Whether you climb up them, ski down them or drive around them, there’s no denying a mountain’s beauty. With many dating back millions of years, these mighty monoliths are a testament to Mother Nature’s endurance and artistic talent. And although each one is impressive in its own right, we all have favourites (and that’s okay). Ready to be amazed by these hefty hunks of rock? Read on to discover our pick of the most beautiful mountains in the world...
- Vinicuna, Peru
- Kirkjufell, Iceland
- Mount Fuji, Japan
- Mitre Peak, New Zealand
- Table Mountain, South Africa
Vinicuna, Peru
When it comes to the most beautiful mountains in the world, Vinicuna in Peru is pretty hard to beat. So nice they named it twice (or four times, to be exact – Vinicuna, Siete Colores, Cerra Colorado and Rainbow Mountain), this multi-coloured spectacle boasts an eccentric colour palette to match its diverse geological history; the ripples of red, yellow, green and purple are the result of mineral deposits across millions of years. Begrudgingly, we have climate change to thank for this wonder. Up until recently, it was completely covered by ice and snow, but global warming saw an end to that. Every cloud, hey.
Kirkjufell, Iceland
Kirkjufell, meaning Church Mountain in plain-old English, is a steeple-shaped sensation found on the north shore of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Rising a mighty 1,519ft above sea level, TV triviaphiles may recognise the wonder from Game of Thrones – Icelanders, however, know it as the most photographed mountain in the country. And it’s a claim we can’t deny. Backed by the Northern Lights, mirrored in the surrounding sea and sprinkled with nearby waterfalls, it’s more than worthy of an Insta post.
Mount Fuji, Japan
As solitary as it is stunning, Mount Fuji appears to sprout from nowhere. Surrounded by a pancake-flat landscape and admired from nearby Tokyo, on clear days, the active stratovolcano can be seen from as far as 186 miles away. Other than its impressive size – Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan – it’s one of the most beautiful mountains in the world thanks to its symmetrical, snow-capped peak and the lakes, forests, and hot springs that dot its base. If admiring it from a distance isn’t enough, in the summer months, you can take your pick from one of four mountain trails and witness its beauty up close.
Mitre Peak, New Zealand
Jutting from the fjord in the South Island’s Milford Sound, Mitre Peak is an oh-so-dramatic mountain flaunting an iconic, razor-edge ridge. While not the tallest mountain in the world, at 5,551ft, it’s one of the tallest to rise directly from the sea (a feat well worth acknowledging). Its striking beauty is best appreciated from afar, however. Weeks of planning, a window of good weather and a helicopter ride are required before you can even begin scrambling along the unmarked path. Talk about playing hard to get.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Step aside, menacing peaks – Table Mountain’s here to play. Visually striking for its flat top resembling – you guessed it – a table, this iconic natural landmark dominates Cape Town’s skyline. Yet Table Mountain deserves a spot on our list of the most beautiful mountains in the world for more than its appearance; it also offers some seriously stunning views from the top. Think miles of sprawling beaches on one side, skyscrapers on the other and Robben Island somewhere in the distance. Divine.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Carol Sachs.
