7 Mysterious Places To Visit Around The World

Our magnificent planet is a repository of mysterious locations, each possessing its own distinctive enigma. Scattered across the globe, these places beckon adventurers to embark on a journey into the unknown.

From the otherworldly splendor of Arizona's Antelope Canyon to the lively Reed Flute Cave in China and the reflective expanses of Salar de Uyuni, these captivating locations possess a magic that draws you into their allure.

Prepare to delve into the mysteries of these seven world-renowned places as we guide you on a virtual tour, allowing you to absorb the profound sense of wonder that surrounds their beauty and intrigue. If you find yourself intrigued, consider booking your next SOTC tour to one of these breathtaking destinations and elevate your travel experience to new heights!

# Eternal Flame Falls, New York

Leading the list is an endlessly burning yet surreal waterfall nestled deep within Chestnut Ridge Park, New York. It garners its name from an enduring flame that has been burning for millennia.

The Eternal Flame Falls gracefully descends just above the bedrock that cradles this everlasting fire, a spectacle that has left many visitors in awe.

This remarkable phenomenon occurs when gas pockets, predominantly methane, rising from the ground combine with the oxygen in the surrounding environment. It remains a mystery, however, as to how the flames persist amidst the continuous flow of water.

Some individuals entertain the belief that a divine presence resides in the cave or along the ledges, manifesting itself through these flames.

Regardless of the rationale, the allure of the Eternal Flame Falls captivates hikers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts alike. To reach this enchanting destination, one can traverse a scenic forest, making it a top mystery location in the world.

# Darvaza Gas Crater – Door to Hell, Turkmenistan

Adding to the roster of the most mysterious places worldwide is another perpetually burning phenomenon - the Door to Hell or Darvaza Gas Crater, situated in the remote Karakum desert of Turkmenistan.

This ever-burning chasm delves as deep as 30 meters or 100 feet beneath the Earth's surface, surrounded by a natural gas field, making it a captivating subject for adventurers and travelers alike.

According to a plausible explanation, it is believed that a Soviet oil rig inadvertently plunged into this hole circa 1971. Subsequently, geologists set fire to the pit in an attempt to eliminate it. The outcome was a continuously burning cavity that sparked both fear and fascination for those in proximity.

Over the years, no one dared to descend into the pit until National Geographic Grantee Mr. George Kourounis undertook the daring feat, describing the experience as akin to being a 'baked potato.' He portrayed the pit as an expansive, glowing space with orange hues and crater-like walls, reminiscent of Mars in its highly volatile nature. Recently, the government has decided to extinguish the pit that has been ablaze for over five decades.

# Reed Flute Cave, China

Ranked among the enigmatic wonders of the world, the fabled Reed Flute Cave stretches over 200 meters into the Earth and is crafted from natural limestone.

Frequently hailed as the Palace of Natural Arts, this limestone cave boasts vibrant geological formations, featuring chambers with evocative names such as the Dragon Pagoda and the Crystal Palace.

Within its depths, visitors encounter a mesmerizing display of stalactites, stalagmites, and various rock formations, all bathed in the glow of multi-colored lights. The origin of these lights remains a mystery, yet they are entirely natural.

A notable attraction within the cave is a massive rock slab resembling the Chinese characters for 'love,' drawing many visitors to marvel at its intricate formation.

Dating back to the Tang Dynasty of China, which ascended to power approximately 180 million years ago, the Reed Flute Cave has welcomed over 8 million people, attesting to its extraordinary allure.

If a holiday in China is on your agenda, be sure not to overlook our comprehensive guide on China tourism.

# Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Standing at 72 feet tall and plunging 270 feet deep, Fingal's Cave presents an otherworldly spectacle with its interior composed of basalt columns shaped like six-sided pillars. These enchanting columns serve as the entrance to the mysterious cave, perched on the ocean, captivating all who visit.

Originally formed over 60 million years ago through volcanic activity, the molten lava gave rise to this cave, now a wellspring of inspiration for luminaries such as Jules Verne, James MacPherson, Pink Floyd, and Lord Tennyson.

Felix Mendelssohn's "Hebrides Overture," also known as "Fingal's Cave," was directly influenced by his visit to this extraordinary location.

Furthermore, Fingal's Cave bears a remarkable resemblance to the Giant's Causeway in Ireland. Legend has it that the mythical hero Finn MacCool constructed a bridge from the Causeway to Fingal's Cave for his epic battles. The name of the cave, "Fingal," itself is derived from "Fionnghall," meaning "White Stranger," adding an extra layer of mystery.

To access the caves, one must book a ferry from Oban, Dervaig, Tobermory, Fionnphort, and Iona, ensuring that the weather is calm. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weather conditions before planning a visit.

# Skaftafell, Iceland

Situated in the heart of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is often hailed as one of the world's premier mysterious destinations.

The verdant expanse of the Skaftafell region provides an ideal setting for hiking, with its picturesque trails weaving through forests, mountains, glaciers, ice caves, waterfalls, black sands, and more.

Serving as a perfect base camp for the ascent of Hvannadalshnukur, Iceland's highest peak, this endeavor should be undertaken with the guidance of a professional or expert.

The natural and breathtaking ice caves in Skaftafell are only visible during the winter when rivers and waterfalls freeze. This locale has even served as a backdrop for the otherworldly scenes featured in the popular TV series "Game of Thrones."

Among the must-see attractions in this area are Svartifoss (Black Falls), renowned for its colossal black basalt columns, traversing the Vatnajokull glacier, and embarking on hikes to the Morsardalur valley and Kristinartindar mountain peaks.

# Antelope Canyon, Arizona

While most tourists flock to Arizona to witness the breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, have you considered whether Antelope Canyon, one of the world's enigmatic destinations, is equally deserving of a visit?

Indeed, this awe-inspiring geological marvel took shape over many years, shaped by the forces of water and wind erosion. Discovered by the Navajo Tribe, the upper section earned the name 'where water runs through rocks,' a nod to its intricately sculpted walls.

Conversely, the lower part, known as 'Hazdistazí' or "spiral rock arches," boasts its own allure with narrower accessibility.

Nestled in the small town of Page in Northern Arizona, this slender canyon exudes a mesmerizing charm, particularly when the sun reaches its zenith, casting its rays through the narrow openings and illuminating the otherwise dim passages.

The visual spectacle unfolds as sunlight performs a dance, revealing different hues of the walls throughout the day. From vibrant orange and red tones to subtle purples and blues as night approaches, Antelope Canyon transforms into a captivating display of nature's artistry.

# Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Situated in the southernmost reaches of Bolivia, this breathtaking expanse covers over 10,000 square kilometers, establishing itself as the largest salt flat globally. Its formation traces back to the drying up of several prehistoric lakes, leaving behind an endless sea of dazzling white salt hexagons that glisten like diamonds in the sunlight.

Elevated around 12,000 feet above sea level, this mesmerizing salt flat undergoes a remarkable transformation into a mirror-like lake during the rainy season, occurring between December and April. A thin layer of water blankets the surface, creating a seamless reflection of the sky and turning the landscape into an unimaginable yet seemingly infinite dreamscape.

Beyond its stunning aesthetics, the area is a significant source of lithium, playing a pivotal role in the future of sustainable energy. According to the US Geological Survey, this location holds at least 50 to 70 percent of the world's lithium reserves.

With luck, visitors may catch sight of pink flamingos and rare species of hummingbirds hovering over the lake. Despite freezing temperatures at night and the scorching desert sun during the day, the salt flat sustains life in a remarkably wonderful manner.