When it comes to travel, everyone knows the French Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China. But sometimes, the magic lies in the places that don’t make the covers of travel guidebooks! If you’re looking for something a bit different, here are twelve lesser-known landmarks from around the globe that deserve a spot on your bucket list. These places are incredibly beautiful, unexpected, and full of history—places where you can experience something unique, all while avoiding the crowds.
1. The Door to Hell – Turkmenistan
In the middle of the Karakum Desert, there’s a fiery crater that’s been burning for over 50 years. Known as the “Door to Hell”, this natural gas field in Turkmenistan was set on fire in 1971 by Soviet scientists hoping to burn off the gas. They didn’t expect it to last, but half a century later, it’s still blazing! If you want a surreal experience, head here at sunset to see the flames flicker in the dark and you’ll feel like you’re on some other mysterious planet.
2. Aescher Cliff – Switzerland
If you’re into epic views and good food, the Aescher Cliff Restaurant is a great idea. Nestled against the side of a cliff in the Swiss Alps, this restaurant looks like something straight out of a fairytale. You can only get there by hiking or getting on a steep cable car, but the reward is so worth it; fresh mountain air, traditional Swiss food, and a stunning view over an endless valley.
3. Aogashima Island – Japan
Imagine a volcanic island with a village nestled inside another volcano. That’s Aogashima in Japan, a double-caldera volcanic island that’s as remote as it is fascinating. Only a few hundred people live here, and visitors are rare, which makes this place feel extra special. There are hot springs, epic hikes, and even open-air geothermal saunas, all with the backdrop of forests and ocean views.
4. The Sedlec Ossuary – Czech Republic
This might sound like the plot of a horror movie, but the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic is real—and it’s kind of beautiful in a gothic way. Known as the “Bone Church,” this chapel is decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people. Chandelier made of skulls? Check. Garlands made of femurs? Check. It’s a bit eerie… but undeniably memorable.
5. Las Pozas – Mexico
Hidden deep in the Mexican jungle, Las Pozas is a surrealist garden built by British poet Edward James in the 1940s. Think concrete towers, stairways to nowhere, and waterfalls, all intertwined with dense greenery. It’s like a Salvador Dalí painting come to life, with surrealist sculptures scattered across 80 acres of jungle. It’s hard to get to but worth every step.
6. Lake Natron – Tanzania
Lake Natron is not your average lake. Due to its high pH levels, the water is so alkaline that animals who get too close sometimes turn into mummified versions of themselves. It sounds dark, but the lake’s high salinity gives it stunning red and pink hues, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Africa. A place of eerie beauty, it’s a bit intimidating but absolutely mesmerising.
7. Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni isn’t that hidden, but it’s often overshadowed by Machu Picchu and the Amazon when people think of South America. This massive salt flat stretches for miles, creating a bright white landscape that feels like it’s from another planet. When it rains, the ground becomes a giant mirror, reflecting the sky and creating an illusion where earth and sky blend together in one vast, surreal landscape.
8. Chefchaouen – Morocco
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Nearly every building in the old part of the town is painted in various shades of blue, giving it a dreamlike quality that photographers go crazy for. The town’s relaxed vibe, beautiful views, and winding alleys make it a perfect getaway if you’re looking for a peaceful yet strikingly colourful destination.
9. Fly Geyser – Nevada, USA
Ever heard of a geyser that’s rainbow-coloured? Fly Geyser in Nevada is a man-made accident from the 1960s that’s now a natural wonder. When geothermal drilling didn’t go as planned, mineral deposits started building up and turned this spot into a colourful, steaming geyser. Its vivid greens, reds, and yellows come from thermophilic algae, and though it’s on private land, guided tours are available for those interested in this quirky, alien landscape.
10. Hobbiton – New Zealand
If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings, Hobbiton might already be on your radar, but it’s still a bit of a hidden gem for those outside of the fanbase. This movie set in Matamata, New Zealand, has been turned into a permanent fixture where you can stroll through the Shire, see Bilbo’s front door, and even grab a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. It’s charming, especially if you’ve dreamed of Middle Earth, and full of New Zealand’s famous lush scenery.
11. Kolmanskop – Namibia
Once a bustling diamond-mining town, Kolmanskop is now a ghost town swallowed by the Namibian desert. Abandoned buildings filled with sand dunes create a haunting yet fascinating scene. You can walk through houses where sand has crept in through the windows and doors, leaving dunes inside the living rooms. It’s haunting, especially at sunrise, and it’s a great spot for eerie but stunning photos.
12. Meteora Monasteries – Greece
The ancient monasteries of Meteora are perched on top of towering rock pillars in central Greece. Six of the original twenty-four monasteries remain active, and visiting them feels like stepping back in time. The monks once used a system of ladders and ropes to access these sacred places, and though there are stairs now, the view from the top is still an awe-inspiring payoff for the climb. It’s a serene and stunning spot that feels like it’s floating in the clouds.
These places might not be as famous as the Pyramids or the Colosseum, but they’re every bit as amazing. Whether it’s a lake that looks like Mars, a cliffside restaurant, or a ghost town swallowed by sand, these lesser-known landmarks offer unforgettable adventures without the crowds. So next time you’re planning a trip, why not skip the usual tourist traps and aim for something a little offbeat? You might just find your new favourite place.
Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:
- 12 Top Destinations Worldwide for Architecture Lovers | Skratch
- Official Hobbiton Website
- Guide to 'The Door to Hell' | Live Science
- Meteora, Greece | Greeka Guide
- Chefchaouen Travel Guide | Visit Morocco
.jpg)
%20(1).jpg)
.jpg)
