No doubt, the vast landmass west of the Ural mountains belongs to Europe. Geology and geography, flora and fauna, ethnics and culture – they all underline this almost physical connection. Still, Russia is so much wilder, bigger, and more remote than any other country in Europe. As Russia has the longest rivers, biggest nature reserves, largest primeaval forests, wildest areas, least visited wilderness, it is no wonder the highest mountains in Europe lie in the Caucasus range with Mount Elbrus, overlooking the rest of Europe from a majestic peak of 5.642 m.