Stunning scenery from Mother Nature
Our natural environment has the power to move and inspire, encouraging people to travel to far-flung destinations just to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature in action. From a multicoloured canyon to a colossal glacier floating on tranquil teal waters, these are the world’s most picturesque natural wonders.
Read on to discover the world’s most beautiful natural wonders to inspire your next adventure…
Antelope Valley, California, USA
Each spring, Mother Nature puts on a truly captivating display in the heart of Antelope Valley, California. Situated on the western tip of the Mojave Desert, these rolling hills come to life for just a few months, treating visitors to colourful flora that turns the fields here purple and gold. Reminiscent of a Claude Monet painting, the valley becomes awash with native California poppies, lacy phacelias and delicate fiddlenecks.
Kirkjufell, Iceland
We’ve all heard of Mount Everest and Fuji, and while these peaks are mesmerising in their own ways, Kirkjufell in Iceland is altogether more ethereal. The 1,519-foot (463m) mountain can be found on the island’s western coastline, an area defined by crystalline fjords, geothermal pools and dynamic waterfalls. It’s the most photographed peak in all of Iceland and was also used as Arrow Head Mountain in the TV series Game of Thrones.
Ala-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
As far as lakes go, Ala-Kul is one of the world’s most impressive. Nestled at an altitude of over 11,483 feet (3,500m) inside the Terskey Alatau mountain range in Kyrgyzstan, this stunning pool is one of the globe’s natural gems. Enclosed by snow-capped peaks, the glacial lake covers just 0.5 square miles (1.5sq km) but its vibrant cyan waters are enough to entice and delight even the most jaded explorer.
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Angel Falls, Venezuela
Located in the Guayana highlands of Venezuela, this mammoth waterfall is dramatic and beautiful in equal parts. The drop is more than 3,199 feet (975m), making Angel Falls the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. It cascades over the edge of the Auyán-Tepuí mountain, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Majestic and dominating, this natural wonder highlights the immense power of Mother Nature.
Hoh Rain Forest, Washington, USA
Located inside the Olympic National Park in the US state of Washington, Hoh Rain Forest is one of the country’s largest temperate rainforests and showcases the tranquillity of flora and fauna. More than 1,000 years old, the woodland is blanketed in unique mosses and ferns, while its striking sitka spruce and western hemlock trees can reach heights of 311 feet (95m).
Stuðlagil, Iceland
Prehistoric in its appearance, Iceland’s Stuðlagil, also known as Basalt Column Canyon, is one of the world’s most underrated treasures. Often overlooked in favour of the island’s better-known attractions, this spectacular gorge is Iceland’s best-kept secret. The canyon was formed when a powerful glacial river pushed its way from the highlands to the north of the island, cutting through ancient volcanic rock as it went. The results, we’re sure you’ll agree, are out of this world.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, USA
Located a few miles from the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend is perhaps Arizona’s most striking asset. Engulfed by an endless red landscape, this natural curve in the Colorado River was formed when the water hit a dense sandstone barrier and was forced to change direction. An observation platform allows for unforgettable views across this formidable valley.
Hanging Rock, New South Wales, Australia
Australia is awash with superb scenery but Blue Mountains National Park perhaps has the country’s most dynamic offering. An area characterised by sheer cliffs, sweeping valleys, tranquil eucalyptus forests and dramatic waterfalls, this region of eastern Australia is well worth a visit. In the heart of the landscape, Hanging Rock is a huge sandstone ledge that became detached from the main cliff and now juts out over Grose Valley, 328 feet (100m) up.
These are Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders…
Ik Kil, Yucatán, Mexico
Ik Kil, a natural cenote (or sinkhole) in Yucatán, Mexico, was formed during heavy tropical rainfall, which made its original limestone ceiling collapse. It’s a truly picturesque natural attraction not to be overlooked. Considered sacred by the Mayan people, many visitors enjoy swimming in the pool’s mesmerising green waters.
Turda Gorge, Transylvania, Romania
Romania is famed for its Gothic castles and rocky mountains, but the Turda Gorge is one of its most inspiring treasures. The 1.8-mile (3km) gorge is awash with limestone caves and picture-perfect peaks and troughs. It makes a perfect half-day hike to fully appreciate its immense beauty and unique flora and fauna.
Mount Kelimutu lakes, Flores, Indonesia
In Indonesia, you can witness a miracle of the natural world. The lakes of Mount Kelimutu frequently change colour, from white to black, and green to red. Located inside Kelimutu National Park on the island of Flores, the lakes sit inside volcanic craters and look different every day of the year. The colours are triggered by mineral chemical reactions in the water.
Now check out America’s most stunning lakes…
Aurora australis, Tasmania, Australia
Most people have heard of the Northern Lights but the dazzling show offered in the southern hemisphere is equally as captivating. The aurora australis, or the Southern Lights, is a dancing curtain of light that glows in every shade from pink to green. The result of energetic electrons colliding with atoms and molecules, this otherworldly multicoloured show can be seen in Antarctica, New Zealand, southern Australia, Chile and South Africa.
More stunning photos of the Northern Lights from around the world
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona, USA
Located in Arizona, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a truly majestic sight. Covering an area of 293,689 acres, this extraterrestrial-looking landscape offers a sweeping canyon of billowing, multicoloured rock. The natural park was created 190 million years ago when desert dunes were compacted into sandstone and slowly honed by wind and rain erosion. This ethereal wonder is one of America’s greatest assets.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan, China
The strange and unique landscape of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park features marvellous sandstone pillars, towering up from a seemingly endless gorge. Located in Hunan, China, this bizarre but beautiful topography looks otherworldly. In fact, so fantastical is this dream-like place, that James Cameron used it as inspiration for his sci-fi hit Avatar.
Angel Oak, South Carolina, USA
Towering up almost 65 feet (20m), this majestic tree is estimated to be around 500 years old. The Angel Oak, in Charleston, South Carolina, is thought to be the oldest living tree east of the Mississippi River. With a colossal trunk, the ancient oak spans an area of 17,000 square feet (1,579sqm), thanks to its sprawling branches and crown-like canopy.
Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska, USA
Equal parts eerie and enchanting, these ice caves can be found less than 12 miles (20km) away from the city of Juneau in Alaska. Deep inside the Mendenhall Glacier, the tunnels were carved out by melting ice and the flow of water around the side of the glacier itself. Reaching the caverns is no easy task and visitors must hike across a vast ice field. Yet these haunting caves are worth the effort and any successful adventurers will be rewarded with a jaw-dropping sight.
Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Indonesia
There are thought to be just a handful of pink beaches in the world and one of the most famous (and most spectacular) can be found on Komodo Island in Indonesia. The beach’s pastel hue is created when the red shells of tiny creatures called foraminifera combine with white sand. Sandwiched between crystalline waters and a rugged green landscape, this pink sand strip is almost too pretty to be real.
The Old Man Of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Perched around 2,300 feet (700m) up on Trotternish Ridge, The Old Man Of Storr is one of Scotland’s most recognisable natural landmarks. Characterised by its towering rocky pinnacles, this theatrical monument is shrouded by folklore tales. Legend has it the Old Man was a giant, who upon being buried in the earth, left his thumb exposed.
Helmcken Falls, British Columbia, Canada
Here to prove that not all waterfalls were made equal, the Helmcken Falls in British Columbia is a sight to behold. Positioned on the Murtle River within Wells Gray Provincial Park, this 462-foot (141m) wonder was discovered in 1913 by Robert Henry Lee. Helmcken is by far one of the most scenic spots in all of North America and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the titan from a viewing platform on the rim of the canyon.
Prokletije, Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
There’s no denying the beauty of the Alpine landscapes of Switzerland, France and Italy, but many overlook the unmatched majesty of Prokletije, also known as the Albanian Alps. Positioned in the western Balkan peninsula, this breathtaking mountain range extends through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Dotted with quaint villages, lush woodlands and rambling mountain passes, this region is an extraordinary spot for a hike.
Zhangye National Geopark, Gansu, China
The rainbow-hued mountains in Zhangye National Geopark look just like an artist’s paint palette. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning formation was created by natural erosion, when layers of sand, silt, iron and minerals blended together to create a kaleidoscope of colours. The incredible park appears to have been decorated by Mother Nature herself.
Check out more of the world’s most beautiful mountains
Manjanggul Lava Tube, Jeju Island, South Korea
Located on Jeju Island in South Korea, Manjanggul Lava Tube is unlike anywhere else on earth. The underground beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tunnel-like caves snake for around 4.5 miles (7.4km). The biggest cavern is home to spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the largest lava column in the world.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil
Over on Brazil’s North Atlantic coast, you’ll find a seemingly endless stretch of white sand dunes. Covering an area of 598 square miles (1,550sq km), this plain springs to life between May and September when rainwater trickles through the landscape and forms thousands of seasonal azure pools and lakes. A paradise for wildlife, this otherworldly landscape attracts a wealth of animals, including 42 species of reptile.
Five Flower Lake, Sichuan, China
China’s Jiuzhaigou Valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for very good reason and Five Flower Lake is perhaps its most dazzling feature. This serene lake is considered holy by many locals, thanks to its interchanging colours and the fact it doesn’t freeze, even in winter. Yet the mystery behind this unique wonder can be easily explained – home to hot springs, the pool also has aquatic plants which change colour when exposed to sunlight.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Covering a spectacular expanse of almost 115 square miles (300sq km), Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It’s celebrated for its 16 striking lakes, which are interconnected by a series of dramatic waterfalls that cascade down into a picturesque limestone canyon. The surrounding woodlands are renowned for their wildlife, including bears and wolves.
These are Europe’s most stunning national parks
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
A demonstration of the power and beauty of nature, Bryce Canyon National Park is characterised by its crimson rock spires. Dynamic and distinctive, this canyon in Utah was formed by erosion over the course of about 15 million years. The hoodoos (the column-shaped rock formations) dazzle in shades of orange and red. Adventurous hikers can witness the surreal landscape for themselves by traversing the park’s trails, ancient forests and natural amphitheatres.
Verdon Gorge, Provence, France
This theatrical limestone canyon appears to carry on endlessly into the horizon. Located in central Provence in southeastern France, the spectacular wonder dates back to the Ice Age. It was created when moving plates and glaciation shifted and melted the landscape to create the peaks and troughs we see today. Known as Verdon Gorge, the canyon takes its name from the French word for green and is famed for its lush forests and dazzling river that’s almost too blue to be true.
Fjaðrárgljúfur, Iceland
Fjaðrárgljúfur, a stunning canyon in the south of Iceland, was crafted by flowing glacial meltwater which cut its way through the rock. It briefly closed to visitors in 2019 due to overtourism but has now reopened. Soak in the breathtaking scenery from an observation platform and appreciate the majesty of this natural wonder.
Dragon blood trees, Socotra Island, Yemen
The strange and mysterious formations of Yemen’s dragon blood trees might seem like the stuff of science fiction, but they’re very much real. These peculiar, mushroom-shaped trees are native to the Socotra archipelago and are scientifically known as Dracaena Cinnabari. The eye-catching tree got its more common name from its red resin which is used for medicine and dyes to this day.
Read on for more photos of the world’s most beautiful trees
Caño Cristales, Meta, Colombia
Within the Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park in Colombia, this exquisite river is aptly nicknamed the River of Five Colours. Caño Cristales is considered one of the most beautiful waterways in the world and for several months each year, it dazzles with interchanging hues of pink, green, yellow, blue and black. This natural display occurs thanks to an endemic aquatic plant that changes colour when exposed to sunlight.
Benagil Cave, Algarve, Portugal
An unusual domed ceiling and natural skylight make Benagil Cave one of the world’s most beautiful coastal landscapes. Located in Portugal’s Algarve region, the spectacular sea cave was formed about 20 million years ago and is the result of limestone build up. Often described as a cathedral sculpted by the sea, this envy-inducing cavern should find its way onto everyone’s bucket list.
Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, USA
You might not normally consider plains to be natural wonders but this one in California might change your mind. Carrizo Plain National Monument, in San Luis Obispo County, is the largest single native grassland remaining in the state of California. Covering more than 200,000 acres, the landscape is considered one of the best kept secrets in America and boasts alkali flats, vast open fields and wildflowers every spring.
Zambezi River, Africa
As the fourth-longest river in the whole of Africa, the Zambezi is a true spectacle of Mother Nature. Stretching for more than 1,550 miles (2,500km), the river weaves through Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and Botswana until it reaches the Indian Ocean. With unrivalled natural scenery and some of the world’s most attractive waterfalls, the Zambezi is also the home of the iconic Victoria Falls.
Read on for more of the world’s most stunning waterfalls
Lake St Clair, Tasmania, Australia
Lake St Clair is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Located in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania, this beautiful body of water is protected inside a Wilderness World Heritage Area. Also known as Leeawulenna (or Sleeping Water), the sublime pool was carved out by glaciers over the course of millions of years. See it on a hike and explore the surrounding pine forests and towering mountain peaks too.
Mount Assiniboine, Alberta/British Columbia, Canada
Situated along the Alberta and British Columbia border in Canada, Mount Assiniboine wouldn’t look out of place in Iceland. This beautiful peak stretches up 11,870 feet (3,618m) and is surrounded by an equally idyllic area. There’s the tranquil waters of Lake Magog and the prettiest carpet of native wildflowers.
Dettifoss, Iceland
Vatnajökull National Park is home to jaw-dropping Dettifoss, a waterfall in the north of Iceland. It plummets 144 feet (44m) and is reportedly the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Incredibly, 17,657 cubic feet (500 cubic metres) of water plunges over the edge of this fall every single second, making Dettifoss not only stunning but utterly formidable.
Nā Pali Coast, Hawaii, USA
We’re not sure about you but we’ve never seen anything more incredible than the Nā Pali Coast in Hawaii. This dazzling shoreline is punctuated by razor-sharp sea cliffs, delicate winding valleys and cascading waterfalls. The eye-catching area has had a silver screen moment too – it was the backdrop for 1997’s The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, USA
The Hubbard Glacier in Alaska sits peacefully off the coast of Yakutat. Its majestic face stretches up to 400 feet (122m) tall and six miles (9.6km) wide. Most of the ice is below water but what you can see is still incredibly impressive. Cruise ships aren’t allowed to get too close as the ice can be very thick.
Buttermere, Lake District, England
Natural beauty isn’t all about power and drama, and Buttermere, a lake in the English Lake District, is here to prove it. This spellbinding waterway is surrounded by idyllic woodlands and sits in the shadows of the peaks of Haystacks and Red Pike. The area offers some of the best walking trails in the country.
Explore more of Britain’s beautiful wild places
Palouse, Washington, USA
Despite being one of America’s most attractive regions, the Palouse often slips under the radar. This major agricultural area, which also encompasses parts of Idaho, is known for picture-perfect pastoral fields that shimmer in shades of purple and green. These idyllic hills were formed over tens of thousands of years, from wind-blown dust and silt from dryer climes.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, South Island, New Zealand
Situated inside Paparoa National Park on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Punakaki Pancake Rocks are in a class of their own. These bulging limestone pillars were created 30 million years ago when dead marine creatures landed on the seabed. Immense water pressure solidified their fragments and earthquake activity slowly pushed the newly formed pillars upwards. Wind and seawater finally sculpted the rocks into the pancake-like structures we see today.
Thor’s Well, Oregon, USA
Nicknamed the drainpipe of the Pacific, Thor’s Well appears to be stealing water from the sea itself. The natural sinkhole is nestled on the coast of Oregon, close to Cape Perpetua, and is thought to have started out as a sea cave that eventually collapsed into itself. Thought to be around 20 feet (6m) deep, the hole becomes even more mesmerising at high tide or during intense storms when water violently thrashes over the rocks.
These are the most mysterious places around the world
Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas, USA
It’s hard to resist jumping in this natural swimming hole, around 20 miles (32km) west of Austin. Entirely inviting, the shimmering emerald pool was once hidden underground until its limestone roof collapsed, revealing this oasis. Now a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike, the pool is fed by a 50-foot (15m) waterfall and is only accessible to those with a reservation.
Taughannock Falls, New York, USA
Dropping 215 feet (65.5m), this mesmerising waterfall can be found in Taughannock Falls State Park in Tompkins County, New York. Considered one of the finest natural wonders in the northeast of America, this colossal fall also happens to be the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
Mayon Volcano, Albay, Philippines
Famed for its iconic shape, many adore Mayon Volcano for being pleasingly symmetrical. Also known as Mount Mayon, the volcano is considered sacred to locals and stretches up 8,077 feet (2,462m). Frequently active, it last erupted in 2018 and is just as beautiful as it is powerful.
Fly Geyser, Nevada, USA
Over in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, you’ll find one of the world’s most remarkable geysers. Offering a kaleidoscope of colours and an entirely unique form, Fly Geyser was created by accident. In the 1960s, an energy company drilled on the site in hopes of finding a new power source. The water they found wasn’t warm enough but they failed to properly seal the opening they had created. Today, the geyser still spews water and steam, and the brilliant colours are formed by the algae it’s covered in.
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA
Mystical and magical, the expansive desert of White Sands National Monument is one of nature’s most unusual marvels. Covering 275 square miles (712sq km) inside New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, the dunes are formed from gypsum sand – a rare mineral found in only a few locations on Earth. The sand dissolves in water but luckily the state’s dry climate is the perfect breeding ground for this rare and wonderful material.
Take a look at more of America’s natural wonders here
Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
This breathtaking natural wonder is considered one of Thailand’s finest waterfalls. Found inside Srinakarin Dam National Park, the tiered fall drops for seven levels and stretches around 1.2 miles (2km). Surrounded by a stunning jungle landscape, this scenic waterfall can be reached via a three-hour hike through the foliage – it’s worth every single step.
Landmannalaugar, Highlands, Iceland
The Highlands of Iceland are renowned for thermal springs and mirror-like fjords but Landmannalaugar is unlike anywhere else in the world. Inside Fjallabak Nature Reserve on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field, this unique and unusual landscape was formed during a volcanic eruption around 1477. Famed for its geothermal springs and azure rivers, this rugged region also benefits from candy-coloured hills that appear to be painted by hand.
Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia
The islands of Indonesia sit on a so-called ring of fire which results in numerous earthquakes and volcanic activity. Yet it also means the country is awash with incredible natural wonders and Mount Bromo is just one of them. This gorgeous volcano sits on the eastern edge of the island of Java, inside Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Towering 7,848 feet tall (2,329m), this active volcano last erupted in 2016 and stands as a symbol of the power of Mother Nature.
Hamersley Gorge, Western Australia, Australia
Renowned for its spring-fed emerald pools, towering waterfalls and swirls of red rock, Hamersley Gorge is in Karijini National Park in Western Australia. This cavernous gorge is also home to a wide variety of birds and reptiles, as well as red kangaroos, rock-wallabies, echidnas and several species of bat. Huge termite mounds can also be found dotted across its picturesque and unusual landscape.
Maroon Bells, Colorado, USA
The Elk Mountains in Colorado are crammed full with inspiring viewpoints and enchanting landscapes. Yet of all of them, nowhere is quite like the Maroon Bells. As two of the highest peaks in the region, these soaring mountains reflect in Crater Lake during sunny days, creating a natural mirror that captures the pure simplicity of this untouched landscape.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA
There’s no way Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Prismatic Spring could be left off this list. The vivid blue centre of the geyser is surrounded by bands of glorious colour, created by the heat-loving bacteria that live there. From above, the pool looks just like a painting of the sun. With a depth of 164 feet (50m), the spring reaches temperatures of 70°C (160°F).
Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina
Located inside Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina, Perito Moreno Glacier is otherworldly. Considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Patagonia, the epic glacier covers around 121 square miles (313sq km). Every two to four years in mid-March, the large arched section of the glacier falls into Lake Argentino below and the spectacular event attracts thousands of tourists.
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Acadia National Park spans 47,000 acres and is characterised by its lush forests, craggy beaches and iconic granite peaks – the greatest of which is the Cadillac Mountain. Considered the jewel in the crown of the North Atlantic Coast, this lush landscape attracts 3.5 million visitors every year. As well as drop-dead-gorgeous scenery, the area is known for its wildlife such as bears and whales.
Travertine terraces, Pamukkale, Turkey
The town of Pamukkale in Turkey is celebrated for its natural travertine terraces which cascade down its hillside like clouds. These 17 mineral-rich thermal pools attract thousands of tourists each year and are part of an ancient Roman spa city. The pools are formed by calcium carbonate deposits on the surface of the water.
Read on to discover the last unspoiled places on Earth
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