991 Items Tagged

Natural Wonders

Hérémence, Switzerland

Pyramides d'Euseigne

These spindly, stone-capped formations are the product of glacial deposits and thousands of years of erosion.

Altay Prefecture, China

Kanas Lake

A lake that borders Kazakhstan and Russia allegedly harbors the giant "Terror Trout" or "Chinese Nessie."

21 Caves That Offer Otherworldly Experiences

From subterranean haunts filled with glowing larvae to the oldest cave system in the world.

Jonathan Carey May 31, 2024

Nebraska National Forest

From Prairie Grasslands to Man-Made Forests: Discover Nebraska's Natural Wonders

From a subterranean network of hidden tunnels to the largest man-made forest in the country, the wonders of nature are extraordinary.

Sponsored by Nebraska Tourism

A 1960s bunker, built far into the West Virginia hills, still illustrates how the government planned to keep running in the event of a nuclear attack during the Cold War.

How to Explore West Virginia’s Underground Wonders

A field guide to the most invigorating subterranean adventures in the Mountain State

Sponsored by West Virginia Tourism

Petrified Forest of Khorixas

Hundreds of tree trunks and Welwitschia flowers populate this living fossil haven.

Why You Should Visit Turkmenistan, Land of Contrasts

An expert guide to Central Asia’s most fascinating country.

Sponsored by Cayman Jack

Why Antelope Canyon Never Looks The Same Twice

How This Cave Formed Upside Down | Untold Earth

Omarama Clay Cliffs

Quailburn, New Zealand

Omarama Clay Cliffs

Towering earthen formations that rise straight out of the ground in New Zealand .

Tufa Cave

Tufa Cave

A large wave-cut shelter, a major archeological site, overlooks the dry basin of Winnemucca Lake.

Sulphur Springs

Sulphur Springs, New Mexico

Sulphur Springs

It’s hard to believe this hostile landscape was once a health resort.

Water of Life Spring

Pernik, Bulgaria

Water of Life Spring

A dragon-shaped fountain that is said to dispense healing water—unless you're evil.

A trunk so wide it makes people look like miniatures.

Meet General Sherman – the Largest Tree in the World (By Volume)

This Giant Sequoia contains California history, Civil War history, and a whole lot of wonder, all within its ultra-thick bark.

Sponsored by Visit California

Apishapa Arch

Aguilar, Colorado

Apishapa Arch

A short tunnel built straight through a magmatic dike.

Grettislaug

21 Hot Springs to Escape Winter's Chill

From ancient cave baths to geothermal pools with alleged healing properties.

Jonathan Carey January 19, 2024

White Desert, Egypt

10 Natural Wonders That Will Make You Think You're on Another Planet

Red lakes, glowing caves, and towering pinnacles—all right here on Earth.

Atlas Obscura January 18, 2024

Despite the rumors, Björk does not live here.

Our Favorite New Places of 2023

We added more than 2,000 places to the Atlas this year—these are 23 of our favorites.

Atlas Obscura December 29, 2023