Some countries just have that “wow” factor when it comes to natural beauty. Whether it’s towering mountains, untouched beaches, lush rainforests, or otherworldly landscapes, these places are packed with jaw-dropping scenery. If you’re chasing unforgettable views and wide-open spaces, here are 10 countries where nature takes center stage.
New Zealand
With snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and dramatic coastlines, New Zealand looks like a movie set — because it often is. Both the North and South Islands are filled with hiking trails, fjords, and volcanoes to explore. It’s a dream for nature lovers who like their landscapes wild and diverse.
Norway
Norway’s fjords are some of the most stunning natural sights on Earth. Add in waterfalls, northern lights, and endless hiking trails through untouched terrain, and it’s easy to see why this country tops so many bucket lists. The landscapes are remote, dramatic, and completely unspoiled.
Canada
From the Rockies to the coastlines of British Columbia and the wilds of the Yukon, Canada is full of epic scenery. Its national parks are massive and mostly crowd-free, with lakes so clear they look fake. Wildlife is part of the backdrop, and the vastness of it all makes everything feel a little more magical.
Iceland
Iceland feels like another planet — think black sand beaches, steaming geothermal pools, and lava fields stretching to the horizon. Waterfalls seem to appear out of nowhere, and you can hike across glaciers or watch geysers erupt in real time. It’s raw nature at its most dramatic.
Chile
Chile has deserts, glaciers, volcanoes, and everything in between, thanks to its extreme length. Patagonia in the south is home to some of the world’s most pristine wilderness, while the Atacama Desert in the north is one of the driest — and most surreal — places on Earth. It’s like visiting five different countries in one.
Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are postcard-perfect, but there’s more here than just mountain peaks. Lakes, valleys, and meadows make Switzerland feel like nature’s greatest hits album. Every season has something to offer, from wildflowers in summer to snow-covered silence in winter.
South Africa
Few places blend wildlife and scenery quite like South Africa. You’ve got coastlines, mountains, vineyards, and game reserves all within driving distance. Whether you’re on a safari or hiking Table Mountain, the landscapes here constantly surprise.
Japan
Japan’s beauty is in its contrasts — misty mountains, dramatic coastlines, bamboo forests, and hot springs hidden deep in the countryside. The country’s nature is deeply tied to its culture, making even the simplest hike feel special. And when cherry blossoms or autumn leaves are in full swing, it’s next-level gorgeous.
Slovenia
Small but incredibly scenic, Slovenia is packed with mountains, lakes, and green valleys. Lake Bled might get all the attention, but there are caves, rivers, and alpine villages that feel completely untouched. It’s perfect for travelers who want big nature without big crowds.
Indonesia
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers an unreal variety of landscapes — volcanoes, rainforests, coral reefs, and remote beaches. Bali and Java are well-known, but lesser-visited spots like Flores or Raja Ampat are where the real natural magic happens. It’s a paradise for adventurers and divers alike.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.
very nice article but Nepal didn’t included makes me sad . hope writer will visited Nepal too .respect from inner core of heart 👏👏
Nepal is a hell hole. if you have been to any of the countries mentioned you would know it doesn’t compare. in fact it should be on the list of ugliest countries in the world. Sure the Himmalyas at be beautiful but even if you live near them they are impossible to see with all the air pollution here. They aren’t even accessible even for most people. Add to that is the fact that everything is polluted here including the rivers.
I guess you have never traveled. I have been to over a 100 countries and Nepal is one of the least beautiful countries I’ve seen in the world. Due to all the pollution and poverty and the poor road network here. If there are a few beautiful places here you have to be a mountain climber to get anywhere near them. In Switzerland and Norway roads and tunnels go everywhere which only add to the beauty of those countries. There’s no pollution and litter everywhere like in Nepal either.
I pity your thinking – roads and tunnels make a country beautiful. You want everything handed to you on a plate. Nepal is beautiful because of its lack of Infrastructure. You’ll have to walk to get there, make the effort to go to the place from where you can enjoy the beauty. If you want to pick a rose then you have to run the risk of getting pricked by its thorns. I guess you just don’t know how to appreciate beauty.
Hi Nick & Laura,
You are welcome to visit Pakistan in Summer if you like hilly areas and Winter if you like greenery and culture.
I’m sure you will add another country to your list.
Pakistan is very dirty country , only Islamabad is clean , karachi is dirtiest city in the world it is a big garbage
hater found
country who produces terrorist
pakistan is most dirty country in the world
no it isn’t u know nothing about Pakistan u just go and see northern areas u have just seen one city and u are justifying whole country with it
Very interesting article, you are welcome to visit Namibia there is no county on earth like the uniqueness of Namibia landscape may be next time to some African counties where the landscape meet the wildlife and rainforest and scenery is breathtaking.
yes this list is so Euro centris and western oriented. no African or Asian Countiees other then Indonesia, almost like she threw it in there at the last minute, Indonesia. very racist list
I guess you have never traveled. I have been to over a 100 countries and Nepal is one of the least beautiful countries I’ve seen in the world. Due to all the pollution and poverty and the poor road network here. If there are a few beautiful places here you have to be a mountain climber to get anywhere near them. In Switzerland and Norway roads and tunnels go everywhere which only add to the beauty of those countries. There’s no pollution and litter everywhere like in Nepal either.
adedejidare338@gmail.com
Loved your picks. As someone who has been to 89 countries so far, I wondered about your thoughts on Bhutan. Such a lovely country too.
Pakistan is one the most natural beauty on earth.
Absolutely mad leaving Ethiopia out of this list is the understatement of the century.
I have spent my life traveling the world, so far 121 countries.
Most of my reading is about travel.
This is the first accurate list I have seen for a long time, although I can mention 2 dozen countries which can be included as well.
adedejidare338@gmail.com
Please visit to Sri Lanka
You did well to have picked South Africa as one of the best 10 places in the world because there is no place on earth like South Africa.
Well Ecuador isn’t here knows as the Country of Four Worlds. The sierra, the coast, Amazon and the Galapagos. The Route of Volcanoes is gorgeous. Chimborazo is the closest to the sun because of the Earth’s bulge at the Equator.
try and visit UGANDA 🇺🇬 you will never regret in your lifetime….. and it’s the only gift you can give your life before leaving life
Have you been to Uganda or Ouganda…
you will meet glaciers in the middle of the Sub Sahara not forgetting Poles like Climate on the Elgon Mountains Caldera
thanks to give interesting information it’s all creates Allah Almighty. Who creates such beauty guess and imagine how beautiful creator Majestic.
You put CANADA, but not the United States? The US has pretty much every enviornment and has landscapes found nowhere else on earth. France should also be on here, especially if you include the overseas departments. And no China? 😲 It started off good, but went downhill very quickly. Most of these countries only have a few areas that are nice.
Argentina and Venezuela in South America are more beautiful than Chile.
I would take off Canada, Chile, Indonesia and South Africa and replace them with the USA, China, France and maybe Venezuela. And I might replace Slovenia with Montengero.
Or CROATIA
You left out Somalia
No Somalia no list
what about African countries??? No Kenya No list…. Though the places are very beautiful I Thank God 🙏 Almighty for that