The Natural World

Most Beautiful Mountains in the World

Published 10th Feb. 2025

Reading time

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...

 

  1. Vinicuna, Peru
  2. Kirkjufell, Iceland
  3. Mount Fuji, Japan
  4. Mitre Peak, New Zealand
  5. 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.

You might also like

Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip

Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

Since the beginning of time, humans have been drawn to lakes, whether it’s to appreciate their beauty or see first-hand the places where monsters such as

Where to see the Southern Lights

Is it always possible to see the Southern Lights? No. Is it worth trying? Without a shadow of a doubt. The Southern Lights (aurora australis) are notoriously

Most Beautiful Rivers in the World

Crisscrossing through every continent, rivers are a vibrant and vital part of the Earth’s ecosystem. They’re also exceptionally easy on the eye. Cutting through thick forests,

See all our The Natural World blog articles

100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges