Technicolor mountains, otherworldly forests, and glow-in-the-dark beaches: These unusual places around the world prove that weird can also be wonderful.
Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, China
Sadly, magical fairy dust is not the secret behind Reed Flute Cave's glowing interior: Multi-colored lights have been hidden all around the subterranean spot to attract tourists.
Sadly, magical fairy dust is not the secret behind Reed Flute Cave's glowing interior: Multi-colored lights have been hidden all around the subterranean spot to attract tourists.
Socotra, Yemen
With UFO-like dragon's blood trees as its most notable feature, the island of Socotra looks like it was transported to Earth from a distant planet.
With UFO-like dragon's blood trees as its most notable feature, the island of Socotra looks like it was transported to Earth from a distant planet.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
As its name suggests, the largest hot spring in the United States is essentially a rainbow ring of vibrant colors.
As its name suggests, the largest hot spring in the United States is essentially a rainbow ring of vibrant colors.
Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu, China
These striped, technicolor mountains are Mother Nature's answer to Photoshop. Red sandstone and mineral deposits have been building up in China's Danxia Landform Geological Park for more than 20 million years, causing the surreal layered effect.
These striped, technicolor mountains are Mother Nature's answer to Photoshop. Red sandstone and mineral deposits have been building up in China's Danxia Landform Geological Park for more than 20 million years, causing the surreal layered effect.
Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu, Japan
Japan may be known for its cherry blossoms, but the country also features another pretty plant—shibazakura, or pink moss. Come springtime, Shibazakura Hill in Hitsujiyama Park becomes a carpet of pink and purple blooms, drawing crowds to appreciate the hundreds of thousands of flowers set to the backdrop of Mt. Buko.
Japan may be known for its cherry blossoms, but the country also features another pretty plant—shibazakura, or pink moss. Come springtime, Shibazakura Hill in Hitsujiyama Park becomes a carpet of pink and purple blooms, drawing crowds to appreciate the hundreds of thousands of flowers set to the backdrop of Mt. Buko.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie, China
Scenic might be an understatement: This 100-square-mile attraction contains thousands of sandstone pillars that are nature's version of skyscrapers—some even stretch taller than the Empire State Building's midpoint.
Scenic might be an understatement: This 100-square-mile attraction contains thousands of sandstone pillars that are nature's version of skyscrapers—some even stretch taller than the Empire State Building's midpoint.
Marble Caves at General Carrera Lake, Chile
Caves don't always have to be dark and dingy. Case in point: The Marble Caves off of the Patagonian Andes. These swirling marble walls, formed by 6,000 years of crashing waves eroding the stone, are as vibrant and lovely as the azure water that surrounds them.
Caves don't always have to be dark and dingy. Case in point: The Marble Caves off of the Patagonian Andes. These swirling marble walls, formed by 6,000 years of crashing waves eroding the stone, are as vibrant and lovely as the azure water that surrounds them.
Kawah Ijen Volcano, Java, Indonesia
Indonesia's Kawah Injen volcano is equal parts terrifying and spectacular. Terrifying? The Java peak has abnormal amounts of sulfuric gases that reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees F and combust as they seep through the cracks and come in contact with the air. Spectacular? The gases sometimes condense into liquid sulfur, which then takes on an otherworldly shade of blue and flows down the volcano like lava.
Indonesia's Kawah Injen volcano is equal parts terrifying and spectacular. Terrifying? The Java peak has abnormal amounts of sulfuric gases that reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees F and combust as they seep through the cracks and come in contact with the air. Spectacular? The gases sometimes condense into liquid sulfur, which then takes on an otherworldly shade of blue and flows down the volcano like lava.
Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria
Built by the Bulgarian Communist regime toward the end of the Cold War, the Buzludzha Monument is a relic from another time. Decades ago, the UFO-esque building was the site of many state functions, with Lenin and Marx posters and a red-star ceiling setting the ambiance. Though the monument was abandoned and closed to the public in 1989, sneaky explorers continue to venture in to gaze at the otherworldly dome.
Built by the Bulgarian Communist regime toward the end of the Cold War, the Buzludzha Monument is a relic from another time. Decades ago, the UFO-esque building was the site of many state functions, with Lenin and Marx posters and a red-star ceiling setting the ambiance. Though the monument was abandoned and closed to the public in 1989, sneaky explorers continue to venture in to gaze at the otherworldly dome.
Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey
The stacked pools in Pamukkale are usually surrounded by snow and frozen waterfalls, but the blue waters are hot and open to bathers. You'll never be satisfied with your hotel's infinity pool again.
The stacked pools in Pamukkale are usually surrounded by snow and frozen waterfalls, but the blue waters are hot and open to bathers. You'll never be satisfied with your hotel's infinity pool again.
Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Kromlau, Germany
When reflected in the still waters below it, this 19th-century bridge creates a perfect stone circle.
When reflected in the still waters below it, this 19th-century bridge creates a perfect stone circle.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, and it is beautifully surreal no matter the time of year. When dry, the flat is a perfectly horizontal sheet of hexagonal salt tiles. During the wet season, the shallow lake perfectly mirrors the sky, creating a dreamy illusion of infinity.
Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, and it is beautifully surreal no matter the time of year. When dry, the flat is a perfectly horizontal sheet of hexagonal salt tiles. During the wet season, the shallow lake perfectly mirrors the sky, creating a dreamy illusion of infinity.
Valle de Cocora, QuindÃo, Colombia
In case you were wondering where to find the world's tallest palm trees (palma de cera), you needn't look further. Nestled in Colombia's Cocora valley, these lithe trees are even more incredible set against the backdrop of misty green hills and sharp mountains.
In case you were wondering where to find the world's tallest palm trees (palma de cera), you needn't look further. Nestled in Colombia's Cocora valley, these lithe trees are even more incredible set against the backdrop of misty green hills and sharp mountains.
Mendenhall Ice Caves, Juneau, Alaska
The ice caves inside Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier are not easily accessible nor for the faint of heart—those who want to see them in person must first kayak to the glacier and then ice-climb to reach it. But once adventurers stand under the glowing blue ceilings of ice, we’re pretty sure they’ll tell you it’s worth the trek.
The ice caves inside Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier are not easily accessible nor for the faint of heart—those who want to see them in person must first kayak to the glacier and then ice-climb to reach it. But once adventurers stand under the glowing blue ceilings of ice, we’re pretty sure they’ll tell you it’s worth the trek.
Angel Oak, Charleston, South Carolina
What looks like a set piece from Pan's Labyrinth is actually a massive and ancient oak tree that stands six stories tall and is more than 300 years old.
What looks like a set piece from Pan's Labyrinth is actually a massive and ancient oak tree that stands six stories tall and is more than 300 years old.
Koekohe Beach, South Island, New Zealand
Maori legend has it that the Moeraki Boulders scattered along Koekohe Beach are the remains of eel baskets, gourds, and sweet potatoes from a large canoe wreck. Scientifically, the spherical rocks are the result of a natural process known as concretion, where grains of sand and stone combine to form these masses. Reaching a diameter of up to six feet, these boulders dot the eroded Otago coastline.
Maori legend has it that the Moeraki Boulders scattered along Koekohe Beach are the remains of eel baskets, gourds, and sweet potatoes from a large canoe wreck. Scientifically, the spherical rocks are the result of a natural process known as concretion, where grains of sand and stone combine to form these masses. Reaching a diameter of up to six feet, these boulders dot the eroded Otago coastline.
Slope Point, South Island, New Zealand
The next time you want to complain about the wind messing up your hair, just consider the trees of Slope Point, which are permanently twisted and windblown by intense Antarctic gusts.
The next time you want to complain about the wind messing up your hair, just consider the trees of Slope Point, which are permanently twisted and windblown by intense Antarctic gusts.
Snæfellsjökull, Iceland
An otherworldly landscape complete with caves and craters, Iceland's Snæfellsjökull glacier, has appeared in Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth and the film Batman Begins.
An otherworldly landscape complete with caves and craters, Iceland's Snæfellsjökull glacier, has appeared in Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth and the film Batman Begins.
Moravian Fields, Czech Republic
It's more believable to think the Moravian Fields are the product of an oil painter's genius brushstrokes, but these pastel-colored hills are very much a reality.
It's more believable to think the Moravian Fields are the product of an oil painter's genius brushstrokes, but these pastel-colored hills are very much a reality.
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
Located about 60 miles off the coast of Belize, the Lighthouse Reef boasts beautiful coral and shallow turquoise waters—oh, and a vertical drop that's more than 400 feet deep. Meet the Great Blue Hole, a 1,000-foot-wide, perfectly circular sinkhole in the middle of the atoll that was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1971 when he declared it one of the best diving sites on the planet. Formed as a limestone cave more than 15,000 years ago, the hole has underwater stalactites and stalagmites that formed when sea levels dropped below the reef.
Located about 60 miles off the coast of Belize, the Lighthouse Reef boasts beautiful coral and shallow turquoise waters—oh, and a vertical drop that's more than 400 feet deep. Meet the Great Blue Hole, a 1,000-foot-wide, perfectly circular sinkhole in the middle of the atoll that was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1971 when he declared it one of the best diving sites on the planet. Formed as a limestone cave more than 15,000 years ago, the hole has underwater stalactites and stalagmites that formed when sea levels dropped below the reef.
Namib Desert, Namibia
Red sand dunes and skeletal trees make Namibia the closest thing we have to Mars on Earth. The Namib Desert was also the filming location for Mad Max: Fury Road.
Red sand dunes and skeletal trees make Namibia the closest thing we have to Mars on Earth. The Namib Desert was also the filming location for Mad Max: Fury Road.
Lake Reschen, South Tyrol, Italy
This area of South Tyrol was once home to several villages, but the towns were purposefully flooded when a dam was built nearby. The only visible reminder of the drowned cities is a 14th-century bell tower—sort of like Rapunzel meets the Quarter Quell.
This area of South Tyrol was once home to several villages, but the towns were purposefully flooded when a dam was built nearby. The only visible reminder of the drowned cities is a 14th-century bell tower—sort of like Rapunzel meets the Quarter Quell.
Bryce Canyon, Bryce, Utah
Bryce Canyon's layered red and orange rock pillars, known as hoodoos, make it a can't-miss destination for campers and shutterbugs alike.
Bryce Canyon's layered red and orange rock pillars, known as hoodoos, make it a can't-miss destination for campers and shutterbugs alike.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The lush Okavango Delta is like a real-world Eden, where cheetahs, zebras, buffalo, and rhinos roam freely.
The lush Okavango Delta is like a real-world Eden, where cheetahs, zebras, buffalo, and rhinos roam freely.
Redwood National Park, California
Standing in the middle of California's Redwood National Park is a humbling experience to be sure, especially when you look up at the 2,000-year-old, 300-foot-tall natural giants.
Standing in the middle of California's Redwood National Park is a humbling experience to be sure, especially when you look up at the 2,000-year-old, 300-foot-tall natural giants.
The Sea of Stars, Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
The beaches at Vaadhoo Island have received their fair share of Internet swooning, and for good reason: The bioluminescent phytoplankton in the waters emanate a dazzling blue glow, making it look as though the stars have somehow found their way down to earth for the night.
The beaches at Vaadhoo Island have received their fair share of Internet swooning, and for good reason: The bioluminescent phytoplankton in the waters emanate a dazzling blue glow, making it look as though the stars have somehow found their way down to earth for the night.
Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, Tasmania
Tasmania's Maria Island is a motherlode of fascinating geology, including the swirling, Triassic-era limestone of the Painted Cliffs.
Tasmania's Maria Island is a motherlode of fascinating geology, including the swirling, Triassic-era limestone of the Painted Cliffs.
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
Miles of pink sand beaches stretch along the coast of Harbour Island in the Bahamas. The source of the pinkish hue? Shelled marine creatures called foraminifera that live in the coral reef off the island’s coast.
Miles of pink sand beaches stretch along the coast of Harbour Island in the Bahamas. The source of the pinkish hue? Shelled marine creatures called foraminifera that live in the coral reef off the island’s coast.
Mono Lake, Mono County, California
Mark Twain once wrote of California's largest natural lake: "Mono Lake lies in a lifeless, treeless, hideous desert...This solemn, silent, sailless sea—this lonely tenant of the loneliest spot on earth—is little graced with the picturesque." It's a shame Mr. Twain couldn't see how the lake has transformed since the 1860s. Mono is now renowned for its abnormally high amount of salt—about twice as much as the ocean—and creepy/cool tufa formations (built-up limestone formed by carbonate minerals in water). The tufas were submerged during Twain's time, but lowering water levels had exposed them by the 1980s.
Mark Twain once wrote of California's largest natural lake: "Mono Lake lies in a lifeless, treeless, hideous desert...This solemn, silent, sailless sea—this lonely tenant of the loneliest spot on earth—is little graced with the picturesque." It's a shame Mr. Twain couldn't see how the lake has transformed since the 1860s. Mono is now renowned for its abnormally high amount of salt—about twice as much as the ocean—and creepy/cool tufa formations (built-up limestone formed by carbonate minerals in water). The tufas were submerged during Twain's time, but lowering water levels had exposed them by the 1980s.
Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
Paro Taktsang, also known as "The Tiger's Nest" monastery, hangs on a cliffside precipice more than 10,000 above the ground. Even monks like to live on the edge sometimes.
Paro Taktsang, also known as "The Tiger's Nest" monastery, hangs on a cliffside precipice more than 10,000 above the ground. Even monks like to live on the edge sometimes.
