Mountains are gorgeous natural elements not just for the scenic views they present but also for the stage they offer for some amazing outdoor activities. Mountains are even mostly accompanied by other natural elements such as – lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and forests which means more scenery to enjoy. Mountains can be seen in big cities around the world but when that scenery is combined with the peaceful atmosphere of these villages, it becomes a perfect way to connect with nature.

8 Carbondale, Colorado, United States

Colorado is a mountainous place, to begin with, and while there are so many popular cities that offer scenic views, the small village of Carbondale comes with a laid-back atmosphere and charming views. Located in western Colorado (a place also known as the Rocky Mountains), the town sits close to the 3,952 m Mount Sopris which overlooks the village of 6000 people. At Carbondale, travelers will enjoy a warm and relaxing soak at the Penny Hot Springs; explore beautiful artworks at Art District, and get into a vibrant shopping atmosphere at Downtown Carbondale. More activities such as – Fishing, scenic drive, golf, and camping also make up the huge list of things travelers will enjoy in this mountainous village.

7 Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Forget the difficult name! Grundarfjordur is a lovely village in Iceland famous for its fishing atmosphere and towering mountains. The village sits on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula which means it is surrounded by a large water body and stunning mountains. Very close to the small fishing village is the magnificent 463 m Mount Kirkjufell towering very beautifully over the settlement. Travelers can begin their exploration of this charming village from this beautiful Mount Kirkjufell and then check out the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. With its small population of 872 people, the village is a peaceful place where visitors will also enjoy delicious seafood, scenic views, northern lights, and exciting outdoor activities.

Related: Visiting Iceland? Here Are Some Places You Need To See

6 Mount Cook Village, New Zealand

With its surrounding gigantic mountains, Mount Cook Village in New Zealand is a place of amazing mountain scenery.  The tiny village of fewer than 300 people is located on the South Island, Mount Cook Village is surrounded by the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – a stunning landscape characterized by mountains that are mostly more than 3,000 m tall. Activities to enjoy at Mount Cook Village (besides the scenery) include – hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, fishing, skiing during winter, and more.

Related: New Zealand Vs. Australia: Why The Two Are Entirely Different

5 Flam, Norway

The scenic views of Fjords are not complete without the mountains at their sides. In other words, where there are fjords, there are mountains. As one of the most popular places to see Fjords, Flam is made up of beautiful mountains and rivers and one of the best ways to explore all that scenery is by kayaking through one of the Fjords. The Flam railway is another way to enjoy more views of this adventurous village. Travelers who want more activities can also hike or ride a bike along some of the routes on the mountains to catch more breathtaking views from the elevated position.

4 Squamish, Canada

Located in British Colombia, Squamish is a village surrounded by gorgeous mountains and cliffs which are made up of difficult hiking trails. In this adventurous village, travelers will enjoy lots of activities such as biking, hiking, and zip-lining across the Squamish valley with its lush forest and scenic mountain views. For mountain climbers, Squamish is one of the best places to enjoy the climbing sport and the mountains even present different levels to accommodate a wide range of climbers. Those who love whitewater rafting, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing can head over to the Squamish River or the Cheakamus River to get a taste of the waves. With the amazing wildlife and scenic camping atmosphere still available to experience, travelers will never get bored in this village.

3 Telluride, Colorado, United States

Surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a haven for all things adventure. Travelers in this mountainous village will enjoy an excellent skiing stage. But besides its amazing skiing landscape, the town also presents an atmosphere for fishing, unforgettable camping; scenic rides, amazing attractions. The mountains covered with beautiful lush vegetation consist of exciting trails to keep hikers and bikers busy. Those in need of a connection with nature also have the waterfalls and the beautiful lakes around the town to explore.

Related: The Telluride Via Ferrata Is For Experienced Climbers Only, And This Is Why

2 Leavenworth, Washington, United States

Leavenworth is a beloved mountain destination filled with so much outdoor excitement. The beautiful trees situated close to the Bavarian-style houses, the crystal clear rivers and the tall mountains sprinkled with colorful flowers have all shaped this village into a place for lovers of nature and adventures. There are so many things to love about Leavenworth. From summer and winter to spring and autumn, this German-theme village always offers something to visitors besides its sweet wine. Its landscape is perfect for hiking and biking while its rivers are great for whitewater rafting and other water activities. During spring and autumn, the views of the colorful trees and flowers will keep travelers entertained as they engage in their favorite outdoor activities.

1 Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid presents a gorgeous landscape with colorful trees and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. With its crystal clear lakes, refreshing waterfalls, and a long list of outdoor activities, it is easy to see why this secluded and charming village once hosted the Olympics. The gorgeous mirror lake, the High falls gorge, the towering mountains, the historic sites and parks, and the terrific trails all combine to offer the stage for all the exciting outdoor activities travelers could ever think of.

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