When you need to catch a break from the humdrum of the office - there are few better ways to catch peace of mind than an escape to the mountains. The fresh air and the epic vistas that come with a trip to the mountains provide an unrivalled opportunity for contemplation and solitude. There are few environments as naturally conducive to a state of peace and meditation than the peak of a mountain.
Many people are put off of the idea of a mountain getaway by the prospect of intense physical activity or harsh conditions such as wind, high altitude, and snow. But to think of an escape to the mountains solely in these terms would be a costly mistake. Europe alone offers a wide variety of mountainous destinations, each of which with its own character. No matter your preference in holiday, there’s a mountain range that fits the bill.
If you’re in need of inspiration for your next getaway from the office, consider one of these unmissable mountain destinations.
1. Dolomites, italy
Italy is hailed around the world as a holiday destination, but is mostly known for its beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and abundance of historical architecture. Less frequented than the beaches of the southern coast or the cultural centres of Rome, Florence, and Milan, however, are the epic Dolomite Mountains tucked away in the northeast of Europe’s boot.
The Dolomites form part of the southeastern alps and demonstrate all the beauty typical of Europe’s most famous mountain range. A lesser frequented corner of the Alps than the Central peaks, the Dolomites offer a diverse Alpine experience characterised by fine weather and unbeatable Italian cuisine.
2. Engelberg, Switzerland
Seated right in the heart of Switzerland is the village resort of Engelberg. Translated from German, Engelberg literally means “mountain of angels”, and even a cursory glance at the epic vistas of this Swiss town make it easy to understand where this name came from. The town is one of the major mountain resorts of Central Switzerland, and has long served as an important cultural centre for the country.
As far back as the Middle Ages, Engelberg was renowned as an educational haven, owing to its famous Benedictine monastery, Engelberg Abbey. The unparalleled beauty of the area has made Engelberg a popular mountain destination since as far back as the 19th century, and in more recent years is visited as much for skiing as it is for its charming Alpine character.
3. The Jotunheim, Norway
Translated from Norwegian, Jotunheim literally means “Home of the Giants”, and a visit to this mountain destination will leave you understanding how it earned its name. Located in the southern half of Norway, the Jotunheimen National Park is home to over 250 mountains with altitudes around 200 metres high.
The area is very accommodating of visitors looking to escape city life for something a bit more wild. You can explore lush meadows, gaze over fjords, build campfires, swim in lakes, and have the choice of camping for free, taking a cabin, or even enjoying a boutique hotel. Visitors to the park are treated to the epic and tranquil vistas of rural Norway, and savour an untamed landscape that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped straight into an ancient Norse legend.
4. Killarney, Ireland
Killarney is a charming and historical town in the southwest of Ireland, and one of the most well-known spots in County Kerry - the mountainous jewel of the Emerald Isle. The town sits on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, which is part of Killarney National Park. Killarney is surrounded by a wide range of lakes, mountains, and historical sites that make it the perfect place to escape the rush of the modern office.
The mountains that surround Killarney are rugged and green, a far cry from the rocky, snow-capped peaks of the Alps on the other side of the continent. Visitors to Killarney will enjoy a peek into rural Irish life, where the friendly locals will guide you in your exploration of the region’s countless lakes, rivers, and mountain peaks.
5. Zermatt, Switzerland
No list of European mountain destinations would be complete without mentioning Zermatt, in southern Switzerland. Among the mountaineering community, Zermatt is somewhat legendary, as it serves as the gateway to the famed Matterhorn peak. This mountain straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy and is known for its near-symmetric pyramid-shaped peak, which towers at an incredible 4,478 metres high.
From Zermatt, visitors can enjoy an almost-otherworldly view of the Matterhorn, which looks over the town with a majestic and calming presence. Due to its popularity with mountaineering enthusiasts, Zermatt is well-equipped to handle visitors, and boasts many hotels and restaurants well worth visiting in their own right.
Zermatt is also home to a number of mountain railway lines - including the Gornergratbahn, Europe’s highest open-air railway in Europe, which runs up to the summit of the Gornergrat at 3,089 metres high. These high-altitude rail networks make exploration a walk in the park, and are also a perfect vantage point for taking in the best of the Swiss Alps.
Give yourself a break and experience the true restorative powers of a mountain getaway with one of these top mountain destinations. Whether you’re a passionate hiker, or simply looking to take in some beautiful nature, an epic mountain getaway is about as good a break as you can get from the day-to-day confinement of the office.
