Europe's cities span a wide range of elevations — from Amsterdam's canals below sea level to Madrid's sun-baked plateau and Andorra's mountain valleys. While Europe lacks the extreme altitudes of the Andes or Himalayas, its highest cities still sit well above typical European terrain, enjoying cooler climates, dramatic alpine scenery, and unique geography. Here is the complete ranking of Europe's highest cities by elevation above sea level.
Check your elevation →Elevation comparison of European cities (not to scale)
Ranking: Top 15 Highest Cities in Europe
| Rank | City | Country | Elevation | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andorra la Vella | Andorra | 1,023 m (3,356 ft) | ~23,000 |
| 2 | Madrid | Spain | 667 m (2,188 ft) | ~3,400,000 |
| 3 | Prishtina | Kosovo | 652 m (2,139 ft) | ~210,000 |
| 4 | Sofia | Bulgaria | 595 m (1,952 ft) | ~1,300,000 |
| 5 | Innsbruck | Austria | 574 m (1,883 ft) | ~132,000 |
| 6 | Bern | Switzerland | 542 m (1,778 ft) | ~134,000 |
| 7 | Munich | Germany | 519 m (1,703 ft) | ~1,500,000 |
| 8 | Sarajevo | Bosnia & Herzegovina | 511 m (1,676 ft) | ~275,000 |
| 9 | Zurich | Switzerland | 408 m (1,339 ft) | ~430,000 |
| 10 | Geneva | Switzerland | 375 m (1,230 ft) | ~200,000 |
| 11 | Grenoble | France | 214 m (702 ft) | ~160,000 |
| 12 | Vienna | Austria | 171 m (561 ft) | ~1,900,000 |
| 13 | Athens | Greece | 70 m (230 ft) | ~3,100,000 |
| 14 | Paris | France | 35 m (115 ft) | ~2,200,000 |
| 15 | Berlin | Germany | 34 m (112 ft) | ~3,700,000 |
Elevation Comparison Chart
Andorra la Vella: Europe's Highest Capital
Perched in a mountain valley at 1,023 meters (3,356 ft), Andorra la Vella is Europe's highest capital city and the world's only capital of a co-principality (governed jointly by the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell). The city sits at the confluence of the Valira del Nord and Valira d'Orient rivers in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Despite its tiny size (population ~23,000), Andorra la Vella is famous for duty-free shopping, attracting millions of visitors annually from Spain and France. Its high altitude gives it cold winters with reliable snowfall — making the surrounding ski resorts internationally popular.
Madrid: Highest Capital in the EU
Madrid sits at 667 meters on Spain's central Meseta plateau, making it the highest capital city in the European Union. Its elevation is directly responsible for its continental climate — extreme heat in summer (regularly exceeding 40°C), cold winters with frost and occasional snow, and very low humidity. The city's altitude also means it has cleaner air than many sea-level European capitals and dramatic views to the surrounding Guadarrama mountain range.
The phrase "de Madrid al cielo" (from Madrid to heaven) — meaning there's nowhere better than Madrid — also reflects the city's elevated position and the vast, open skies above the plateau.
Alpine Cities: Innsbruck and Sarajevo
Innsbruck, Austria's fifth-largest city (574 m), is surrounded by mountains exceeding 2,000 m and hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1964 and 1976). Sarajevo (511 m) similarly sits in a valley surrounded by mountains that reach over 1,800 m — the same terrain that made the city famous during the 1984 Winter Olympics and tragically, the 1992–1996 siege.
Switzerland dominates mid-table with three cities in the top 10: Bern (542 m, the federal capital), Zurich (408 m, the largest city), and Geneva (375 m, the international city). All three sit on the Swiss Plateau between the Alps and the Jura Mountains.
Interesting Facts About High-Altitude European Cities
- Madrid's Barajas Airport (582 m) is one of the highest major airports in Europe, requiring slightly longer takeoff runs due to thinner air.
- Andorra la Vella is simultaneously the EU's smallest capital (by population) and its highest (by elevation) — though Andorra is not actually in the EU.
- Innsbruck means "bridge over the Inn river" — the city has been an important Alpine crossing point since Roman times.
- Sofia, Bulgaria's capital at 595 m, is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The nearby Vitosha mountain (2,290 m) is visible from the city center and has ski runs accessible by public transport.
- Munich sits at 519 m — higher than Vienna (171 m) despite being further north. The Alps visible from Munich on clear days lie 60 km to the south.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest city in Europe?
Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, is Europe's highest capital at 1,023 m (3,356 ft). Among major EU cities, Madrid (667 m) is highest. Note: many small Alpine villages sit higher, but are not considered cities.
What is the highest capital city in the EU?
Madrid, Spain sits at 667 m (2,188 ft) — the highest capital in the EU. Andorra la Vella (1,023 m) is higher but Andorra is not an EU member state.
Is Munich higher than Vienna?
Yes. Munich sits at ~519 m above sea level while Vienna is at ~171 m. Munich's higher elevation is due to its position on the Bavarian foothills of the Alps.
Which Swiss city is highest above sea level?
Among Switzerland's major cities, Bern (federal capital) sits highest at 542 m, followed by Zurich (408 m) and Geneva (375 m). Many smaller Swiss towns in the Alps sit far higher — Davos at 1,560 m, St. Moritz at 1,822 m.
What European city is lowest below sea level?
Amsterdam sits at approximately −2 m in its city center. Rotterdam also has areas below sea level. About 26% of the Netherlands lies below sea level, protected by the world's most advanced dike and pumping system.