This selection presents geological formations, architectural structures, and natural phenomena that distinguish themselves by their exceptional characteristics. From luminescent caves in New Zealand to a burning gas crater in Turkmenistan, these sites demonstrate the diversity of Earth's geological and human-made features. The locations include colored rivers, limestone formations, volcanic features, and architectural anomalies.
Riisitunturi National Park, Finland
Natural formations of evergreen trees accumulate heavy layers of snow and frost during winter months, creating white columns in the landscape.
Ishinomaki, Japan
Small fishing island where cats were introduced to control mice in silkworm farms. The feline population now exceeds 100 while humans number less than 50.
Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Geological formation of 40,000 hexagonal stone columns created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. Most columns measure 45 centimeters in diameter.
Waitomo, New Zealand
Limestone caves inhabited by Arachnocampa luminosa larvae that emit blue light to attract prey. The ceiling appears as a night sky.
Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
This forest near Mount Fuji contains volcanic rock formations and dense vegetation. Many visitors come for nature walks through its marked trails.
Bohol, Philippines
This geological formation consists of 1,776 symmetrical mounds covered in grass that turns brown during dry season. The hills range between 30 to 50 meters in height.
Derweze, Turkmenistan
This natural gas crater measures 70 meters in diameter and burns continuously since 1971. The flames result from a collapsed Soviet drilling operation.
San Luis PotosÃ, Mexico
This garden contains concrete structures and sculptures spread across 80 acres of tropical forest. The site includes natural waterfalls and pools.
Guiana Highlands, Venezuela
This table mountain rises 2,810 meters high and dates back to 2 billion years. Its flat summit spans 31 square kilometers.
East Java, Indonesia
This volcanic crater contains the largest acid lake on Earth, with pH 0.5. Sulfur miners work near flames that burn blue.
California, United States
This former gold mining settlement from 1876 stands at 2,554 meters elevation. Buildings remain as they stood when the last residents left.
Denizli, Turkey
These white limestone formations extend over 2,700 meters. The thermal springs maintain a constant temperature of 35 degrees Celsius.
Arusha Region, Tanzania
This salt lake contains sodium carbonate that calcifies birds and animals that fall into its waters, preserving them as white statues.
Mon State, Myanmar
This granite boulder stands balanced on the edge of a mountain cliff, covered in gold leaf and measuring 7.6 meters in height.
New York, United States
This waterfall features a natural methane gas emission that creates a flame behind the falling water, burning consistently throughout the year.
Melaky Region, Madagascar
This geological formation consists of vertical limestone peaks that rise up to 70 meters high, creating a forest of sharp stone spires.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
This coastal settlement sits at the foot of steep mountains. A 60-meter waterfall flows directly from the cliffs into the North Atlantic Ocean.
Sintra, Portugal
This 27-meter deep ceremonial shaft features a spiral staircase with nine platforms. The structure connects to a network of tunnels beneath the estate.
Socotra, Yemen
These ancient trees grow up to 10 meters tall with dense umbrella canopies. Their red resin has medicinal properties and was used as dye.
California, United States
This 160-room residence contains stairs leading to ceilings, doors opening to walls, and windows overlooking other rooms. Construction continued for 38 years without interruption.
Nevada, United States
This geothermal spring system formed in 1964 when a geothermal power company drilled a test well at the site. The minerals create multicolored mounds.
New Brunswick, Canada
This road section creates an optical illusion due to the surrounding landscape. Objects appear to move upward when they actually roll downhill.
West Coast, New Zealand
These limestone rock formations emerged from seabed layers 30 million years ago. Water pressure and seismic action created their distinct circular, flat shape.
Arizona, United States
This sandstone rock formation displays red and orange stripes created by mineral deposits over millions of years. Wind and water erosion shaped its curves.
California, United States
Former municipal dump site where ocean waves transformed discarded glass into small, smooth, colored pebbles that now cover the beach.
Mauritius
Sand and silt deposits on the ocean floor create a visual effect that resembles a waterfall beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean.
Turda, Romania
Former industrial salt mine transformed into an entertainment complex with a ferris wheel, sports facilities and underground lake at 120 meters depth.
Meta Department, Colombia
River system where red algae Macarenia clavigera grows on the riverbed, creating distinct red, yellow, green, blue and black colors in the water.
Mazandaran Province, Iran
Natural travertine formations created by mineral water springs. The orange and red colors come from iron oxide sediments.
Waikato, New Zealand
Permanent film set with 44 hobbit holes built into hillsides. The location includes gardens, a mill and the Green Dragon Inn.
Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Volcanic crater with sulfuric fumes and barren landscape. Buddhist temple on site marks entrance to afterlife in Japanese tradition.
California, United States
Flat desert basin where large rocks slide across the surface leaving long tracks. Movement occurs when ice sheets float rocks during winter.