Elbrus is the best. The highest of European mountain peaks (5642 m above sea level), one of the most beautiful places on the planet, the most attractive place for athletes and travelers.
You can talk a lot about him, and everything is superb. It is full of beauties and wonders. Here are just a few widely known and at the same time unusual facts about the legendary peak.
Two sevens
Elbrus is included in the list of "Seven Summits". It includes the highest mountains in the world such as Everest and Kilimanjaro. The most striking view of the Black and Caspian Seas opens from its top.
According to the results of the popular vote held in 2007, the magnificent Elbrus entered the "Seven Wonders of the World of Russia", along with Lake Baikal, the Kamchatka Valley of Geysers and others. Glaciers, and there are more than 20 of them flowing from here, feed all the main rivers of the Caucasus.
Stratovolcano
Yes, it is a volcano, but dormant. The last activity was recorded 900 years ago. Volcanologists are monitoring the processes. Their research suggests that Elbrus will wake up, perhaps even in the next 50 years. This is evidenced by the release of gases, chloride and sulfuric acid.
But this only adds excitement to climbers, the number of ascents does not decrease. Perhaps people are just in a hurry. Indeed, in the event of an eruption, the place will become dangerous.
Two peaks
Elbrus is two-headed. The distance between the peaks is 1.5 km. The western peak is 21 meters higher than the eastern one. Between them is the Shelter of Eleven Hotel, which is considered the highest in the world.
The first conqueror of the eastern summit was the conductor of the expedition of Russian climbers in 1829. And only half a century later they managed to climb the western peak. English athletes did it. In 1910, the Swiss were able to conquer two peaks in one trip. This rise was called the "Elbrus cross".
Place of ancient civilizations
The mountain has been a place of power since ancient times. Expeditions discovered a cult sanctuary in the northern part of Elbrus - a site with huge megaliths, which were worshiped by people who inhabited the Elbrus region in antiquity.
At one of the peaks of the Kalitsky peak, the researchers found man-made pillars in the form of warriors in helmets and a place for sacrifices.
Many legends and myths
The mountain attracts not only climbers and scientists, but also bioenergetics, mystics and esotericists. Elbrus is shrouded in secrets and legends. Just a few of them:
- About two heroes, Kazbek and Elbrus, vying for the love of the girl Mashuk. As a result, all three turned into mountains.
- About the ark of Noah, who asked for shelter from the mountain during the flood. Elbrus refused, and Noah wished in a curse the grief of eternal winter at the top.
- In ancient Greek myths, it was here that the gods chained Prometheus, who stole fire from them for people. And an eagle flew here to peck at the hero's liver.
- There is a version that the Argonauts came to Elbrus in search of the golden fleece.
- It is believed that the mountain is a cosmic antenna for communication with the Universe. Having been here, people notice a surge of energy, and a significant one.
- Esoterics went further. According to their theory, this is where the last battle between the forces of good and evil will take place.
- According to ancient legends, the mental entrance to the mythical Shambhala, the land of happiness, is hidden here. It was him that Hitler was looking for, sending his units to Elbrus
The climb that hit the Guinness Book of Records
In 1997, Russian climbers not only climbed to the top, but did it by car. Of course, it was an SUV, a Land Rover. Moreover, its design was significantly changed, adapting it to the task. The climbers have previously gone all the way, trying on the capabilities of the machine to the mountain. The preparation lasted for a year.
The ascent of the "iron climber" and the team lasted 44 days. On September 13, the Land Rover took up the altitude. And stayed on it for a month. A month later, the team members returned for the car. But during the descent, he fell into the abyss and crashed. And in the Guinness book the highest mountain road accident is registered.
Cellular everywhere
This fact is from a series of modern, but rather unusual. It is known that in the mountains and even in the foothills, mobile phones work very selectively. But since 2018, on all routes of climbers, on ski slopes, and even at the top, there is not only a stable connection, but also a mobile Internet.
The cellular communication facility on Elbrus is considered the highest in the whole of Eastern Europe.
