Where can you see some of the best mountain views in the world?
At Run Weekends, we’re all about combining incredible travel experiences with running.
And for the best runs, we obviously try to find the best places with the most incredible views.
So when it comes to beautiful mountain views and scenic running… we like to think we know what we’re talking about.
Mountains are some of our favourite gifts from nature to chase.
They have long captured the imagination of adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers alike. These towering natural wonders offer not only a sense of awe but also a connection to the earth's raw beauty.
Looking for a challenging climb? A trail run? Or simply wish to gaze at majestic peaks from afar?
The world is full of mountain ranges that provide jaw-dropping views.
Here are some of the most breathtaking mountain vistas from every corner of the globe. The must-sees.
THE mountains you simply HAVE to know.
And a great place to start for those looking for the best mountain views in the world.
1. Mount Everest – Nepal/Tibet
Everest. It would be rude not to!
No list of the world’s best mountain views would be complete without mentioning the highest peak on Earth: Mount Everest.
Rising to a staggering 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), Everest is the crown jewel of the Himalayas, the tallest and most revered mountain range in the world.
For those brave enough to embark on a trek to Everest Base Camp, the reward is a close-up view of the world’s highest point and the surrounding giants like Lhotse and Nuptse.
Even for those who don’t make the climb, views of Everest can be enjoyed from various vantage points in both Nepal and Tibet, where the immense peak dominates the horizon.
One of the most famous viewpoints is Kala Patthar, a rocky vantage point near Everest Base Camp, offering unrivalled views of Everest's mighty summit.
Notable Viewpoints
- Kala Patthar, Nepal
- Rongbuk Monastery, Tibet
- Gokyo Ri, Nepal
2. Matterhorn – Switzerland/Italy
With its iconic pyramid shape, the Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable mountains in the world.
(Especially for Toblerone fans).
Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, this striking peak has drawn mountaineers, photographers, and nature lovers for centuries. Standing at 4,478 meters (14,692 feet), the Matterhorn is particularly famous for its dramatic silhouette, often seen reflected in the waters of Lake Stellisee.
The Swiss town of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn, offers numerous opportunities for viewing the mountain, whether you're skiing, hiking, or simply relaxing with a coffee at one of the many mountaintop cafés.
A popular choice is taking the Gornergrat Railway, which climbs high into the Alps and provides stunning panoramic views of not only the Matterhorn but also neighbouring peaks like Dufourspitze and Weisshorn.
Notable Viewpoints
- Gornergrat, Switzerland
- Lake Stellisee, Switzerland
- Breuil-Cervinia, Italy
3. Torres del Paine – Chilean Patagonia
Located in the rugged wilderness of Patagonia, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is home to some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the world.
The park's crown jewels are the Torres del Paine themselves – three towering granite peaks that rise abruptly from the Patagonian steppe, creating an awe-inspiring sight.
Hiking in this remote region offers endless opportunities to admire the unique combination of snow-capped mountains, emerald lakes, and glaciers.
The park is a haven for trekkers, with routes like the famous W Trek providing up-close views of the Torres, as well as other iconic landmarks like the Cuernos del Paine and the Grey Glacier.
The Torres del Paine really are unforgettable.
Notable Viewpoints
- Mirador Las Torres
- Lake Pehoé
- Glacier Grey
Run Weekends in the mountains!
4. Ama Dablam – Nepal
Another Himalayan gem we couldn’t miss out on, Ama Dablam is often considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, thanks to its sheer, perfectly symmetrical ridges.
Standing at 6,812 meters (22,349 feet), its name means "Mother’s Necklace," referring to the long ridges on each side that resemble a mother’s outstretched arms.
Often overshadowed by nearby Everest, Ama Dablam is beloved by climbers for its technical difficulty and its breathtaking beauty.
Ama Dablam is visible along the trek to Everest Base Camp, but for an even more spectacular view, many choose to hike the lesser-known trails around Pangboche or Tengboche, villages that offer quieter routes and stunning perspectives of the mountain.
Notable Viewpoints
- Tengboche Monastery, Nepal
- Pangboche Village, Nepal
- Thyangboche, Nepal
5. The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in Italy are a true marvel of natural beauty.
And a Run Weekends favourite.
The Dolomites, located in northeastern Italy, are one of the world's most striking mountain ranges.
Known for their unique, jagged limestone peaks that rise dramatically above lush valleys and alpine meadows, they are part of the Southern Limestone Alps and have earned UNESCO World Heritage status due to their geological significance and beauty.
This range is home to iconic peaks like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Marmolada, and Sella Group, each offering dramatic, postcard-perfect views. The Dolomites are also rich in alpine history and culture, with charming villages nestled between mountains, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and will host again in 2026.
Mountain Running at Its Best
Trail running in the Dolomites is a mix of exhilaration and tranquillity. With 5,000 meters of elevation gain, the routes challenge you while rewarding you with jaw-dropping scenery that only gets better as you climb.
For runners and mountain lovers looking to experience the best mountain views in the world, the Dolomites offer an adventure that goes beyond the trails.
It’s a journey through the heart of Italy’s most dramatic landscapes.
The Dolomites provide trails for all levels, from easy day hikes to challenging via ferrata (protected climbing routes), which were originally created during WWI. The vast network of mountain huts, or rifugi, adds to the experience.
Explore deeper into the mountains without returning to the valley each night!
And now...
Imagine five days of mountain trail running across this "crumple zone of Europe," with its iconic jagged peaks, expansive alpine lakes, and wild, rugged trails. This Run Weekend immerses you in the heart of the Dolomites, providing panoramic views and an authentic mountain experience.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Peaks: As you make your way through the trail, these iconic limestone towers stand proud against the sky, offering some of the most stunning mountain views in Europe.
- Lake Sorapis and Braies Lake: Take in the turquoise waters of Lake Sorapis, tucked away amidst towering peaks, and complete your adventure with a gentle 5-kilometer loop around the postcard-perfect Braies Lake.
- Mountain Refuges: Nights are spent in shared dorms at mountain huts, where camaraderie is built over hearty Italian meals, stories, and starry nights.
6. Mount Fuji – Japan
Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic peak, has been a cultural and spiritual symbol for centuries.
Its near-perfect cone shape, which rises 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) above the surrounding landscape, makes it one of the most recognizable mountains in the world.
Hiking to the summit or enjoying the view from afar, Mount Fuji offers a quintessentially Japanese experience.
The best views of Mount Fuji can be found in spring, when cherry blossoms frame the mountain in delicate pink hues, or in autumn when the surrounding foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold. One of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji is from Lake Kawaguchi, where the mountain's reflection can be seen in the still water.
Top tip: Climb Mount Fuji in the late afternoon/early evening to climb overnight and reach the peak before sunrise. You’ll never forget this sunrise!
Notable Viewpoints
- Lake Kawaguchi
- Chureito Pagoda
- Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
7. Table Mountain – South Africa
Overlooking the vibrant city of Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the most unique mountains in the world.
Its flat-topped summit rises 1,085 meters (3,558 feet) above sea level and provides panoramic views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountains of the Cape Peninsula.
You can hike or take a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, where the views extend as far as Robben Island and the Cape of Good Hope.
One of the best times to visit is during sunset, when the mountain is bathed in warm, golden light, and the city lights begin to twinkle below.
Notable Viewpoints
- Table Mountain Summit
- Lion’s Head
- Signal Hill
8. Banff National Park – Canadian Rockies, Canada
The Canadian Rockies are famous for their rugged beauty, and Banff National Park in Alberta offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in North America.
The park is home to iconic peaks like Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, as well as pristine glacial lakes that reflect the towering mountains above.
One of the most photographed spots in the park is Moraine Lake, where the turquoise waters mirror the sharp, snow-capped peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Notable Viewpoints
- Moraine Lake
- Lake Louise
- Sulphur Mountain
9. Fitz Roy – Argentine Patagonia
Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most iconic peaks in South America, standing tall in Argentine Patagonia near the town of El Chaltén.
At 3,405 meters (11,171 feet), it’s not the highest peak in the region, but its sheer granite faces and towering spires make it one of the most striking. Often shrouded in clouds, Fitz Roy can appear elusive, but when it reveals itself, it’s truly a sight to behold.
The hike to Laguna de los Tres offers one of the best views of Fitz Roy, where the mountain’s jagged silhouette is reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.
Notable Viewpoints
- Laguna de los Tres
- Laguna Capri
- El Chaltén
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