Earth is home to some extraordinary landscapes that seem almost too fantastical to be true. From vast deserts with strange formations to crystal-clear lakes and vibrant colored rivers, there are places on our planet that look like they’ve been transported from another world.
Whether it’s the alien-like colors of the Fly Geyser, the otherworldly rock formations at Cano Cristales, or the serene beauty of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, these places challenge our perceptions of what Earth can look like. Join us as we explore 20 incredible destinations on Earth that seem like they belong on a distant planet.
1. Fly Geyser, Nevada
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Located in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, Fly Geyser is a geothermal marvel that looks more like an alien life-form than a natural wonder. It was accidentally created in 1964 when a geothermal well was drilled, and the hot springs began to deposit minerals around the area, leading to the formation of colorful, mineral-rich geysers. The geyser continually erupts with steaming water, creating vibrant, otherworldly colors that change throughout the year. Reds, greens, and oranges speckle the landscape, creating a landscape that could be confused with a fiery alien planet.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The geyser’s continuous spouts of bright, multicolored water look more like a distant planet’s volcanic eruption rather than something from Earth. The stark desert backdrop further amplifies its alien appearance.
2. Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Austria
In Wattens, Austria, you’ll find the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a magical park featuring a series of art installations made entirely of shimmering crystals. The park’s centerpiece is the “Giant,” a massive grass-covered figure with crystal eyes, which serves as the entrance to the park. Inside, visitors can walk through a series of dazzling rooms filled with crystal art, illuminated sculptures, and sparkling underground caves. The effect is otherworldly, blending nature and human artistry in ways that feel like stepping into a futuristic realm.
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- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The dazzling, almost ethereal quality of the art and architecture, combined with the glowing effect of the crystals, makes this site feel like a fantastical, otherworldly kingdom made of light and glass.
3. Stone House, Portugal
Hidden in the northern mountains of Portugal, Casa do Penedo (The Stone House) is a surreal building constructed between four massive stones. Built as a retreat for the family that owns it, the house blends seamlessly into its rocky environment, almost as though it was crafted by nature itself. The jagged exterior and thick stone walls make it feel like a fortress from another world, offering a strange combination of natural beauty and human ingenuity.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The design of the house, perfectly integrated into the landscape, evokes a feeling of a natural, ancient structure built in a world far from Earth. Its simplicity and ruggedness make it look like it could have been built on an alien planet.
4. Mount Abu, India
Mount Abu, the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan, India, offers a striking contrast to the usual barren desert landscape. Covered in dense forests, cool lakes, and surrounded by steep hills, Mount Abu offers a surprising escape from the heat of the region. The Dilwara Temples, with their intricate marble carvings, are a particular highlight. The entire hill station is a lush oasis, offering a tranquil, almost mystical ambiance.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The dense forests and serene lakes surrounded by jagged rock formations give the place a magical, almost alien atmosphere. The Dilwara Temples, with their stunning carvings, make the area feel like an ancient sanctuary, untouched by time or earthly elements.
5. La Petite Ceinture, Paris
An abandoned railway track that once circled Paris, La Petite Ceinture is now a forgotten, overgrown trail that has been reclaimed by nature. Moss, ivy, and wildflowers now cover the tracks, transforming what was once a bustling railway line into a mysterious, almost mystical landscape. The eerie quiet and the dense greenery surrounding the tracks make it feel like a lost world, where time has stopped, and nature has taken over.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The sense of abandonment, combined with the wild encroachment of nature, makes it seem like an alien landscape, where human influence has vanished and the earth is once again in control.
6. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
Las Lajas Sanctuary in Colombia is a Gothic-style church perched on a bridge spanning a deep gorge in the Andes Mountains. The church’s incredible location, surrounded by misty cliffs and lush forests, makes it feel like an ethereal structure from another world. Its impressive stonework and towering spires add to the dramatic atmosphere of the gorge, creating an otherworldly experience for visitors.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The Gothic design, perched high above a deep ravine, and the misty, almost magical ambiance make it seem like a sacred temple built on an alien planet, watching over a mysterious land.
7. Cano Cristales, Colombia (Rainbow River)
Often called the “River of Five Colors,” Cano Cristales is a river in Colombia that takes on vibrant hues of red, blue, yellow, and green due to the presence of unique aquatic plants. During the rainy season, the river transforms into a colorful spectacle, as the plants bloom and interact with the minerals in the water. The result is an otherworldly river that seems to flow with liquid rainbows, creating a surreal, almost mystical scene.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The ever-changing colors of the river create an alien-like effect, almost like the water itself is alive and shifting. The combination of bright hues flowing through the riverbed gives the impression of a fluid, living entity from another planet.
8. Chile Marble Cave
Located on the shores of General Carrera Lake in Chile, Marble Caves are stunning natural formations carved over thousands of years by the force of the lake’s waters. The caves are composed of marble, and the reflections of the water combined with the swirling blue, white, and turquoise marble create an ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. Visitors can take boat rides through the caves, experiencing the surreal glow from the water below.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The polished marble surfaces, combined with the reflective turquoise waters, create an almost supernatural ambiance, making visitors feel as though they’ve entered a living, breathing entity beneath the surface of another world.
9. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers some of the most extraordinary hotel accommodations on Earth. Guests can sleep in rooms under the sea, with clear, floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering views of the ocean and marine life. The underwater restaurant, which also boasts stunning views of the ocean, provides an experience of eating with fish and sea creatures swimming just inches away from you.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The idea of dining and staying beneath the water with the natural surroundings offers an extraterrestrial experience, where visitors feel they’ve entered another world entirely, one that exists below the surface of the planet.
10. Kamppi Chapel, Helsinki
The Kamppi Chapel in Helsinki is a minimalistic architectural masterpiece that provides visitors with a serene and quiet space in the heart of the bustling city. The chapel, constructed out of wood and designed to resemble a smooth, curving shell, is known for its calming atmosphere and sense of peace. It feels almost like a spiritual sanctuary, distanced from the chaos of modern life.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The smooth, seamless design of the chapel and its peaceful ambiance create the illusion of stepping into a sacred, futuristic temple. The chapel’s unusual design makes it feel as though it belongs to another world, offering a place for reflection and peace.
11. Kuthiny Baty, Russia
Hidden deep within the remote wilderness of Siberia, Kuthiny Baty is a strange and desolate landscape that looks as though it belongs to another planet. This vast region is marked by sharp, jagged rock formations, frozen lakes, and barren plains that stretch endlessly. The area is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, with little human presence, which adds to its eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. The frozen expanse, with minimal plant or animal life, creates a sense of isolation and timelessness.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The harsh, frozen landscape and bizarre rock formations give Kuthiny Baty the appearance of a distant, uninhabited planet. The area feels untouched by civilization, creating a feeling of being on an alien world, where nature and time seem to have stagnated, making it both fascinating and desolate at the same time.
12. Wilhelmstein Island, Germany
Wilhelmstein Island, located in the serene Lake Steinhuder Meer in Germany, is home to a historic fortress. The island, originally designed for military defense, is a peaceful refuge surrounded by tranquil waters and picturesque landscapes. The fortress on the island, along with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding area, creates a scene that feels out of time. The island’s isolation from the mainland, combined with its rich history, gives it an air of mystery and nostalgia.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The historical fortress, set against the backdrop of serene waters and lush landscapes, gives the island an isolated, almost forgotten quality. The feeling of being cut off from the world, along with the haunting remains of the fortress, make it seem like a relic from another time or a lost civilization on an alien world.
13. Karst Springs, Croatia
The Karst Springs in Croatia are renowned for their crystal-clear blue waters that flow through distinctive limestone landscapes. Surrounded by lush greenery and ancient rock formations, the springs form surreal, ethereal scenes that seem to come straight out of a dream. The contrast between the vivid blue water and the ancient rocks creates a mystical, almost otherworldly atmosphere, drawing visitors into a tranquil yet alien-like environment.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The unique limestone formations and clear, vibrant blue waters evoke the feeling of discovering a hidden alien ecosystem, full of surreal beauty. The striking visuals and harmonious natural surroundings make the Karst Springs appear like a secret paradise from another world that has been untouched by time.
14. Scola Tower Stand, Italy
The Scola Tower Stand, perched high on a rocky hill in Italy, stands as a solitary and enigmatic structure. This unique tower, with its minimalist design and barren surroundings, looks almost like an abandoned space station that somehow found its way to Earth. The tower’s isolated position, combined with its sleek yet aged design, enhances the sensation of stepping into an alien world. Its juxtaposition with the surrounding rocky landscape creates a stark, otherworldly atmosphere.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The tower’s futuristic and minimalist design, combined with its lofty, isolated position atop a hill, gives the impression of a forgotten outpost or a space station that has been abandoned and left to weather the elements. The barren, rocky terrain surrounding it reinforces the feeling that this is a structure from another world that doesn’t quite belong on Earth.
15. Marble Canyon, Arizona
Marble Canyon, nestled in the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, is a mesmerizing landscape that showcases the powerful forces of erosion over millions of years. The canyon is adorned with vibrant, otherworldly hues of red, orange, and purple, and is framed by dramatic rock formations. The surreal beauty of the canyon, especially when contrasted against the bright blue skies, makes it feel like stepping onto a distant planet with its own unique geological features.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The striking and vibrant colors of the canyon, along with its monumental rock formations, create a landscape that feels alien in nature. The dramatic contrasts and the deep, expansive views make Marble Canyon feel like a different world, untouched and magnificent in its rugged beauty.
16. Vatnajokull Ice Cave, Iceland
Located within Vatnajokull Glacier in Iceland, the Vatnajokull Ice Cave is a mesmerizing natural wonder. Formed by centuries of glacial movement, the cave is a stunning combination of ice, light, and shadows. The walls of the cave glow with an otherworldly blue light, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. The quiet, frozen environment inside the cave feels like a serene yet eerie alien landscape, as if you’ve stepped onto the icy surface of a far-off planet.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The translucent, glowing blue ice and the quiet, still environment of the cave evoke the sensation of being in a mysterious, extraterrestrial ice world. The glacial formations appear as though they were crafted by an unknown force, making the cave feel like an entrance to another realm or a portal into an alien planet.
17. Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal
Quinta da Regaleira is an enigmatic estate in Sintra, Portugal, known for its magical gardens, gothic-style buildings, and hidden tunnels. The estate’s most famous feature is the Initiation Well, a spiral staircase that descends deep underground into a series of mysterious passages. The mystical ambiance, combined with the estate’s labyrinthine paths and secretive atmosphere, feels like stepping into an alternate dimension, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The combination of dark, gothic architecture and hidden tunnels gives the estate an otherworldly charm. The feeling of being transported to an unknown, mystical place, with its winding staircases and secret chambers, makes Quinta da Regaleira seem like an ancient portal to another world.
18. Kawachi Fuji Garden, Japan
Kawachi Fuji Garden in Japan is home to one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the world—its wisteria tunnels. In spring, the garden is transformed as the wisteria blooms in a cascade of purple, pink, and white flowers, creating a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere. The tunnels are like secret pathways into another world, filled with the delicate scent of flowers and the soft rustling of leaves. The garden’s tranquil beauty makes it feel like stepping into an alien paradise.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The ethereal, flowing wisteria flowers create a dreamlike, surreal environment. The way the flowers cascade from above, forming a vibrant canopy, makes visitors feel like they’ve entered an enchanted world, a secret garden tucked away from the rest of the universe, untouched by time.
19. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska
The Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska are located beneath the Mendenhall Glacier and offer a surreal and otherworldly experience. Carved out by centuries of glacial movement, the caves are made up of vivid blue ice formations that shimmer and shift with every movement. The caves are dynamic, ever-changing, and full of mystery. The glowing blue light inside the cave, coupled with the ever-changing nature of the ice, makes the place feel like a living, breathing alien world.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The shifting blue ice and the constantly changing walls of the cave create a landscape that feels like a frozen alien world. The eerie quiet of the cave and the shimmering ice formations give visitors the sensation of stepping into an alien glacier, full of wonder and mystery.
20. Ruby Falls, Tennessee
Ruby Falls, located deep within Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, is a magnificent underground waterfall that flows through a series of caves. The falls are illuminated by multicolored lights, transforming the natural rock formations and the cascading water into an ethereal, otherworldly display. The underground setting, combined with the striking colors and the sound of water echoing through the cave, creates a surreal experience that feels as though you’ve entered a hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface.
- Why It Looks Otherworldly: The vibrant multicolored lights and the cavernous, underground environment create an atmosphere that feels otherworldly. The falling water, illuminated by bright lights, appears as though it belongs in a different realm, making Ruby Falls seem like an alien cave, full of hidden beauty and magical wonder.
These places, each unique in its own right, represent the extraordinary and the unknown. Whether in the icy caverns of Iceland or the serene gardens of Japan, the natural world offers us glimpses into landscapes that feel as though they belong to distant planets, far removed from the everyday. The unusual rock formations, glowing ice, and mystical gardens all evoke a sense of wonder and awe, reminding us of the unexplored mysteries waiting to be discovered on Earth.
Conclusion
The world is filled with awe-inspiring natural and man-made wonders that feel like they belong on another planet. From the vibrant colors of Cano Cristales to the frozen beauty of the Vatnajokull Ice Caves, these 20 places provide a glimpse into some of the most incredible and surreal landscapes on Earth. These otherworldly locations remind us of the endless beauty and diversity our planet has to offer, making us feel as though we’ve stepped into another world entirely.
FAQs
Q1: When is the best time to visit these places?
The best time to visit these places varies by location. Many natural wonders, like the Kawachi Fuji Garden (spring) or Cano Cristales (rainy season), offer peak conditions during specific seasons. Check the best visiting months for each destination.
Q2: Are these places accessible to tourists?
While some locations like Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Las Lajas Sanctuary are easily accessible, others may require hiking or a bit of effort, such as Mendenhall Ice Caves or Fly Geyser. It’s important to check travel and accessibility details in advance.
Q3: Are there any safety concerns?
Certain locations, especially caves and remote areas, may pose risks. Always follow safety guidelines, wear appropriate gear, and consider hiring guides to ensure your safety during your visit.
