This article was originally published on SmartCelery
Planet Earth is a magnificent place that never ceases to astound with its breathtaking natural and jaw-dropping wonders. It is a world of awe and wonderment. On the other hand, our world isn't without its fair share of mysteries. When it comes to sites with fabled roots or inexplicable events that give you chills, you'll be interested in these enigmatic places around the world. You will be startled to learn about some bizarre locations throughout the world that are almost too unbelievable to believe. Human encounters with these destinations have led us to select the top 40 oddest places on the planet.
Lake Natron – A Deadly Lake
Despite its reputation as a death trap and Petrifying Lake, Lake Natron is actually extremely welcoming to a few lucky species. A few years ago, spooky black and white images of calcified birds became an internet sensation. Due to the high concentrations of sodium carbonate in Tanzania's Lake Natron, the poor creatures appeared to have "turned to stone."
Ol Doinyo Lengai, a nearby volcano that produces natrocarbonatite lava, is the source of this mineral deposit. There is a significant amount of sodium and potassium carbonate in this volcanic waste product. The best time to visit Lake Natron is June to August.
Salar De Uyuni – A Flat White Salt Bed
It won’t be wrong to say that Salar de Uyuni is one of the world's strangest places. It is the world's largest salt pan as well. And when a thin film of water forms on the surface, it becomes the world's largest natural mirror, according to some estimates. On Incahuasi Island, in the center of the space, you may get the best view of the entire area.
In the Salar de Uyuni, you may see the remains of a prehistoric lake that dried up and left behind a vacuum expanse of bright-white salt, rock formations, and cacti-island formations. There are enormous flocks of gorgeous pink flamingos that may be seen grazing in the water at this location, which is worth visiting. The months of July and October are the most suitable for visiting this location. This is undoubtedly one of the strangest places on the face of the planet.
Caño Cristales – The River Of 5 Colors
Caño Cristales has been referred to as the "river of five colors" and "the most beautiful river in the world." During the summer months, the color of this Colombian river changes to red. The river bed is covered by a peculiar variety of plants, which is what causes the river to turn red. It is considered one of the strangest places on the planet.
The river is also known as the "Liquid Rainbow" because of its vibrant colors. It has been dubbed "the most magnificent body of water on the face of the planet." You can record a time-lapse of the water cascading down the rocks from this location.
Die Rakotzbrück – The Devil's Bridge
The Devil's Bridge (Rakotzbrücke) was constructed about 150 years ago, in 1860, and is the oldest bridge in the world. Because of the exceptional accuracy of the construction, the bridge and its reflection combine into a perfect circle, regardless of the vantage point from which they are viewed. This spectacular scene is a favorite of professional photographers who specifically come to capture its magnificence.
Thin rock spires have been erected at both ends of the Rakotzbrücke to give the bridge the appearance of natural basalt columns, which can be found in abundance in many places of Germany. The best time to visit this spectacular place is from May to September.
Deadvlei – A Spectacular Dead Forest
This "dead marsh" is located among the world's largest sand dunes and is a forest that has been frozen in time. Sossusvlei is a region in the central Namib Desert that is surrounded by the towering red dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park and is a popular tourist destination. It's a strange and alien landscape that should be on your bucket list. Thousands of years of rusting sand have resulted in the rich red dunes surrounding the area, giving the area its distinctive appearance.
A wonderful site that is also considered to be one of the strangest places on the planet, the lack of water drives the roots of trees to venture outside in search of moisture. The best time to visit this place is from March to May.
Grüner See – A Cool Underwater Park
This list would be incomplete without some undersea wonders. This is not simply a gimmick, but an actual park that submerges during the spring season in the Green Lake near Tragöß. A mountain range surrounds the area, and an evergreen forest also covers the area. During the wintertime, the lake is rather shallow, reaching a maximum depth of around five feet (1.5 meters) at its deepest point and having a perimeter of only a few hundred yards.
Something extraordinary occurs when the warm weather arrives: the snow begins to melt, and that water flows into Grüner See. Due to a rare natural occurrence occurring in one of Austria's most beautiful lakes, it is regarded as one of the most spectacular places to dive in Europe. We can see why the lake is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The best time to visit this place is from April and May.
Tunnel Of Love – A Heavenly Walk
The stunning architecture, charming alleyways, adventurous sports, towering castles, and enormous market squares distinguish Ukraine as Europe's second-largest country. Nothing, however, can compare to the mystical, romantic Tunnel of Love, which can be found deep among the deep, dark forests of Kleven. This 3km long tunnel is completely covered in vibrant greenery, with plants hanging down and meeting at the ceiling to produce a stunning green tunnel. Previously, the Tunnel of Love was just another section of a railroad track. As a result, it has become one of the most popular destinations for lovers around the world.
This green, leafy tunnel serves as a mode of transportation for trains transporting wood logs to a local wood mill. It is used once a day. It has become a fantastic new world for tourists when the train tracks are not used. Walking through the tunnel seems like you're in a scene from a film. It's weird and nearly unbelievable how it feels. The best time to visit is in May.
The Silfra Rift – The Two Continents Underwater Silfra Rift
Silfra is a rift between the tectonic plates of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates that may be found within Thingvellir National Park. The rift was developed in 1789 due to the earthquakes that occurred as a result of the diverging movement of the two continental plates. Located directly where the two continents meet and drift apart by around 2 centimeters every year, Silfra is an excellent diving and snorkeling destination.
A crack between two tectonic plates at Silfra is the only place on the planet where you may dive or snorkel right into a crack between them. We recommend visiting this place between June and August.
The Catacombs of Paris – A Haunted Place In Europe
About six million Parisians are interred in the Paris Catacombs, a network of disused quarry tunnels beneath the city. Overcrowding in the city's cemeteries during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries led to the collection of the majority of the skulls and bones on display. For years, the bones were not displayed in the gruesome manner that we see now until the authorities understood their potential as a tourism attraction.
It is both terrifying and thrilling to think that more than 200 miles of tunnels lie just beneath the City of Lights, some of which are lined with skulls and bones all the way to the ceiling. The best time of the year to visit this place is from April to October.
Confluence Of Rhone And Arve Rivers – The Mind-Blowing Merge
There is a distinct contrast between the colors of these two rivers in Switzerland; one is blue and the other is brown in color. Because of the disparity in densities, they never completely combine. Geneva, which is located in Switzerland, is where they come together. It's difficult to stroll through this magnificent work of nature without feeling overwhelmed by everything it has to offer.
Go ahead and do a Google search for this location to see some lovely images of it. You will be taken aback by the breathtaking grandeur of one of Switzerland's most picturesque destinations. The best time of the year to visit starts from March to June.
Jellyfish Lake – Swim Among Them
Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. It is estimated that 70 marine lakes exist in this region. The presence of jellyfish distinguishes Jellyfish Lake from the rest of the lakes in the area. There are way too many of these! The lake was closed to the public in 2012 due to a declining number of jellyfish in the lake. At that time, scientists assumed that this lovely lake had reached the end of its glory days. However, the jellyfish population has increased in recent years, and the area has once again been made accessible to the public. Isn't that great?
A snorkeling trip to Jellyfish Lake is a must during your stay in Palau. As you explore this unique environment, squishy jellies surrounding you will give the impression of swimming in a lava lamp. The best time to visit this magnificent lake is between November and April when the weather is most pleasant.
Sea of Stars – Glow In The Dark
The area around Vaadhoo Island appears to be a sea of stars at night due to the presence of bioluminescent sea plankton that emits a dazzling blue glow. Every year, millions of people flock to Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives to gaze at the sea of stars. In addition, the number of tourists visiting the area appears to be increasing as a result of the sea being featured in Hollywood and Bollywood films.
The Maldives is regarded as one of the world's most affordable vacation destinations, and this beach is considered to be one of the world's strangest locations. So, what is it that is preventing you from viewing this spectacle? The ideal time to visit is from May to November.
Blood Falls – Let There Red Water Flow
Blood Falls provides a spooky respite from the never-ending whiteness of the winter landscape. Because of the high concentrations of iron in the water, it has a reddish color. So, this location most definitely belongs on the list of the oddest places on the planet. In an article published by Forbes, it is claimed that the enigma surrounding Blood Falls has been solved.
According to the University of Alaska experts, the red coloring is caused by "oxidized iron in briny seawater, the same mechanism that causes iron to rust and turn a dark red color when exposed to air."
Nelson Lakes National Park – A Breathtaking Beauty
Do you get excited thinking about going on a jungle safari or walking tour of a national park? This one might take your breath away with its eccentricity. The Nelson Lakes National Park in New Zealand, considered one of the strangest and beautiful places on the planet, contains an intriguing Blue Lake. But what is it about it that is so strange? Take, for example, the fact that this is a lake so clean that you can see all the way down to the bottom and are unable to determine its depth.
Go ahead and pay a visit. We challenge you. Please do not hold it against us if your mind is blown. The best time to visit is from December to February.
Giant Crystal Cave – Mysterious And Scary
After seeing images of the Naica Crystal Cave's massive crystals, which measured up to 14 meters long and two meters thick, the world was startled. These enormous, gleaming mineral pillars, located deep inside the Earth's crust, are enough to give anyone claustrophobic feelings. More than 500,000 years have passed since this massive edifice began to take shape beneath Mexico's surface.
There’s a fascinating case study of how creatures cope with high temperatures and high humidity in these areas. This is a must-see for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Try visiting this place between December and April.
Huashan Mountain – A Thrilling Experience
What is it about Huashan Mountain that is so strange, you ask? Take a good look at this. The Mount Huashan Plank Walk in the Sky is a dangerous death-defying trail in China that ends in a simple tea shop. The mountain is renowned for its adrenaline-inducing effects. It is referred to as the "Road to Heaven." Would you be willing to walk the plank and go to heaven?
At 7,000 feet, travelers have to walk across flimsy planks attached to the side of the mountain. The planks are held together with staples in this death-defying trip on Mount Huashan.
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Nature's Painting
Vinicunca, commonly known as Rainbow Mountain, is a mountain in Peru's Andes range that rises to an elevation of 5,200 meters (17,100 feet) above sea level. Pale blue, powerful red, green, pink, and yellow beautify this nature's painting. As of now, there are no scientific explanations for this phenomenon. We will not lie when we say that it is incredibly tough to get there. However, the exhausting effort is well worth it in the end.
The vistas that you will see from the summit of the mountain will astound you and demonstrate why it is included on nearly every list of the world's strangest places. Are you prepared to take on this challenge? The months of June through August are the best for visiting.
Crooked Forest – A Mystical Forest
The Crooked Forest, which is located in Poland, is as bizarre as it gets. It is one of the most remarkable forests in Central Europe, and it is a protected area. The strangest thing about this grove of roughly 400 trees is that, instead of developing in a natural manner, each tree is twisted at 90 degrees near the base, creating an arc that extends to the top of the grove. Even stranger, all of the stems are bending in the same direction: directly north. The pines were planted around 1930, and to this day, no one knows for certain why the trees are fashioned in such an unusual way.
According to theories, someone deliberately did it to produce bent wood in order to make furniture or barrel-making more convenient. Others believe it is due to magnetic fields, witchcraft, and a variety of other factors.
Great Blue Hole – Fancy A Dive?
Here's a massive natural undersea sinkhole. The Great Blue Hole, located off the coast of Belize, is a gigantic marine sinkhole. Located near the heart of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70 kilometers from the mainland and Belize City, it is a popular tourist destination. The hole has a circular form and measures 318 meters wide and 124 meters deep. In total, it has a land area of 70,650 square meters. The Blue Hole is a famous place for freediving because of obvious reasons. You will be astounded by the amount of force that this sinkhole releases.
Experts also consider it one of the most dangerous and deadliest places on the planet. Many divers have lost their lives as a result of this phenomenon in the past. The best time to go there is from January through May.
Pink Sands Beach – See Something Different
It is believed that the pink color of the sand is due to the presence of particular minerals and plankton on this beach in The Bahamas. In recent scientific research, it has been discovered that the pink color is derived from foraminifera, a microscopic organism with a reddish-pink shell. Coral, shells, and calcium carbonate make up the sand's composition.
Pink sand beaches are quite rare to find in the world. The fact that these beaches are so rare adds to their allure and mystique in the general public's eyes. Between December and May, pay a visit to this amazing location.
Dead Sea – Add It To Your Bucket List
Don't know how to swim? It's not an issue! Because of the high concentration of salt and other minerals in the water of the Dead Sea, which is a salt lake, you will be able to float effortlessly in it. The Dead Sea, which is located on the border between Israel and Jordan, is one of the most fascinating natural phenomena on the planet. This saline water lake, with the exception of a few microbes and algae, is utterly devoid of life. There is no fish, seaweed, or other organisms to be found in or around the blue waters of the Dead Sea.
It has a salinity of approximately 34%, which is ten times higher than the ocean. To be clear, if you open your eyes while in its water, you will be stung severely by it. It is a hostile environment. It is interesting to note that barbaric tribes inhabited it at the time of the Greeks. We recommend visiting it in November or December.
Al Naslaa Rock Formation – Puzzling Natural Phenomena
Check out this massive rock split into two sections. Are humans or aliens behind it? According to one geologist, the divide may have been created by 'freeze thaw' weathering, but not many agree with this statement. It goes without saying that a plethora of natural phenomena will blow a traveler's mind. One of them is this. This is the epitome of a good thing.
It is mind-blowing to see how these two standing stones have a consistent slit between their flat surfaces. There are few petroglyphs as beautiful as Al Naslaa in the vicinity. Until now, no one has been able to discover its natural shape. If you want to see this natural wonder, plan a trip to Saudi Arabia.
Fingal’s Cave – Symmeterical Natural Wonder
Isn't it true that caves are typically round in shape, with round rocks? Wrong! Take a peek at these square caverns that are symmetrical in design. These caves are located on the Scottish island of Staffa, which was deserted at the time of writing. Except for scholars and experts, these caverns are rarely seen by the general public.
However, you can still enjoy looking at this snapshot and admiring the beauty of nature. Isn't this something you consider to be beautiful? It is a popular tourist destination with a huge entrance and seawater filling the cave.
Mendenhall Ice Caves – Captivating Ice Crystals
The varied shades of blue found in the ice crystals inside these tunnels are a natural phenomenon that has confounded scientists for years and continues to baffle them. Because global warming is on the rise, there is a possibility that these ice caves will no longer be among us in the near future. Geologists are putting forth every effort within their power to save these ice caves from being lost to the world forever.
Naturalist John Muir named the glacier Auke (Auk) Glacier in honor of the Tlingit Auk Kwaan band. The best time to visit Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska is from mid-May to mid-September.
Ruby Falls – The Colorful Heart of The Mountain
Ruby Falls is a 145-foot-tall underground waterfall that has been lighted to give it this gorgeous purplish color. Located within Lookout Mountain, near Tennessee, it is a popular tourist destination. They have existed for millions of years and are still going strong. Ruby Falls Cave is known for its impressive cave formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, columns, drapery, and flow stone.
The caves were only recently opened to the public, so make sure you don't miss out on a visit to this fascinating location. You can visit the Lookout Mountain at any time of the year.
Danakil Depression – One Of The Hottest Places On Earth
One of the world's hottest and lowest spots, Ethiopia's Danakil Depression lies 100 meters below sea level. The plain, located at the northern extremity of the Great Rift Valley, was produced by the evaporation of an inland water body. Danakil has no streams since all of the water that enters the area evaporates.
These are not your usual swimming pools; instead, they are acid pools in their most basic form. Even what appears to be land is made up of fragile salt and sulfur crusts that are difficult to break apart. This is one of the most bizarre places on the face of the globe. Even after millions of years of the movement, the tectonic plates beneath the Danakil Depression are still moving today. The best time to visit is from November to January.
Slope Point – Windy Much?
Slope Point, located at the southernmost point of New Zealand's South Island, is one of the world's windiest and oddest places in the world. The trees in this woodland are continuously bent and windblown as a result of the fierce Antarctic winds that blow through it. This is one of the windiest and unusual spots on the planet.
The trees in this woodland are perpetually twisted and windblown as a result of the powerful Antarctic winds that blow through the area. The craggy cliffs, which have been worn by powerful winds and the passage of time, add to the scene's intensity. Despite the fact that there are no residences in the area, the area is used for sheep farming. In addition, the AA signpost that has been built here to mark the distance between the Equator (5,140 km) and the South Pole is a notable feature of this location (4,803 km).
Eternal Flame Falls – An Eerily Beautiful Spot
The Eternal Flame, located in Western New York, is a stunning fusion of fire and water that appears to defy the laws of nature. Many consider the Eternal Flame Falls as one of the most bizarre places on the planet. But it is a charming waterfall located in Shale Creek Preserve. The fire is due to natural gas that is emitted from a little item near the waterfall's base. It is interesting to note that it can be ignited to produce a flame.
This flame can be seen throughout the year. It has the potential to be extinguished and must be re-lit from time to time. The flame, which is fueled by natural gas and burns brightly directly under a waterfall, provides a fantastic spectacle.
Christ Of The Abyss – Explore Underwater
A submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ by Guido Galletti is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy for thrill-seeking individuals. This is a 2.5 meters tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ, which is submerged in water, and it stands at 2.50 meters tall. Yes, you read it correctly. Deep-sea divers consider it a paradise, and it is undoubtedly one of the most bizarre places on the planet to be found underwater.
It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of San Fruttuoso, halfway between the towns of Camogli and Portofino. The best time to visit the place is from May to June.
Painted Hills – Nature's Painting
It happens every now and then that you come upon a spot and are simply taken aback by its beauty. Painted Hills is one of those strangest spots on the face of the planet. Do you still not believe us? Then, make plans to visit Oregon as soon as possible to see for yourself. We guarantee that when you locate it in every Oregon travel guide and after seeing it for yourself.
The presence of minerals in the Painted Hills of John Day Fossil Beds causes the hills to be stained in a variety of colors. The yellows, reds, golds, and blacks are affected by the constantly shifting light and moisture levels.
Area 51 – We Want To Believe
Over the years, conspiracy theorists from around the world and Hollywood have been fascinated by the Air Force complex known as Area 51. It is located within the Nevada Test and Training Range. Because of the tight secrecy surrounding its Cold War-era stealth aircraft testing, stories of UFOs and aliens, bizarre government experiments, and even a staged moon landing on the premises have swirled around the top-secret military base (which is still in existence).
Civilians who are interested in exploring the area around the base, which has become a weird tourist destination, are welcome to do so. Still, they are not permitted to get inside.
The Bermuda Triangle – Science or Supernatural?
The Bermuda Triangle is possibly the most well-known and mysterious location on the face of the planet. Between Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and Miami, Florida, this roughly 500,000-square-mile stretch of the Atlantic Ocean is known as the Bermuda Triangle. More than 20 planes and 50 ships are believed to have inexplicably vanished into thin air or fallen into the ocean with no apparent cause.
Despite the fact that vessels sail through the area with ease on a daily basis and that there are no more disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle than in any other huge, well-traveled area of the ocean, the mysterious accidents continue to catch the public's curiosity.
Devils Tower National Monument – Rock Climbing Anyone?
Devils Tower is a remarkable natural landmark in Wyoming that juts out of the Black Hills region's undulating prairie. It was designated as the country's first national monument in 1906. Although it appears to be a gorgeous mountain, it is actually constructed of molten rock that has hardened into a series of interesting geometric columns.
This location is sacred to a number of Native American tribes, and because of its fabled nature, it was featured in the science fiction film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in 1982. It is still used as a site for Native American ceremonies, and it is a popular location for rock climbing and trekking enthusiasts alike.
Door to Hell – When Soviet Opened The 'Gates of Hell'
The Darvaza crater, which can be found in Turkmenistan's Karakum desert, is a large man-made sinkhole that has been spewing methane gas into the atmosphere for decades. Soviet authorities deliberately set the building on fire in the hope that it would burn down within a few weeks. However, nearly 50 years after it was created, the crater is still ablaze, and the real nature of its origins remains a mystery.
Its eerie glow can be seen for miles around in the evening hours. A Russian natural gas drilling incident is thought to have caused the crater. Engineers set fire to the surrounding region to prevent the spread of harmful gases, completely unaware of how long the fire would burn for.
Island of the Dolls – Where Evil Resides
In the canals of Mexico City's Xochimilco neighborhood, there is an island known as Isla de las Muecas, which translates as "Island of the Dolls" in Spanish. According to folklore, after failing to save a young girl who drowned on the island more than 50 years ago, the island's guardian became tormented by remorse. As a mark of respect, he draped dolls about the island.
Even now, the creepy dolls with dismembered limbs, decapitated heads, and empty eyeholes can still be found on the island, and some people believe the place is haunted.
The Great Pyramid of Giza – Were Aliens Behind Them?
The Great Pyramid of Giza has captivated mankind for thousands of years and continues to do so now. It continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, despite the fact that it is the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that have survived intact. Visitors and researchers alike are still perplexed as to how the 455-foot-tall pyramid was built without the use of modern tools. However, common hypotheses suggest that it was built utilizing a ramp system of some sort.
Can we say that aliens helped build it? Even while scientists are still baffled as to how the ancient Egyptians constructed the pyramids—and especially how they did it in such a short period of time—there is abundant evidence to suggest that these monuments were the product of thousands of human hands.
Kawah Ijen Lake – Don't Go Near It
Because of a remarkable natural occurrence here, the Kawah Ijen Lake and Volcano in Indonesia are horrifying and spectacular in equal measure. Sulfuric fumes erupt from the rocky surfaces surrounding the lake, combusting when they come into contact with the surrounding air. As a result, flames can easily shoot over 16 feet into the air.
The fires look to be burning blue, and liquid sulfur is streaming down the mountain like electric blue lava from the top of the mountain.
Lake Hillier – Where Pink Panther Goes For A Daily Bath
Lake Hillier in Australia, with its bubblegum-pink waters, could be the most unusual and beautiful body of water on the face of the planet. It is located very adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, which causes its natural color to stand out even more in contrast. A large number of fish live in its waters, and the water is safe for swimming; however, tourists are not permitted to enter the lake at any time.
Lake Hillier's color is still a mystery, but it is most likely created by algae, bacteria, or chemical reactions. We highly recommend visiting this lake in Australia.
The Nazca Lines – An Enigmatic Wonder
Located in the Peruvian coastal plain about 250 miles (400 kilometers) south of Lima, the Nazca Lines are a collection of massive geoglyphs—designs or motifs etched into the ground—that date back thousands of years. The 2,000 year-old Nazca Lines in South America, which represent a variety of flora, animals, and geometric forms, were created by the ancient Nazca society and can only be completely enjoyed when viewed from the air due to their immense size and complexity.
Despite the fact that they have been researched for more than 80 years and were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the geoglyphs still remain a mystery to everyone.
Spotted Lake - Spot The Spots
While Spotted Lake is a beautiful piece of water in the Okanagan Nation grasslands of British Columbia during the cooler months, it will appear to be nothing more than an ordinary lake. However, if it's hot and dry enough, the lake will turn into a kaleidoscope of color as the water evaporates.
Each pond has a high concentration of distinct minerals, which causes the yellow, blue, and green spots. First Nations People in the area believed that each circle in the lake has a different healing effect.