The 8 most beautiful mountains in Europe

In our imagination, it’s not truly winter until we see some snow-capped mountains. Fortunately, Europe is home to some of the most picturesque peaks on the planet!

Do you fancy enjoying panoramic views from a snowy summit? Want to capture some dreamlike photos for your Instagram? Or are you ready to enjoy an exciting skiing adventure on the slopes? No matter what you have planned, a mountain getaway is never a bad idea. To help you plan your next wonderful mountain adventure, here is our selection of the most beautiful peaks in Europe:

Mont Blanc offers iconic views and world-class watches (that’s a joke)

No, we’re not talking about luxury watches and fountain pens (though that’s where the company gets its name). Mont Blanc is located on the border of Italy, France, and Switzerland, and is practically the most famous mountain in Europe. You’ve heard of it, we know you have.

Even if your French isn’t great, you’ll know it basically translates to “White Mountain.” It’s the highest mountain in the Alps and a major player in the snow sports and hiking scene. However, keep in mind that its slopes are quite steep and treacherous, so you might prefer to save your energy and admire them from afar!

Nearest cities: Geneva, Turin, or Grenoble

If you like living on the edge, head to Mount Etna…

Climbing knowledge isn’t the only thing you need when it comes to Mount Etna. Add the fact that it’s the largest active volcano in Europe, and you’ll need more than a little courage to climb it. In fact, it last erupted in 2018.

While you can admire it from afar, if you want to get a bit closer, a hike will guide you to its craters and lava flows, an incredible sight for the brave.

Nearest city: Catania

Are you an enthusiastic climber? The Matterhorn will be child’s play for you…

No, we’re not talking about a Disneyland attraction. This Matterhorn is real and is the perfect place for experienced climbers.

It rises to nearly 15,000 feet above the Italian-Swiss border and basically means “the peak in the meadows” – sounds much less intimidating than the Matterhorn, don’t you think?! So, how can you tackle this beast? You can view it from a distance from the panoramic observation platform at Gornergrat, put on some skis and glide down the Matterhorn glacier, or visit in summer for a once-in-a-lifetime climbing adventure. But with a mountain like this, always choose your battles wisely!

Nearest cities: Geneva, Turin, or Bern

A getaway to Ben Nevis is a must if dramatic Highland landscapes are your thing

Fancy a Roadtrip to a mountain that’s at the heart of one of the UK’s most beautiful regions? Yes, you do! Ben Nevis, in the Scottish Highlands, takes the trophy for the highest mountain in the British Isles and you’ll find it just behind the historic town of Fort William.

Consider yourself an enthusiastic hiker? Well, then Ben Nevis is the Scottish mountain to tackle. You basically have two options to reach the summit. You’ll find two major trails winding their way up its rugged slopes, one easier than the other. So, what’s your choice? Tough or tougher?

You can also soak up the dramatic landscapes from the top with a trip on the Ben Nevis gondola. Sounds like a good option to us!

Nearest city: Glasgow or Inverness

For a train journey you’ll never forget, fly to Jungfrau.

Ready for a trip to the land of chocolate and fondue? Well, you can use this extraordinary peak as your excuse! For us, however, we never need an excuse for a trip to this part of the world.

Anyway, back to the mountain – Jungfrau is the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland and is almost always snow-covered, in any season.

You can go there in winter to ski, snowboard, or sled down its snow-covered slopes. Prefer to stay warm indoors? Why not buy tickets for the Jungfraubahn? The railway line built in 1912 promises stunning views from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.

Nearest city: Bern

Can’t get enough of Greek mythology? Don’t miss Mount Olympus

This is a famous mountain! Did you think this peak only existed in Greek tales of heroes and powerful gods? No! Mount Olympus is a real mountain and it’s an impressive one.

It’s just a three-hour drive from Thessaloniki and is actually the highest mountain in Greece! It’s also a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Which means it’s beautiful and lush. Just what you’d expect from a Greek mountain landscape.

Not into botany? The views of the land and sea from its summit will convince you to climb. There’s a reason it’s known as the home of the Gods, after all.

Nearest city: Thessaloniki

Head to Mulhacén for views of the Mediterranean and sunshine

The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain is the stuff of legends. It’s also where you’ll find the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula. And listen to this. Despite Mulhacén’s location, it’s snow-covered for at least a third of the year. That’s pretty amazing for Spain if you ask us.

When there’s no snow, it’s time to put on your hiking boots and tackle the 3,479-meter-high Mulhacén. Once the snow is gone, the summit is dramatically rocky and is home to all sorts of strange and wonderful plant life. If you look closely, you might also spot some mountain goats.

Nearest city: Málaga or Granada

Want to climb the highest peak in Europe? Head to Mount Elbrus

No list of magnificent European mountains is complete without the continent’s highest! You’ll find the mega Mount Elbrus in the wilderness of the Caucasus Mountains, right on the border of Russia with Georgia.

Fancy a challenge? Climbing isn’t the only challenge here, we can attest to that! Mount Elbrus is quite a difficult mountain to visit, mainly due to its remote location and freezing temperatures. So, how cold are we talking? Even in summer, the average nighttime temperature is always below freezing. But that doesn’t deter true adventurers, Mount Elbrus is a must-climb peak and a true winter wonderland.

Nearest city: Krasnodar or Tbilisi

If you want to plan a trip to one of these