Lithospheric temperature distributions, Moho heat flow and the thermal thickness of the lithosphere along the European geotraverse were numerically calculated for a simple 3-D geothermal model. Relatively low crustal temperatures dominate the Baltic shield (T M 400-500°C), while high Moho temperatures of up to 900-1000°C are to be expected in the Alpine-Mediterranean area. Also the expected heat flow from below the crust may vary from less than 20 mW m - 2 in northern Europe, to over 50-60 mW m - 2 in the south. The results for two different approaches to assess the lithospheric temperature field are given, compared and discussed in terms of the data reliability.