12 Most Beautiful Mountains in the World for Nature Lovers

When it comes to the ultimate show of nature, few things can rival the world’s most beautiful mountains. From vast peaks that take days or months to climb to oddly shaped peaks that catch the eye, awe-inspiring mountains have captivated people for centuries.

With so many impressive peaks worldwide, deciding which ones to visit is challenging. Whether you’re a climbing expert, a nature lover, or a landscape photographer, you’re spoilt for choice. To help you choose the best ones to visit, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the world’s most beautiful mountains. We selected these based on overall grandeur.

Table of Contents

Paine Massif, Chile

Found in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, the first mountain on our list is Paine Massif in Torres del Paine National Park. Reaching heights of 9,462 feet (2,884 meters), it is famous for its tall granite peaks. Like something out of Godzilla, the landscape is dominated by three jagged peaks known as “Towers of Blue.”

Throw in the rugged mountain terrain surrounding the main peaks and a turquoise-colored glacial lake, and you’re in an adventurer’s paradise. Better still, Torres del Paine National Park offers nature enthusiasts the possibility of spotting the elusive puma. Your odds of spotting the puma are slim, but you never know!

Matterhorn, Switzerland

Despite standing at 14,691 feet tall (4,478 meters), the Matterhorn is only the 10th tallest mountain in Switzerland. However, that doesn’t stop it from arguably being the most beautiful mountain in the country. This alpine peak spans the border between Switzerland and Italy. It’s best known for its striking pyramid-shaped peak.

One of the best places to view the Matterhorn is in Zermatt, a charming resort sitting in the mountain’s shadow. While most travelers head to the Matterhorn to take in the breathtaking views of its snow-capped peak, others visit the area to take on the mountain. Over 2,000 seasoned climbers ascend the peak every year. It’s approximately an 8 to 10-hour round trip to reach the peak.

Kirkjufell, Iceland

Kirkjufell is the smallest mountain on this list, standing at a modest 1,520 feet (464 meters). However, it’s arguably the most beautiful mountain on our list. Iceland has few more memorable sights than Kirkjufell and its conical peak. Often referred to as the “Arrowhead,” Kirkjufell’s peak is steep, narrow, and pointy.

In addition to the mountain’s overall appeal, Kirkjufell is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape that includes the Iceland Sea, multiple waterfalls, and potentially the Northern Lights. The landscape at Kirkjufell changes dramatically throughout the year, too. In summer, it comes to life in color and lush meadows. In winter, it turns into an icy realm covered in snow. What’s not to like?

Table Mountain, South Africa

Famed for its distinctive flat top and diverse wildlife, Table Mountain stands at 3,559 feet tall (1,085 meters). It’s one of the most accessible mountains on this list. Dominating the backdrop of Cape Town, its peak can be reached by cable car. From the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city below. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for dassies and baboons.

Aside from its apparent beauty, Table Mountain is also one of the oldest mountains in the world. This flat peak is more than 200 million years old. Portuguese climber Antonio de Saldanha is recorded as the first ascent in the early 16th century.

Stetind, Norway

Stetind is Norway’s national mountain and with good reason. It is in the municipality of Narvik in Nordland County, Norway, approximately 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) north of Kjøpsvik. It stands 4,566 feet (1,392 meters) above the picturesque Tysfjord, creating a postcard-perfect image worthy of any Instagram feed.

Stetind’s smooth sides lift off from the water, leading up to a jagged obelisk-shaped peak with a very distinct appearance. For many years, fishermen in the Lofoten Islands used the mountain’s characteristic appearance to their advantage, using it as a navigational marker. Today, Stetind is a popular tourist attraction adored by climbers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

Mount Thor, Canada

Located in the Baffin Mountains in Auyuittuq National Park, Mount Thor is an extraordinary granite mountain aptly named after the Norse god of thunder. The pretty terrifying peak, yet utterly mesmerizing, too, is home to the world’s greatest vertical drop. It would take approximately 35 seconds to fall from the 4,101-foot (1,250-meter) cliff face below the summit.

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Unsurprisingly, this incredible geographical feature has become a popular site for base jumpers. However, the national park has banned the activity due to the immense difficulties rescue teams would face getting to the site. In total, Mount Thor stands at 5,495 feet tall (1,675 meters).

Vinicunca, Peru

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More famously known as ‘Rainbow Mountain,’ Vinicunca is an otherworldly peak in the Peruvian Andes. Found 17,100 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level, Vinicunca features stunning red, yellow, turquoise, and gold streaks caused by mineral deposits. If you want to feel like you’ve left Earth and landed on Mars, Vinicunca is the place to go.

However, making the journey to the mountain isn’t easy. Even if you drive, you’ll face a terrifying road trip along narrow passes. You can reach the mountain by car from Cusco in three or four hours. If you hike to Vinicunca, expect a challenging six-day Ausangate trek.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Long considered sacred in Japan, Mount Fuji has been visited by pilgrims and tourists for centuries. Standing at 12,389 feet tall (3,776 meters), this breathtaking snow-capped peak is a sight to behold, but did you know it’s also a volcano? While Mount Fuji has lay dormant since its last eruption in 1707, it’s still monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Don’t let that put you off visiting, though. There are no signs of an eruption any time soon. Climbing Mount Fuji is a memorable experience, but the best views of the mountain are seen from afar. Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi Prefecture offers the most spectacular view. From here, you can photograph Mount Fuji in all its glory, framed by a traditional Japanese temple and colorful cherry blossoms.

Denali Mountain, Alaska

With a summit elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters), Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America. Topped by snow year-round, this impressive peak is a beautiful sight. If you can photograph the mountain and its reflection in Reflection Pond, you’re on to a winner.

Denali Mountain was long known as Mount McKinley, but its name was reverted to its native name in 2016. In the indigenous languages, Denali means “The Tall One.” Incredibly, from its base, Denali is taller than Mount Everest. Denali rises approximately three-and-a-half miles (5.6 kilometers), making it almost one mile (1.6 kilometers) taller than the world’s highest mountain.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Most Dangerous Destinations for the Daring Traveler Everest — © Josh / Adobe Stock

Mount Everest is Earth’s highest mountain above sea level. It is an imposing mountain that few climbers can climb. It stands at a whopping 29,035 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level and has a vast cone-shaped peak.

Due to its sheer height, treacherous conditions, and difficulty, climbing Mount Everest can take up to two months. Even then, many climbers don’t reach the peak. Mount Everest itself is spectacular, but its surroundings are beautiful, too. The Himalayan Mountain Range, where Mount Everest is located, is also home to some of the other highest mountains in the world, enormous glaciers, and vibrant Nepalese villages and towns.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano consisting of three peaks. Kibo is the highest peak, at 19,340 feet (5,895 meters), making it the highest mountain in Africa. Interestingly, Kilimanjaro is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world because it doesn’t belong to a mountain range.

Found in the center of Kilimanjaro National Park in northeastern Tanzania, the mountain has an almost flat peak covered in snow throughout the year. Because it looks almost out of place in Africa, you can take mesmerizing photographs. For example, you can photograph a dry African savannah, elephants, and the snow-capped peak in one photograph.

Ketil Mountain, Greenland

Ketil Mountain in Greenland lines the scenic Tasermiut Fjord in southern Greenland. This granite peak is 6,594 feet (2,010 meters) high and features one of the biggest near-vertical wall climbs in the world.

Despite its remote location, Ketil’s vertical wall attracts thousands of climbers yearly, and it’s an incredibly challenging climb. The mountain is also popular with nature enthusiasts and landscape photographers who want to glimpse its beauty. Scenic boat trips to Ketil Mountain and the fjords surrounding it are very popular.