threat of falling ice make it one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe. 

Technical prowess and mental fortitude are prerequisites, as the mountain is notorious for its unpredictable weather that can change in an instant. 

The Matterhorn, a pyramid-shaped peak straddling the Swiss-Italian border, beckons with its razor-sharp ridges and unpredictable weather. 

It is undeniably one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe, demanding a blend of technical rock climbing and navigating steep ice slopes.

It's one of many fantastic mountains to climb before Everest to help you prepare mentally.

The summit rewards you with breathtaking views and an unparalleled sense of accomplishment, also making it one of the best mountains to climb in Europe.

Our Matterhorn highlights hiking guide gives you a valuable peek into what to expect during your trip with us, enabling you to plan better.

Dufourspitze, the crown jewel of the Monte Rosa massif in the Pennine Alps, entices climbers with towering ice faces and crevasse-laden glaciers. 

When climbing, you must contend with the high altitude and some technical difficulties.

In short, you need a combination of skill and resilience to conquer this alpine giant.

Grandes Jorasses, standing tall in the Mont Blanc massif, enthralls climbers with its towering north face featuring mixed rock and ice routes. 

The mountain's unpredictable weather and technical difficulties contribute to its status as one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe.

You will navigate seracs and crevasses for the ultimate alpine experience and the profound sense of achievement that comes with reaching the summit.

While not towering like some Alpine giants, Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, poses its own set of challenges. 

You'll find exposed ridges and steep faces, while the ever-changing weather conditions and the necessity for rock climbing skills make Zugspitze a formidable climb. 

If you do manage to climb this mountain, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps.

If you're looking for an epic Italian adventure, Gran Paradiso is nestled in the Graian Alps with a challenging ascent through glaciers and rocky terrain. 

Despite its lower altitude, the technical difficulties and unpredictable weather make it one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe. 

If you want to go hiking in the Gran Paradiso National Park, you'll need to master a combination of ice and rock-climbing skills.

That way, you can summit the mountain and enjoy stunning vistas that await at the pinnacle.

We recommend you start your trip with our Gran Paradiso Circuit trek here at Skyhook.

Austrian pride, Grossglockner, presents a challenging climb through rocky ridges and glaciated slopes.

Its altitude and fickle weather conditions contribute to its status as one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe. 

If you're a novice, you don't want to underestimate the mountain's technical difficulties.

You'll still appreciate the varied terrain that demands diverse skills if you're a more experienced mountaineer. 

Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, may not reach the heights of some Alpine giants, but it offers a challenging ascent through rugged terrain. 

Triglav makes our bucket list of mountains to climb with its demanding mix of rock climbing and via ferrata skills. This makes it a unique and challenging experience for climbers.

The changing weather conditions and the need for precise route-finding contribute to its status as one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe. 

You'll be rewarded not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with stunning views of the Julian Alps.

With us at Skyhook, you can join our Mount Triglav tour to experience this glorious peak first-hand.

Aneto is Spain's highest peak and boasts a challenging climb through glaciers and rocky terrain.

Hiking in the Pyrenees mountains present a unique set of challenges. You'll face technical climbing difficulties, unpredictable weather, and the need for altitude acclimatisation. 

Galdhøpiggen is Norway's highest peak - a challenging ascent through snowfields and rocky ridges. 

Despite its moderate height, the changing weather conditions and technical challenges make it one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe.

You'll navigate glacial terrain and steep slopes, with the reward of panoramic views from the summit.

Experience this phenomenal country first-hand with our best Norwegian tours, including hiking the Norwegian Fjords from Skyhook Adventure!

This Iberian Peninsula's highest peak entices climbers with a challenging ascent through rocky paths and snowfields. 

Climbing Mulhacén demands a mix of skills, from rock scrambling to snow and ice navigation.

Its status as one of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe is reinforced by the changing weather conditions and the sheer physical demands of the climb. 

When you summitthe mountain, you'll be exposed to a unique perspective of the Sierra Nevada and beyond.

Norway's second-highest peak, Snøhetta, offers a unique challenge with its rocky terrain and distinctive pyramidal shape. 

While its height may not rival other European giants, the technical difficulties and unpredictable weather make it one of the hardest mountains to climb. 

You will navigate rocky ridges and snowfields, facing challenges that require a mix of rock-climbing skills and winter mountaineering expertise.

But once you summit Snøhetta, you can soak in unparalleled views of the Dovre Mountains and the Norwegian landscape.

This region boasts some of the hardest mountains to climb in Europe for mountaineers, each with its unique set of obstacles and breathtaking views.

From the iconic Mont Blanc to the notorious Eiger, we at Skyhook Adventure offer curated hiking holidays catering to both seasoned climbers and adventurous hikers.

We promise some unforgettable climbing adventures amidst some of the most iconic mountains of the world.