12 Surreal Landscapes You Won’t Believe Are on Earth
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Nature has a way of captivating us with its breathtaking beauty. From towering mountains to crystal-clear lakes, our planet is filled with natural wonders that never fail to amaze adventurers.
However, certain landscapes seem almost unreal, as if they belong in a dream or a fairytale. These surreal landscapes, with their unusual colors, shapes, and formations, defy expectations and challenge our perception of what is possible; it is as if they are from another planet.
1. Wadi Rum, Jordan
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Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in Southern Jordan, is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a chance to experience one of Earth’s most visually stunning landscapes.
Wadi Rum is renowned for its extraordinary rock formations, massive monoliths, arches, and narrow gorges sculpted by wind and water erosion over centuries.
The sandstone formations in Wadi Rum come in a rich range of colors that look even better during sunrise and sunset. Wadi Rum is dotted with picturesque campsites and resorts that add to the area’s magnificence.
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2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, US
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone primarily due to flash flooding. The result is a narrow, winding canyon with smooth, flowing curves and stunning rock formations.
One of the most mesmerizing features of Antelope Canyon is the way sunlight filters through the narrow openings at the top of the canyon. The sunlight creates a magical interplay of light and shadows, illuminating the smooth, sculpted walls with warm hues. This effect is particularly pronounced around midday when the sunlight directly penetrates the canyon.
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3. Dragon’s Blood Trees, Socotra, Yémen
The Dragon’s Blood Trees have a striking and alien-like appearance with thick, stout trunks and dense clusters of long, spiky leaves resembling an umbrella. This peculiar shape sets them apart from conventional tree forms.
Moreover, the trees produce a deep red resin, which is why they are called Dragon’s Blood trees. This resin oozes from the bark when the tree is wounded, creating an unearthly contrast between the resin and the vast arid landscape. The red droplets on the tree’s green canopy add a touch of fantasy to the environment.
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4. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia in central Turkey is a dreamlike environment that captivates travelers from all over the world. Among the most distinctive features of Cappadocia is the presence of fairy chimneys and tall, cone-shaped rock formations that dot the landscape. These natural structures were formed through centuries of erosion on soft volcanic rock.
In addition, this semi-arid region is known for its ancient cave dwellings and underground cities carved into the soft, tuff rock. These caves served as homes, churches, and storage facilities for inhabitants throughout history. Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloon rides, providing a unique landscape perspective.
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5. Odle Mountains, Italy
The Odle Mountains, also known as the Geisler Group or Dolomiti di Funes, are a mountain range located in the northern Italian Alps. The mountain range is known for sharply towering peaks, spires, pinnacles, and ridges creating a dramatic yet visually appealing skyline.
During the warmer months, the peaks are covered with vibrant wildflowers, adding color to the landscape. The contrast between the rugged mountains and the soft meadows enhances the dreamlike beauty of the region.
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6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, spans nearly 4247.12 square miles (11,000 square kilometers). In the rainy season, a thin layer of water covers the salt flat, turning it into a giant natural mirror. The reflection of the sky and clouds on this perfectly flat surface creates a mesmerizing illusion, making it appear like the ground seamlessly merges with the heavens.
Besides, the vast landscape sometimes creates stunning geometric patterns due to the contraction of the salt crusts. On a good day, these patterns turn the landscape into a work of art.
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7. Tianzi Mountains, China
The Tianzi Mountains feature karst peaks and tall limestone formations shaped by erosion over millions of years. The sheer number and height of these peaks create an almost otherworldly skyline that defies gravity.
Moreover, the mountains are in a region known for experiencing a sea of clouds, especially during the early morning or late evening. When the mist wraps around the peaks, it adds a mystical atmosphere, enhancing the surreal beauty of the mountains.
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8. Abraham Lake, Canada
Although artificial, Abraham Lake has stunning turquoise-blue waters resulting from rock flour—fine particles of rock generated by glacial erosion. The suspended rock particles refract sunlight, giving the lake its vibrant color.
During winter, this lake has methane bubbles trapped in ice. Microorganisms decompose organic matter at the lake bottom, releasing methane gas. The bubbles are captured in the ice when the lake freezes, creating an otherworldly visual effect.
Besides, the lake is surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop to the already surreal features of Abraham Lake.
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9. Waitomo Glowworm Cave, New Zealand
This cave has limestone formations shaped by water erosion over a long period. The highlight of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave is the presence of Arachnocampa Luminosa, a species of bioluminescent glowworms that emit a soft blue-green light to attract their prey. The luminous glow creates a magical atmosphere within the cave.
The underground river that flows through the cave adds to the unbelievably beautiful nature of the landscape. When visiting, ensure you go on a boat tour through the underground river.
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10. Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Gansu, China
Colorful rock formations with cliffs, towering pillars, ravines, and other distinct shapes characterize Zhangye Danxia Geopark. It results from millions of years of weathering and erosion on mineral-rich rocks. Its landscape showcases a breathtaking palette of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue hues.
The different colors are attributed to the varying mineral content in the rock layers. Zhangye Danxia Landform is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global significance as a geological wonder.
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11. Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, US
The highlight of Mendenhall Glacier is the vast expanse of glacial ice that flows down from the Juneau Icefield. The glacier spans over 13 miles (about 21 kilometers) and is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. The sheer size of the glacial ice creates a sense of awe that keeps attracting adventurers.
Take time exploring the ice caves and tunnels within the glacier that form due to the melting and reshaping of the ice. The icebergs floating on the lake are an equally mesmerizing scene.
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12. Crystal Ice Caves, Iceland
Crystal Ice Caves are formed within glaciers, where centuries-old ice undergoes extreme pressure, squeezing out air bubbles and impurities. The result is translucent ice that can take on a blue or turquoise hue. The ice’s clear, glass-like appearance contributes to the caves’ dreamlike quality.
When sunlight filters through the layers of ice, it creates a mesmerizing display of colors and reflections. Guided tours, often available during the winter months when the ice is stable, allow people to witness the breathtaking beauty of the caves firsthand.
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