The Best Mountainous Regions To Visit in Europe
If your perfect trip includes crisp air, dramatic views, and maybe a slice of cheese that tastes better than it should, Europe’s mountain regions are calling. There’s something about being up high, surrounded by peaks and silence, that puts everything else into perspective.
From snowy adventures to slow hikes and spa afternoons, these mountainous escapes offer more than just scenery. Whether you’re into skiing, cycling, or just enjoying a good view with a glass of wine, here are five of the best places in Europe to do exactly that.
The Dolomites: Beauty That Doesn’t Feel Real
There’s pretty – and then there’s the Dolomites. This Italian mountain range doesn’t look like anything else in Europe. The jagged, pale peaks catch the light in ways that feel almost unreal, especially at sunrise or sunset when everything glows soft pink and gold.
The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once you get here, it’s easy to see why. Towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena serve as perfect bases for all kinds of adventures. Hike the famous Tre Cime loop, go climbing on via ferratas, or just wander through alpine meadows that look like they were made for postcards.
And because it’s Italy, you know the food’s going to be good. Think handmade pasta, mountain cheeses, and South Tyrolean wines – served in rustic huts halfway up a mountain or stylish lodges with panoramic views.
The French Alps: Where Adventure Meets Chic
The French Alps are kind of iconic. Whether you’re chasing snow in winter or trails in summer, this region pulls it off with a sense of style. Places like Chamonix, Annecy, and Megève combine outdoor adventure with that effortless French charm – cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, great coffee, and even better cheese.
In winter, it’s all about skiing and snowboarding, with some of the best slopes in Europe. But don’t sleep on summer: mountain biking, paragliding, and hiking routes that wind through green meadows and glacier views make it a dreamy warm-weather destination too.
And after a long day out? Settle into a cosy alpine spa or a sunny terrace with fondue and wine. Because that post-hike glass always tastes better when you’ve earned it. If you’d like to explore other French wine regions whilst you’re here, opt for Champagne region holidays, where you’ll taste the best local produce and explore historic wineries with expert sommeliers.
The Spanish Pyrenees: Underrated and Uncrowded
If you’re looking for rugged peaks without the crowds, the Spanish side of the Pyrenees might surprise you. Stretching along the French border, this region feels wild and untouched in the best way – think deep valleys, rushing rivers, and forests full of hidden trails.
The area around Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is a standout. It’s the kind of place where you hike for hours and barely see another person, just dramatic cliffs, turquoise lakes, and the occasional eagle overhead. In winter, you’ll find snow-covered villages and peaceful ski resorts that don’t come with the usual buzz of big alpine towns.
It’s also a great spot for road cycling or mountain biking, with challenging routes that reward you with epic views and sleepy villages to stop for lunch. Bonus: the food is hearty, the wine is local, and everything feels relaxed.
The Austrian Alps: Classic, Clean, and Full of Charm
Austria knows how to do mountains well. The Austrian Alps offer that perfect mix of clean air, scenic beauty, and a level of order that makes everything feel easy. Resorts like Kitzbühel, Zell am See, and St. Anton are known for their winter sports, but they’re just as appealing once the snow melts.
In summer, the region turns into a hiker’s paradise. There are trails for every level, alpine lakes to swim in, and plenty of quiet spots to just stop and breathe. The sound of cowbells echoing in the hills? It’s a real thing here, and weirdly soothing.
You’ll also find some seriously luxurious wellness hotels, where mountain views meet spa treatments and thermal baths. And let’s not forget the Austrian cakes – perfect after a long day of hiking or, let’s be honest, just reading with a view.
If you’re looking for St Anton chalets, there are some incredible options to choose from. These luxurious cabins offer panoramic views of the mountains, as well as a cosy base to return to after skiing or hiking.
The Scottish Highlands: Wild, Windy, and Wonderfully Remote
If you like your mountain escapes with a bit of moodiness and a whole lot of character, the Scottish Highlands are hard to beat. It’s not the kind of place where you come for sunshine, but that’s part of the appeal. The misty hills, the dramatic glens, the ever-changing light, it’s the kind of beauty that feels raw and real.
You can base yourself in Fort William for access to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, or head toward the Isle of Skye for views that will stop you in your tracks. There’s hiking, kayaking, whisky tasting, and even the occasional Highland cow to admire.
And while the landscape feels remote, you’ll still find cosy B&Bs, boutique inns, and castle stays that bring plenty of comfort to your wild escape. A pub dinner by the fire after a windswept hike? Pretty much unbeatable.
Where Will You Head for Higher Ground?
There’s something grounding about being in the mountains. Maybe it’s the quiet. Maybe it’s the way time slows down when your phone loses signal and all you can hear is the crunch of gravel under your boots.
Whatever it is, these European regions deliver in all the best ways – natural beauty, a dose of adventure, and just enough luxury to remind you it’s still a holiday.
So whether you’re drawn to the jagged drama of the Dolomites or the stillness of a Highland loch, there’s a mountain escape with your name on it. You just have to pick the one that feels right.