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Twenty extraordinary, unconventional landscapes across the globe:

Explore 24 extraordinary, unusual landscapes across the globe - traverse the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan, encounter the frozen "snow monsters" gracing Mount Zao, Japan.

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Massive underwater abyss lies off Belize's coastal region.
Massive underwater abyss lies off Belize's coastal region.

Twenty extraordinary, unconventional landscapes across the globe:

Freakiest Mother Nature's Masterpieces Here on Earth!

Take a jaw-dropping journey through some of the strangest and most captivating landscapes found on our planet. These localea are renowned for their unique beauty, fantastic geological formations, and a sprinkle of legends. Ready to wander into the world's wildest backyards?

Ancient Yew Trees at Kingley Vale, Sussex, UK: These twisted, ancient yew trees, dating back at least 2,000 years, span over a 204.4-hectare area.

Kingley Vale, UK

Unusual Rock Formations in Turkey: Known as Fairy Chimneys, these geological wonders are created when harder rock remains standing after softer rock around it erodes over thousands of years.

Step across centuries as you feast your eyes on the gnarled, twisted yew trees of Kingley Vale. These twisted ol' trees hide secrets that date back 2,000 years. With their eerie resemblance to characters straight out of a Gothic horror story, these ancient trees are a true rarity. Escaping the woodcutter’s ax during the 15th century, these survivors are a testament to the resilience of nature [1].

Geographical Wonder: The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1986, dates back approximately 50 to 60 million years.

Fairy Chimneys, Turkey

Ancient Mudstone Formations Line Koekohe Beach in Moeraki, New Zealand, Formed Over a Duration of Five Million Years.

Get ready to lose yourself in a trippy landscape that appears straight out of a sci-fi movie! The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia are thanks to the magical erosion process that occurs over thousands of years. There's something oh-so-magical about these pieces of geology - adding to their allure are cave systems and ancient cities hidden beneath the chimneys, left behind by cheeky early Christians [1].

Giant Underwater Chasm in Belize: Spanning 300 meters across and plunging around 125 meters deep, this immense sea cavity is a component of the Belize Barrier Reef System.

Giant's Causeway, N. Ireland

Awe-inspiring Cano Cristales in Colombia: Dubbed as

Wanna hear a wee yarn? The Giant's Causeway is steeped in legend! Back in the day, Finn McCool built a massive stone pathway from N. Ireland to Scotland to keep his Scottish nemesis, Benandonner, at bay. It's a less fantastical story when you learn that these columns were actually formed during a lava flow, but it’s still pretty darn cool! [1]

Mysterious Dead Vlei in Namibia: Nestled amidst the world's tallest sand dunes, reaching up to 400 meters, this intriguing site offers a unique landscape that stands out in Namibia.

Moeraki Boulders, NZ

Giant's Sorrow Transformed: Over 1,268 mounds of chocolate-like terrain in Bohol, Philippines, are believed to be the remnants of a giant's tears shed in despair.

Alright, mate! Have you heard of the Moeraki Boulders? These large, spherical rocks look like they were dropped from Zeus’s bag of marbles! Local legend claims they are the remnants of fishing baskets and long-lost cargo from an ancient Maori canoe. In reality, these guys have been around for a cool 5 million years, and the mysterious soft goo is what created these balls [1].

Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano: Not only is it the most persistent volcano on Hawaii Island, but it also ranks among the world's most active.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

Pink-Hued Lake Hillier, Australia: Located at the border of the most extensive island in the Recherche Archipelago, this saltwater lake is renowned for its unique pink color, believed to result from the mixture of algae and a high salt concentration.

Water you waiting for? Dive into the Great Blue Hole for a glimpse at a world teeming with exotic sea life and dazzling mineral formations. Discovered by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s, this massive sinkhole has been fascinaing scientists and scuba divers for decades. Submarine trips revealed new 3D sonar maps of its depths, full of fascinating formations [2].

Mysterious Rock Formation in Wyoming: Soaring 385 meters above Belle Fourche River, Devils Tower holds religious significance for various Native American nations.

Caño Cristales, Colombia

Scorching Dallol, Ethiopia: Claiming the Title of World's Hottest Location, Temperatures Barely Dip Below 94 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Fancy a swim in a river as colorful as a sock drawer left out by a rainbow, and a sprinkle of superhero dust? That's exactly what you get in Caño Cristales. During a brief window between the wet and dry seasons, this watery wonderland comes alive with brilliant red, yellow, and green colors. Just be sure to leave that sunblock at home... to protect the delicate ecosystem [2].

Astronomical Phenomenon in Mauritania: Referred to as the Richat Structure, this 40-kilometer diameter geological enigma can be spotted from outer space.

Dead Vlei, Namibia

Giant Snow Shapes, Mount Zao, Japan: Located in the northern Tohoku region of Japan, these snow formations, known as

Dead Vlei, like the name says, is what happens when nature heads to the dark side: a skeleton forest boasting arid desert sand dunes towering up to 400 meters. What a freaky place! Once upon a time, there was a plentiful oasis here. But a shifting climate change brought the end of Camel Thorn trees - and now they stand as mummified reminders of better days [3].

Isolated Valley of the Moon, Argentina: Located within the protected jurisdiction of Argentina, this secluded valley goes by the name Ischigualasto Provincial Park.

Chocolate Hills, Philippines

Stretching across the boundary between Utah and Arizona, the breathtaking Vermilion Cliffs stand out as a magnificent spectacle in the American landscape.

If a kiddoꞌs art class and a rollercoaster had a massively geological baby, it would be the Chocolate Hills! Toss in some crazy legends about giant tears and you’ve got this mind-bending landscape in the Filipino countryside. Each of these 1,268 hills rises 10! meters, with the best time to visit being December to March when all the chocolate flakes are showing up [3].

Geothermal Site in Haukadalur, Iceland: Dating back to 1294, this geothermal area lies roughly 60 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik.

Kilauea, Hawaii

Breathtaking Limestone Cavern in Norway: The Trollkirka Cave, renowned for its length, has been painstakingly sculpted by water over countless years.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is working overtime! This heavily active volcano is in near constant eruption, sending lava flowing down roads and swallowing homes and resorts with glee. How's that for excitement? Formed around 100,000 years ago, Kilauea is old as the hills but still maintains its charm (and terror, let's be real) [3].

Less Frequently Visited Bryce Canyon in Utah Equals Remarkable Scenery comparable to Grand Canyon National Park.

Lake Hillier, Australia

Geographically situated between Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea surpasses conventional seawater with its salt concentration being nearly ten times greater.

Say hello to Pink Lake! Lake Hillier in Western Australia is famous for its bright pink water. Sure, algae and halophilic bacteria might have something to do with it, but who needs science when you've got storybook-worthy scenery?

Unusual Sacred Lake in Okanagan Valley, Canada: Local indigenous people regard this unique lake as sacred.

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Antarctica's Blood Falls: Remarkable natural spectacle uncovered by Australian geologist Griffith Taylor in 1911.

Pray for safe travels when you go visit Devils Tower, a butte (read: short fat rock stack) in Wyoming. This sacred landmark holds deep meaning for the Native American tribes around it. Folk tales of giants and bears abound, but apparently this guy also played a role in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"... bonus points, no tinfoil hats needed [4].

Vibrant Rock Formations of Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, China: Labeled as the

Dallol, Ethiopia

Exploded Gas Crater, Turkmenistan: Locals refer to it as the Gateway to the Underworld, a natural disaster that humans triggered just over 50 years ago.

Step into another world as you venture to Dallol, Ethiopia. This ridiculously inhospitable place is one of the hottest spots on the planet, with temperatures averaging a sweltering 33 degrees Celsius (94 ° Fahrenheit). Get ready to see Martian landscapes made up of rainbow-colored rocks, thanks to mineral deposits and freakishly yellow sulfurous springs [5].

Unique rock formations, known as fairy chimneys, dot the landscape of Goreme in Turkey's Cappadocia region.

The Eye of the Sahara, Mauritania

The colossal sea-formed rock arrangement, known as The Giant's Causeway, was designated Northern Ireland's initial World Heritage Site back in 1986.

Ah, the Sahara desert is a cool place to be... wait, what? The Eye of the Sahara is a giant bullseye in the middle of the Sahara? Yeah, we gotta agree - seeing it from space, this place truly does resemble a fossilized ammonite (if you have a good imagination). So what's this mystery all about? Well, it might not be an impact crater after all [6].

Scattered along Koekohe Beach on New Zealand's South Island, you'll find the peculiar Moeraki Boulders.

Snow Monsters, Japan

Flowed with Five Hues, Cano Cristales Reputedly Known as the

The Snow Monsters of Mount Zao in Japan are about as cool as things get. When winter drops by, it brings frosty winds straight out of Siberia. The monstrous trees twisted and frozen by the cutting cold create enchanting, alien-looking snow sculptures that put anyone in a dreamy mood [7].

Namibia's enigmatic location, Dead Vlei, remains a captivating sight.

Valley of the Moon, Argentina

Magnificent Natural Marvel: The Chocolate Hills Unveiled

The Valley of the Moon in Argentina will make you feel like you stepped into a Salvador Dali painting, with its surreal landscape of windblown rock formations. The scenes under the star-studded nights are out-of-this-world [8].

Volcano Kilauea, renowned for its continual activity, ranks among the world's most active.

Vermilion Cliffs, Arizona

Pink lake in Australia measures approximately 600 meters in length and 250 meters in width.

Step into a western movie set with the Vermilion Cliffs in Arizona. These beautiful swirling sandstone canyons and arches stretch across 48 kilometers and stand up to 3,000 feet tall, with scenic trails winding between amazing rock formations [9].

United States' initial designated national landmark: Devils Tower

Haukadalur Geothermal Field, Iceland

The Dallol area claims the title as Earth's sweltering hotspot.

Iceland is a treasure trove of geothermal wonders! The Haukadalur Geothermal Field is a must-see, offering sights of smoke-filled hot springs and pools bubbling in the wild landscape. Bring your camera and breathe in the sites - but watch out for that sulfur smell! [10].

Astronomical Phenomenon: Richat Structure Visible Across Cosmic Horizon

Trollkirka Caves, Norway

Japan's legendary snow monsters reside in Mount Zao's wintry landscape.

Enter the Trollkirka Caves on a wild adventure through Norway. These marble and limestone marvels are a true test of your hiking stamina and a breath-taking sight to behold - once you finally get there. The sparkling pools in these magical caves have a way of leaving you in awe [11].

Isolated valley found within a conserved region of a South American nation

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Utah-Arizona boundary hosts the Vermillion Cliffs.

Skirt under the radar of the big tourist crowds and check out the Bryce Canyon in Utah. While the nearby Grand Canyon may get all the attention, Bryce Canyon is just as spectacular - with its eerie "hoodoos" towering up to the sky. Nestled in a series of natural amphitheaters, the breathtaking scenes will leave you speechless [12].

Geothermal fields dated as early as 1294 provide historical evidence.

Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan

Norway's Extensive Limestone Cavern: The Trollkirka Unveiled

Dip your lucifer toes into the Dead Sea - the lowest point on Earth! With water more than nine times saltier than the ocean, buoyancy is practically guaranteed. Bask in the rejuvenating properties a dip in this strange sea provides - just remember to lather up on the after-sun lotion! [13]

Vibrant Hues of Red, Orange, and White: Bryce Canyon National Park's Rocks Strike Against Sky's Backdrop

Spotted Lake, Canada

The Dead Sea lies sandwiched between Jordan and Israel.

Spotted Lake in BC, Canada turns into a kaleidoscope of blue, yellow, and green marvels as summer rolls around. The mineral-rich lake has been owned by the Okanagan First Nations since 2001 [14].

Canada's Striking Spotted Lake: A Wondrous Spectacle to behold

Blood Falls, Antarctica

Australian geologist Griffith Taylor stumbled upon this remarkable geological occurrence in 1911.

Looking as if Hell itself upchucked red sludge onto the ice, Blood Falls is a marvel of red water flowing from the Taylor Glacier. It's not blood, of course, but rather oxidized iron in the water for this gory look. Something even more interesting is that the red water is over a million years old [15].

Stunning Rainbow-Hued Landscapes at Zhangye Danxia National Park, Gansu Province, China, 25 September 2017 - This awe-inspiring geological park in China's northwest showcases a mesmerizing, multi-colored mountain range. Known as the China's Rainbow Mountains, these peculiar peaks display a range of colors, mirroring a celestial rainbow upon their highest points. This specific geological marvel prompts numerous questions, including the factors responsible for creating the Rainbow Mountains' vibrant palette. Exploring diagenetic and mineralogical mechanisms, this article explains the processes leading to the formation of reds, greens, yellows, and blues. The UNESCO World Heritage Site sprawls over 200 square miles within the Gansu province and welcomes countless domestic and international visitors each year.

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, China

Flaming Abyss in the Heart of Karakum Desert: The Darvaza Gas Crater

Imagine taking a road trip past a collection of multi-colored rainbow mountains. That's what the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park offers! Built over millions of years, it's a supernatural landscape for anyone who's a fan of mind-blowing scenery [16].

Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan

Someone accidentally discovered a massive gas pocket in the middle of the desert during a drilling expedition. To avoid the release of deadly methane gas, the Darvaza Gas Crater was set on fire to burn out - 50 years later, it's still burning! Nearby camping is just the perfect opportunity to watch Orange Flame freakiness out in the desert [16].

Sources:

  1. Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Fairy chimneys. Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/world-heritage/itineraries/fairy-chimneys
  2. BuzzFeed News. (2012, June 05). 10most Incredible Places You Can Actually Visit. Retrieved from https://www.buzzfeed.com/kshatzkin/10-stunning-world-locations-people-are-actually-allowed-to
  3. National Geographic. (2021, February 28). Earth 101: Chocolate Hills. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/video/science/earth-101/how-were-chocolate-hills-formed/
  4. Britannica.com. (n.d.). Devils Tower. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Devils-Tower
  5. Atlas Obscura. (2017, May 19). Dallol, Hell on Earth. Retrieved from https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/dallol
  6. South African Astronomical Observatory. (n.d.). Richat Structure. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGqUZmcF6mQ
  7. Journey through Japan. (n.d.). Mount Zao Snow Monsters. Retrieved from https://www.journeythroughjapan.com/package/zapowagoe-snow-monsters
  8. Travel South America Blog. (n.d.). The Valley of the Moon, Mendoza. Retrieved from https://travelsouthamericablog.com/valley-of-the-moon/
  9. WhatzupScottsdale. (n.d.). Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Retrieved December 2, 2019, from https://www.whatzupscottsdale.com/travel/virgin-river-gorge-vermilion-cliffs-national-monument-2/
  10. Icelandic Tourist Board. (n.d.). Geysir, Iceland's Hot Spring Area. Retrieved from https://www.visiticeland.com/geysir
  11. Travellers kick blog. (n.d.). Trollkirka Cave FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.travellerskick.com/trollkirka-cave/
  12. Utah Office of Tourism. (n.d.). Bryce Canyon National Park. Retrieved from https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/bryce-canyon-national-park
  13. Israel Ministry of Tourism. (n.d.). Dead Sea. Retrieved from https://www.goisrael.com/Israeli_Travel_Guide/The_Vibrant_Arts/Dead_Sea
  14. Canada.com. (n.d.). Spotted Lake. Retrieved from https://www.canada.com/travel/destination-guides/exploring-each-of-british-columbias-marvels/west-kootenays/spotted-lake.html
  15. English National Parks. (n.d.). Blood Falls, Antarctica. Retrieved from https://englishnationalpark.co.uk/destination/blood-falls-antarctica/
  16. Matador Network. (n.d.). Top 10 Geological Marvels and Landscapes You Must See. Retrieved from https://matadornetwork.com/life/top-10-geological-marvels-you-need-to-see/
  17. Travel to the Haukadalur Geothermal Field in Iceland, a wholly unique destination, boasting 805923678115ce9662973afd1d10e3c3 average temperatures and a lifestyle that revolves around the frequent eruptions of geothermal activity.
  18. For an average of 33 degrees Celsius (94 ° Fahrenheit), journey to Dallol, Ethiopia, a region surrounded by the strange beauty of rainbow-colored rocks and sulfurous springs that make it resemble Mars.
  19. vacationing in the land of enchanting geology, set a course for the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey, where the average magic-infused landscape appears straight out of a sci-fi movie.
  20. Whether it's marbled in reds, yellows, and greens or a pink right out of a painting, the average traveler will find themselves in awe when exploring Spain's Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park or Canada's SPIRITED Lauke Hillier, both where the average colors are like nothing you've ever seen before.

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