Epilobium alpestre is present in the Central and Southern Europe (mainly in the Alps) and in Western Asia.

It occurs in high mountains at an elevation of 800–2,500 metres (2,600–8,200 ft) above sea level.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant with a robust, erect and hollow stem.

Leaves are usually broadly lanceolate, acuminate at the apex and rounded at the base, with irregularly toothed margins, in whorls of 3 or 4.

Corolla is pink, 1 to 1.5 cm wide, formed by four slightly indented petals and eight stamens.