In a world filled with wonders, there’s no more majestic and serene beauty than that of mountains. Mountains call to humans to climb their summits or capture them through a photo or painting, as they are featured in myths and legends. You’ll be stunned at places around the world with unique rock formations. Explore these 10 beautiful mountains around the world!
Table Mountain is located in South Africa
Located in the city of Cape Town and Table Mountain National Park, Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. At an elevation of about 1084m (3558ft) above sea level, this flat-topped mountain offers a striking backdrop to the city, and is around 600 million years old – it truly is a sight to behold.
Dry weather from November to March, and hike several relatively easy trails that take you to unique plants. It’s a reward you will be given with a sense of achievement and a panoramic view of the Atlantic coast. For a less difficult climb, take the cable car up to the peak, and watch the ground for the fluffy rock hyrax, which is home to this mountain.
Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand
This tall mountain is visible on the horizon; its name translates as ‘cloud piercer’. It is New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,724m (12,218ft) in the South Island. The name Aoraki (Mount Cook) has great cultural significance to the area and is the name of an old Māori story of Aoraki and his three brothers, the sons of Rakinui (the Sky Father). They were stranded and capsized in one of their canoes while out traveling by sea. When the cold blast of southern wind struck, they were turned to stone; the brothers got on top of the canoe. The canoe was the South Island, and Aoraki and his brothers were the peaks of the Southern Alps.
Here stargazing is spectacular, far from the lights of the city. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve and is the ultimate location to see the night sky in all its glory, with beautiful mountains surrounding you.
Mount Assiniboine, Canada
Considered one of the most recognizable mountains in the Canadian Rockies, the Matterhorn of the Rockies is known as Mount Assiniboine. Straddling the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, this unique pyramidal peak is part of both Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Banff National Park.
If you’re looking to get up close and personal with this majestic, stunning mountain, there are a number of trails for you to take, but they’re not for the faint of heart. The Canadian Rockies are packed with opportunities for outdoor activities. Or, take a drive or train trip through the Rockies and experience it for yourself. Along the Icefield Parkway, the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and turquoise-blue lakes are among the most iconic of North America.
Mount Kirkjufell, Iceland
Even though it’s just 463 m (1,519 ft), the conical peak of Kirkjufell, just 2 hrs north of Reykjavik, is one of the most memorable of all the sights in Iceland. It’s a memorable sight when viewed under the dancing Northern Lights.
It was used as one of the locations for the former Game of Thrones production, and is a favourite place for photographers to visit for its iconic photo opportunities of the three streams of the three nearby falls being captured in one shot. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, and it’s been so many times photographed, but so many times it’s just absolutely stunning – in the snow as well as in the sun!
Vinicunca, Peru
Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain or Montaña de Siete Colores) is a remarkable natural phenomenon found in the Andes Mountains of Peru. This colorful painting has been created by nature itself; the mineralogical content of the paint has created coloured stripes of red, green and gold, a surreal combination, which defies the ordinary.
The mountain has long been known by the local populations and has been sacred to the local indigenous Quechua people, but in recent times has become a popular worldwide tourist destination. The local communities and authorities are now collaborating to sustain the natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain and ensure that the tourist sector will be a part of the local economy, without compromising the environment – so that this wonder can be enjoyed by future generations.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Arguably the most well-known mountain in the world, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and can be found on the bucket list of many travelers (and for good reason). Mount Fuji is famous for its near-perfect symmetrical cone shape, topped with snow for approximately 5 months of the year, and is a sacred site for Shintoism and Buddhism for centuries. There are several shrines and temples on the mountain, such as the Sengen Shrine, which is the traditional starting point of the pilgrimage to the summit.
From a challenge to climb to the top to the Japanese mountain seen from a Tokyo skyscraper or from a bullet train en route to Osaka, Mount Fuji’s majesty captured in ancient paintings is still alive.
The mountain known as Fitz Roy, Argentina
The rugged beauty and steep climbs of Mount Fitz Roy make it a mountaineer’s dream and an outdoor enthusiast’s delight. This is also referred to as “Cerro Fitz Roy”, a prominent peak in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which borders Argentina and Chile. At 3,405 m (11,171 ft), this rock and ice spire is regarded as one of the world’s biggest challenges.
S. El Chaltén is a nearby small village that is the main access point for the trails surrounding Mount Fitz Roy. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or simply looking for a leisurely hike through the Patagonian wild, you’ll be assured of great scenic beauty and breathtaking views of stunning mountains in the trekking capital of Argentina.
Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo), Italy
This impressive mountain group in the Italian Dolomites is comprised of three peaks: Cima Piccola, Cima Grande and Cima Ovest. The Dolomites are certainly one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe – with all its beautiful mountains. The Italian mountain chain is even recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and geological value as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009! In the summer season (when most of the snow has receded from the mountain peaks), walkers come in droves to enjoy some of the finest walks!
The Three Peaks of Lavaredo are arguably one of the most famous walks that the tourist can undertake when visiting the Italian Alps. As the name implies, it’s three striking, steep-sided limestone peaks that give you a wonderful view from every viewpoint. That’s the star of the show, but you’ll see even more spectacular views on the way with tranquil alpine lakes, lush meadows strewn with wildflowers, and sweeping vistas.
Stetind, Norway
The gigantic granite icon is Norway’s national mountain. A well-known landmark amongst sailors along the coast, the vertical, steep mountain looks like an anvil and rises majestically from the sea. It has been a source of inspiration and attraction for climbers, artists and photographers from all over the world over the years.
At 1,392m (4,567ft) above sea level, the Stetind may not be the tallest mountain in Norway – but surrounded by fjords and coastal landscapes, it’s highly revered for its stunning summit views that are worth the grueling climb to the top.
Montserrat, Spain
The ‘Saw’ or Montserrat, as the range is known, gets its name from its jaggedness. It’s also called the same name for the well-known monastery located halfway up the mountain. Both the mountain and monastery are easily reached from Barcelona by a day trip.
It has a Benedictine monastery, called Santa Maria de Montserrat, where 60 Benedictine monks live and which is home to a revered statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Catalonia, for whom pilgrims and visitors come to see. The monastery dates back to the 11th century. A wide range of hiking trails, offering something for all ages and experience levels, from easy strolls to more strenuous ascents up its summits, and views from the top that are definitely worth the effort.
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