When the gruel of everyday life starts to get too much, who doesn’t dream of escaping to a remote mountain town? Somewhere nestled away from life’s demands, where the next adventure is on your doorstep.
Whether you want to live adventurously year-round or you’re just looking for a revitalizing escape, these beautiful mountain towns offer travelers refuge from the rat race. Catch your breath and reset surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes.
From alpine gems in the Alps to lesser-known mountain towns in the Philippines and India – we’ve searched the globe for the best mountain towns.
9. Sagada, Philippines
Mountain towns don’t get more picturesque than this little village in the northern Luzon region. Cradled by the rugged peaks of the Philippines Mountain Province, it feels remote and isolated.
The colorful tin roofs of the houses stick out against the backdrop of lush rainforest vegetation. Travelers come here seeking tranquility, adventures in the town’s untamed surroundings, and authentic rural culture away from the country’s beach holiday hotspots.
Most notably, people visit to see the town’s famous hanging coffins. This extraordinary tradition of mounting coffins onto the limestone cliffs is more than 2,000 years old!
8. Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Did you know that Vaduz is actually the capital of Liechtenstein? That’s right – a tiny capital for a tiny city! Not much bigger than most small towns, this minute capital sits in the Rhine Valley.
Surrounded by the stark Ratikon Mountains, which are part of the Central Alps, the surrounding views make up for the city’s trivial size.
One of the most impressive landmarks is the Schloss Vaduz Castle, built high up on the hillside. Built as a fortress in the 12th century, it’s the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. You can’t go in, but the views around the castle are worth walking up the hill for.
7. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
It’s no coincidence that Cortina d’Ampezzo was nicknamed the Queen of the Dolomites. The mountain peaks of the surrounding Italian Alps overshadow the tiny town.
Only travelers who have a taste for the wild and are searching for the most remote corners of the world should travel to this minuscule alpine village.
The great thing is Cortina d’Ampezzo changes with the seasons. Climb to the most extreme ski slopes in winter, then hike through the alpine flower meadows in the spring. Watch the mountains turn gold and crimson as the autumn takes hold of the landscape, or go for a refreshing dip in the icy lakes during the summer.
6. Canmore, Canada
This gorgeous mountain town is a popular travel destination for outdoorsy types and families who want to escape their busy city lives. Located just a few minutes’ drive away from Banff National Park, Canmore is the perfect gateway into the Rocky Mountains.
The town straddles the quaint banks of the Bow River and has a cute downtown which is the heart of this old mining village.
In the winter months the thick layers of fresh snow attract cross-country skiers, while hikers and mountain bikers hold off till the weather warms up.
5. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol. Built in the high Alps, the town is surrounded by mountain views and awesome outdoor adventures. It’s a popular destination for skiing, and the town even hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976.
Sadly, a lot of the buildings you see today are reconstructions of the originals after the town was largely destroyed by World War II bombings. Even so, if you go for a stroll along the town’s Sill River or in the city center, you’ll be swept away by the grand buildings.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a haven of alpine landscapes, breathtaking lakes, and epic outdoor adventures. Backpackers flock in from all over the world looking for new thrills and wild landscapes.
Famously the birthplace of bungee jumping and a top destination for alpine skiing and hiking – it’s no wonder many call it the ‘adventure capital of the world’.
But don’t worry if you aren’t keen on getting lost in the surrounding mountains. You can sit and enjoy the views from the shores of the majestic Lake Wakatipu or from the Skyline Gondola instead!
3. Leh, India
Leh is the Ladakh capital, positioned near the eastern parts of Jammy and Kashmir, at a crossroads of the ancient Silk Road.
Sitting at more than 11,000 feet above sea level in the jagged Himalayas, the village is etched into the landscape. Remote and peaceful, there’s something deeply spiritual about Leh.
As you look into the horizon, rugged mountain peaks rise in every direction. It’s no wonder Buddhists decided to set up places of worship here, their colorful prayer flags brightening the village streets. There are so many quaint villages in the Himalayas, but Leh stands out amongst the rest.
2. Jackson, Wyoming
From the minute you step out of your car in Jackson Hole, the fresh mountain air and striking panoramic views will have you in awe. The outdoors is such an integral part of life in Jackson that many athletes live and retire here.
As the snow starts to melt the peaks in the striking Teton Range turn from world-class ski slopes to arduous hiking trails. It’s impossible to miss the 13,775-foot-tall Grand Teton peak, which towers over the valley.
If you want to get to know the local wildlife, head to the Elk Refuge or go fishing in the crystal clear lakes and rivers around the town.
1. Chamonix, France
French towns don’t get cuter than the quaint mountain town of Chamonix in the French Alps. During the winter, a blanket of snow covers the village which looks like something out of a fairytale.
Views of the immense Mont Blanc summit, the highest in the Alps, follow you around the village. With its rugged and jutting mountain peaks, it’s no wonder that the first Winter Olympics was held in the Valley of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in 1924.
Make sure you hop on the historical Montenvers Railway that travels through the Aiguilles du Chamonix, offering panoramic views of the valley below.
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