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From Mount Sinai to Mount Doom, mountains have had an influence on us for thousands of years. Whether it’s their wild beauty or their imposing heights, they are some of nature’s finest creations. Here are 10 stunning mountains caught in terrific photography. |
| 1. Matterhorn, Switzerland |
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One of the most famous mountains in the world, the Matterhorn can be found in the Swiss Alps. This wonderfully shaped peak rises to a height 4,478 meters (14,692ft) and is notoriously difficult to climb.
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| 2. Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, Italy |
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The peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for “the three peaks of Lavaredo”) are part of the Italian Dolomites and are considered to be one of the best-known mountain ranges in the Alps. The tallest of the three peaks rises to a height of 2,999 meters (9,839ft).
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| 3. Cerro Torre, Argentina/Chile |
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Located on the border between Argentina and Chile, Cerro Torre is a harsh place. Its peak end about 3,128 meters (10,262ft) above sea level and is considered to be one of the hardest climbs in the world.
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| 4. Alpamayo, Peru |
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A most popular mountaineering destination, Alpamayo is part of the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca. The 5,947 meter (19,511ft) mountain’s name means “Earth River” in the native South-American languages.
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| 5. Denali, Alaska |
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Also known as Mount McKinley, Denali is the highest mountain in North America. It is 6,168 meters (20,237ft) tall, and is surrounded by many miles of wilderness. When men still rode horses, it could be seen for days before reaching it.
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| 6. Huayana Picchu, Peru |
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Home of the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu soars up to a height of 2,720 meters (8,920ft) above sea level. Brave hikers can climb to the top and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the ruins of Machu Picchu.
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| 7. The Spectre, Antarctica |
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One of the least-known giant mountains in the world (understandable considering it’s located on the only uninhabited continent in the world), the Spectre rises to a whopping 2,020 meters (6,637ft) above sea level. However, that only makes it the 1,189th highest mountain in the Southern Continent. |
| 8. Kirkjufell, Iceland |
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The meaning of its name is “Church Mountain”, and although it is the smallest mountain on the list (463 meters tall, or 1,519ft), it is an impressive one to see as you walk by, don't you think?. Thanks to its location, Kirkjufell experiences a lot of auroras, and when the weather warms up the area enjoys a most magnificent waterfall called Kirkjufellfoss.
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| 9. Mauna Loa, Hawaii |
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Mauna Loa is the largest volcano in the world and covers about half of Hawai’i’s Big Island. The mountain has been erupting for around 700,000 years and is so large (5.7 miles from top to bottom - located deep under the sea), it’s actually the 5th largest mountain in the solar system.
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| 10. Ama Dablam, Nepal |
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The tallest (earthly) peak on this list, Ama Dablam dominates the skyline thanks to its impressive height of 6,812 meters (22,346ft). The meaning of Ama Dablam is “Mother’s Necklace”, as the mountain’s long ridges resemble a mother’s arms protecting her child, with the hanging glaciers being the necklace.
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Bonus: The largest mountain in the solar system Olympus Mons - Mars |
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The tallest mountain in the solar system, Olympus Mons rises to a mind-boggling 26,000 meters (85,000ft), and is about the same size as the state of Arizona. It is thought to be either dormant (it may erupt again one day) or extinct (will not erupt for thousands of years), but any way you look at it, its sheer size is impressive, . |
