Explore The Strangest Places On Google Earth
Explore The Strangest Places On Google Earth
Google Earth is a fascinating tool that allows you to explore the world from the comfort of your own home. From ancient ruins to modern cities, the possibilities are endless. But if you’re looking for something truly unusual, there are plenty of strange and mysterious places to discover. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most bizarre and intriguing locations on Google Earth.
Top Attractions
One of the most famous strange places on Google Earth is the Nazca Lines in Peru. These ancient geoglyphs are enormous designs etched into the desert floor, and their purpose is still a mystery. Another popular attraction is the Island of the Dolls in Mexico, where hundreds of dolls hang from trees and buildings, creating a truly eerie atmosphere.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check out the abandoned city of Pripyat in Ukraine. This ghost town was evacuated after the Chernobyl disaster, and now it’s slowly being reclaimed by nature. Another hidden gem is the Door to Hell in Turkmenistan, a fiery pit that’s been burning for decades.
Food Scene
When it comes to strange cuisine, Iceland takes the cake. You can try fermented shark, puffin, and even sheep’s head. But if you’re not feeling adventurous, head to Japan and try some fugu, a poisonous blowfish that can only be prepared by licensed chefs.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the strange and unusual. Many of the locations on this list are free to visit, such as the Mystery Spot in California or the Natural Bridge in Virginia. If you’re looking for affordable accommodation, check out hostels or camping options.
Outdoor Adventures
For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of strange outdoor adventures to be had. Take a dip in the blood-red waters of Lake Natron in Tanzania, hike through the glowing Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, or go on a safari in the Skeleton Coast of Namibia.
Historical Landmarks
Some of the world’s most unusual historical landmarks are on Google Earth. The Maunsell Sea Forts in the UK were used during World War II and now stand abandoned in the middle of the ocean. The Catacombs of Paris are an underground maze of tunnels filled with the bones of six million people.
Family-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of weird and wonderful places to visit with kids. The Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada is a snorkeler’s paradise, while the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Los Angeles is a strange and fascinating museum that’s sure to delight. And who wouldn’t want to see the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Kansas?
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something truly unique, try visiting the abandoned island of Hashima in Japan, also known as “Battleship Island.” Or head to the abandoned town of Centralia in Pennsylvania, where an underground coal fire has been burning for over 50 years.
Natural Wonders
From the stunning Northern Lights in Iceland to the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore on Google Earth. Don’t miss the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, a unique rock formation that looks like a giant staircase.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a party, head to Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant, a wild and wacky show that’s sure to delight. Or check out the Glow Worm Caves in New Zealand, where you can take a boat ride through a cave filled with bioluminescent worms.
Local Markets
For a taste of local culture, visit the floating markets in Thailand, where vendors sell their wares from boats on the river. Or head to the souks in Marrakech, Morocco, where you can haggle for spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts.
Beaches and Mountains
For some of the world’s most unusual beaches, head to the Maldives and check out the glowing bioluminescent plankton. Or visit the pink sand beaches of Bermuda. If you’re more of a mountain person, don’t miss the Rainbow Mountains in China, a stunning range of multicolored peaks.
Cultural Immersion
To truly immerse yourself in a different culture, try visiting the Walled City of Kowloon in Hong Kong, a densely populated neighborhood that was demolished in the 1990s. Or head to the abandoned town of Varosha in Cyprus, a once-thriving resort now frozen in time.
Art and Music Scene
For a taste of the avant-garde, check out the House on the Rock in Wisconsin, a bizarre museum filled with oddities and curiosities. Or head to the abandoned town of Pyramiden in Norway, where a Soviet-era cultural center still stands.
Walking Tours
If you’re up for a bit of exercise, take a walking tour of the abandoned city of Gunkanjima in Japan, a former coal-mining town that’s now a ghost town. Or explore the abandoned and decaying buildings of Pripyat in Ukraine.
Architectural Marvels
For some of the world’s most unusual architecture, visit the Lotus Temple in India, a stunning building shaped like a giant lotus flower. Or head to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, a striking building that blends modern and traditional design.
Historical Sites
From the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan to the eerie ruins of the Salton Sea in California, there are plenty of historical sites to explore on Google Earth. Don’t miss the abandoned city of Machu Picchu in Peru, a stunning example of Incan architecture.
Biking Routes
For a scenic and unusual bike ride, try the Trollstigen mountain road in Norway, a winding road that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Or head to the Death Road in Bolivia, a hair-raising route that winds through the Andes.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, head to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, a geothermal spa that’s said to have healing properties. Or try a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, India, the birthplace of yoga.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, there are plenty of unusual adventure sports to try on Google Earth. Try sandboarding in the Namib Desert, bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand, or ice climbing the frozen waterfalls of the Ouray Ice Park in Colorado.
Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks or outdoor adventures, strange cuisine or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone on this list of the strangest places on Google Earth. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey.