20 Strangest Landscapes Around the World You Need to See to Believe
Seeing is Believing
Before science, it would be difficult for civilizations to explain certain sights or structures. This led to legends and mythologies about how the world was formed. Considering some of these spectacles, its hard to blame people of the past for believing in Gods and monsters.
European Space Agency / CNES on Wikimedia
1. Giant’s Causeway
Located on the north coast of Northern Ireland, these hexagonal basalt columns are a marvel to look at. Created as the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption, many are stunned by the beauty and precision of these rocks. In 2005, it was named the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom.
2. Great Blue Hole
This giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize has been a scuba diving attraction for many years. The stunning view of this circular hole spans over 1,000 feet across and over 400 feet deep. It was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years as the ocean rose.
3. Chocolate Hills
These hills are a vast geological formation located in the Philippines. There are at least 1,300 hills spread over an area of 50 square miles. They are covered in a chocolate-colored layer of grass during the dry seasons, giving them the name Chocolate Hills.
4. Lake Hillier
Lake Hillier is just one of Australia’s natural marvels. The most noticeable and notable feature of this lake is the vibrant pink color of the water. The reason behind this color is that the only living organisms in the lake are red algae.
5. Cano Cristales
Cano Cristales, or Crystal Channel in English, is a river located in an isolated mountain range in Colombia. The fast-flowing waters of this river have many rapids and waterfalls. What makes it unique and beautiful is that it’s located on the border of three different ecosystems, giving it a wide range of flora and fauna.
6. The Eye of the Sahara
Located in the Adrar Region of Mauritania, the Richat Structure, known to many as the Eye of the Sahara, is a geological wonder. It spans over 25 miles in diameter. The carbonatite rocks have been dated as having cooled around 100 million years ago.
7. Dallol
This ghost town located in northern Ethiopia is known for having the highest average temperature for an inhabited location on Earth. It is also known for its unearthly colors and mineral patterns. The main mode of transport here is still a camel caravan.
Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash
8. Haukadalur Geothermal Valley
Home to hot springs, mud pots, geysers, and fumaroles, the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley is located in the southern part of Iceland. The shallow valley is about 330 feet above sea level. Visited by many for its beautiful waterfalls, powerful geysers, and other geothermal features, it is truly a sight to see.
9. Snow Monsters
If you are looking for an interesting spot for your ski trip, look no further than Mount Zao in Japan. Every winter, a unique weather phenomenon coats the trees with snow and ice, morphing them into “snow monsters.” They aren’t up all year long, so if you want to see them, your best bet would be to go there in mid-February or March.
10. Spotted Lake
Also known as Lake Khiluk, the Spotted Lake is one of Canada’s many natural wonders. This lake is richly concentrated with a variety of minerals. During the summer, the lake evaporates, revealing these minerals and leaving large spots on the lake.
11. Zhangye National Geopark
Located in Gansu, China, this mountain formation covers an area of over 120 square miles. Known for its colorful rock formations, it has been named one of the most beautiful landforms in China. There are a series of boardwalks and access roads that have been built for tourist accessibility.
12. Blood Falls, Antarctica
East Antarctica’s Blood Falls was a mystery for some time. At first, it was believed that the tainted water flowing down the waterfall was due to red algae, but later it was proven that iron oxides were the real reason behind it. Nonetheless, it is an interesting and bizarre thing to see.
National Science Foundation/Peter Rejcek on Wikimedia
13. Dead Vlei, Namibia
A white clay pan located in Namibia, this dead marsh has been claimed to be surrounded by the highest sand dunes in the world. The tree skeletons that reside here are believed to have died over 700 years ago, but the wood cannot decompose because the area is so dry.
14. Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s tourist attraction since the 1980s, the Darvaza Gas Crater has intrigued and terrified many. Known as the “Door to Hell,” this crater has sunken into itself and has been burning for decades. Truly a terrifying and interesting sight to see.
15. Pamukkale Travertines, Turkey
A natural site of beauty located in Turkey, this area is famous for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing of thermal spring water. The natural pools surrounded by white limestone can be accessed by a walk over the rocks.
16. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming
This spring, located in Wyoming, is the largest hot spring in the United States. It was named “Prismatic” after its many bright and vivid colors. The deep blue center of the pool is sterile due to its extreme heat.
17. Red Beach, China
Located in Liaoning, China, the Red Beach is famous for its bright red landscape. It is covered with a red plant called “Suaeda Salsa.” This is one of the few species of plant that can live in highly alkaline soil.
18. Dragon’s Blood Trees, Socotr
Native to Socotra, this tree is named after the blood-like color of the red sap it produces. It is considered to be the national tree of Yemen. A very unique tree and definitely a sight worth seeing.
19. Rice Terraces, Philippines
Carved into the mountains of Banaue in the Philippines, these terraces are the Igorot people’s ancient ancestors' work of art. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built solely by hand. It is said that if the steps of these terraces were put end to end, they would encircle half the globe.
20. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
The Antelope Canyon in Arizona includes six separate scenic parts. These parts are referred to as The Crack, Rattlesnake, Owl, Mountain Sheep, Canyon X, and the Corkscrew. They were formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone due to rain and flash floods.
