12 Marvelous Mountains You Can Scale Without Climbing

On top of the world

Want all the fun without any of the exertion? Fear not, you can enjoy the breathtaking views from these summits without breaking a sweat. Be it cable car, cog railway or hairpin-bend drive, there are all sorts of exciting ways to experience many of the world’s most stunning peaks.

Click through the gallery to discover the beautiful mountains you can enjoy without having to endure major hikes or climbs...

Cimetta, Switzerland

Leave Locarno’s subtropical lakeside behind for a trio of transport experiences, culminating at the top of Cimetta. A precipitous funicular whisks you up from Locarno center to Orselina; then it’s all aboard the slick cable car to the first peak of Cardada. Lastly, clamber onto a chairlift for the final climb to Cimetta, 5,480 feet above sea level.

Cimetta, Switzerland

Before cable cars were first set up here, skiers would trudge up on foot. The slopes are still popular in winter and great for beginners, but it's also a perfect summer spot. Spot swooping paragliders and enjoy a 360-degree panorama, encompassing the whole of the Lake Maggiore basin and the surrounding Lepontine Alps.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA

At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is New Hampshire's highest peak, dominating a verdant valley. It’s also home to the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, in operation since 1869. Brightly colored steam-powered locomotives are supplemented by biodiesel trains. Both options make for a memorable, three-hour round trip.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA

Thick forest gives way to rough terrain as the train chugs along the 3.25-mile track, at a 37% gradient at certain points. At the summit, you’ll have an hour to walk around the Sherman Adams Visitor Center, with its Cog Railway Museum, and take hundreds of photos. Weather permitting, the 360-degree views embrace five states, Canada and the Atlantic. You’ll also spot the Mount Washington Observatory – tours can be arranged in advance.

Mount Srd, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Not quite soaring over Dubrovnik – at a mere 1,352 feet – Mount Srd still offers fantastic views. Board the cable car and whizz up in just a few minutes. Then take in the red roofs of the old town below, the forested island of Lokrum and the azure Adriatic stretching to the horizon. On a clear day, you can see almost 40 miles into the distance (telescopes are provided).

Mount Srd, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Back when the cable car was first installed in 1969, it was the first of its kind in the region. The maximum capacity was 15 people – half as much as today – and the ascent was slower. After being destroyed in 1991 during the Balkan conflict, the service was closed for 20 years. These days, it’s a smooth ride to the summit.

Machu Picchu, Peru

If you’re not up for the strenuous hike along the Inca Trail, discover South America’s top archaeological site by train instead. There are a few train operators and start points, but whichever you choose you’re in for spectacular scenery and a comfortable (if occasionally bumpy) ride. And you’ll arrive with energy in reserve for exploring the ancient Inca city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The journey from Poroy, eight miles west of Cusco, to Aguas Calientes (a short bus ride from the ruins) takes around three hours. Leaving the town behind, the train rises out of the valley and onto higher ground until the final, steep ascent through the forested mountainside. On reaching Machu Picchu, 7,972 feet above sea level, you’ll have one of the world’s best mountain train journeys under your belt.

 

Mont Blanc, France

Tackle a chunk of Western Europe’s highest peak (Mont Blanc towers over the Alps at 15,771 feet) on France’s highest rack-and-pinion railway. In the summer months, the Tramway du Mont Blanc climbs all the way from St-Gervais-les-Bains to Nid d’Aigle, at 7,792 feet. The one-hour ascent allows plenty of time to savor the views of lush pasture, snow-capped peaks and the Bionnassay glacier. From here on, you’ll need proper kit and determination to make the final climb to the top.

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Mont Blanc, France

In summertime, lifts sweep locals and tourists from the many resorts below, up to the summits. A cool beer, aperitif or mountaintop gourmet lunch in the crystal-clear air – pourquoi pas?

The Peak, Hong Kong

The Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist spots, offering a double whammy of urban panoramas and invigorating walks through lush forest.

The Peak, Hong Kong

The Peak Tram is Asia’s oldest cable funicular, opening in 1888. It takes just eight minutes to climb the Peak’s 1,300 feet. With almost vertical tracks, the extraordinarily steep ascent seems more of a modern marvel than the cluster of surrounding skyscrapers. An alternative route up is via the number 15 bus, which takes a more winding route to Peak Tower (pictured). There you’ll find a 360-degree viewing platform, stores and restaurants.

Snowdon, Wales

No visit to Snowdonia in Wales is complete without seeing the awe-inspiring Snowdon. At 3,560 feet it’s the highest summit in England and Wales. Thanks to the Snowdon Mountain Railway, this lofty peak is accessible to pretty much everyone. Book ahead to guarantee those staggering views across sheer, rugged ridges and beyond to the Isle of Man and Ireland.

Snowdon, Wales

Scale Snowdon aboard a masterful feat of engineering, constructed over 14 months in 1894 and running ever since (note it closes in winter). Impressively, three of the five Swiss-manufactured steam locomotives bought in 1895 are still in service today. Count your blessings that some alterations have been made since then – the original carriages were completely open to the elements.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain looms over Cape Town, a 600-million-year-old icon of the city, country and continent. It’s an undeniable Capetonian rite of passage to scale its hulk, but resist the mountain’s siren call until the weather is fine and there’s no sign of the notorious ‘tablecloth’ of thick cloud. Once you get to the top, you don’t want anything spoiling the fabulous views.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

You could lace up your boots, join a guided day hike and consider abseiling part of the return journey, but the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a justifiably popular choice for many. Book in advance and opt for a quieter afternoon slot if the weather is behaving.

Rocky Mountains, Canada

You could cover the 141 miles of the Icefields Parkway, through the Rocky Mountains, in about four hours but that would be missing the point. Stretching from Lake Louise all the way to Jasper and often described as the world’s most spectacular road, it pays to slow down, pull over and take your time. Carving its way through the heart of the Rockies, the route is lined with towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes and high-alpine glaciers.

Rocky Mountains, Canada

There are many trails and viewpoints to seek out along the way. A popular destination is the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rockies. If you have a head for heights, make for the Glacier Skywalk where you can gaze down on the Sunwapta Valley from a glass-floored observation platform that juts out over a 918-foot drop.

Pao de Acucar, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio isn’t a city short on symbols: the giant Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue atop Corcovado mountain; the celebrated beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema; and the singular peak of Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) guarding the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Stand on top of the 1,299-feet high slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain to see the others in all their glory.

Pao de Acucar, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Make your ascent via two cable cars, the first connecting with Morro da Urca. Knock back the first dose of coastline views here, then it’s onwards in the second cable car to Pao de Acucar. From up here, there’s no doubt about it – Rio is a cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), as the locals claim.

Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, USA

Plan a dream road trip on the breathtaking Skyline Drive, a serpentine route that starts just 75 miles west of Washington, D.C. and follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Within the Shenandoah National Park, a marvel whatever the season, the famous road features hairpins, bumps, and blind turns. Only confident drivers need apply – but note that the speed limit is kept to 35 miles per hour to help avoid collisions with any passing white-tailed deer, bobcats or black bears.

Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, USA

The narrow, 105 mile-long Skyline Drive winds through the dramatic Shenandoah landscape with blankets of forest, wildflower meadows, and steep slopes and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag. At each tight turn you’ll be grateful for the speed restrictions – there isn’t much room to maneuver on this 1930s-constructed thoroughfare. All the better for slowing down and absorbing the magnificent views.

Picos de Europa, Spain

The wilds of the Picos de Europa are heaven for walkers, hikers and climbers of all abilities, but that’s not to say two legs are the only form of transport. In the central section of this compact range, help is at hand in the form of a cable car at Fuente De and a tunnel railway at Bulnes.

Picos de Europa, Spain

The rather dinky cable car at Fuente De whisks passengers up the sheer cliffside of the southeastern Picos, to a jaw-dropping height of 5,980 feet. Acclimatize after that speedy four-minute journey with gulps of fresh mountain air or a stiff cortado (coffee) at the El Cable cafe. The approach to the nearby, orange-tinged limestone mass of the Naranjo de Bulnes represents a challenge for many experienced climbers. The subterranean Funicular de Bulnes cuts down the journey time, climbing through the mountain to the otherwise inaccessible hamlet of Bulnes.

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