Why do the Ural Mountains not greatly block travel between Europe and Siberia?

The Ural Mountains do not significantly block travel between Europe and Siberia because they are not a singular, impenetrable barrier. Instead, the range is composed of a series of broken, parallel ridges with relatively modest elevations, typically ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 feet (900 and 1,500 metres).1

The geography of the system facilitates transit in several ways:

• Low Passes: Several low passes cut through the mountain system, particularly within the Central Urals. These gaps serve as the primary corridors for major transportation routes connecting Europe to Siberia, specifically between the cities of Perm and Yekaterinburg.1
• Topography: While the range extends 1,300 miles, much of the terrain consists of flattened summits and broad, eroded surfaces known as peneplains. Even in sections where the mountains are more pronounced, the broken nature of the ridges prevents the formation of a continuous, impassable wall.12

Would you like to learn more about the specific historical trade routes that utilized these mountain passes?