From cathedrals to amusement parks and dormant volcanoes, all can become popular destinations for many.
The Most Fascinating Underground Exploration Sites
Most people feel a sense of fear when venturing deep underground—a pitch-black realm filled with mysteries that even scientists have yet to uncover. Even for the brave, being below ground can often feel suffocating and constricting.
However, you’d be surprised to learn that there are many fascinating underground attractions around the world, including both natural wonders and man-made structures. Below are six of the most captivating underground sightseeing spots that attract visitors from all over the globe.
1. Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, Colombia
True to its name, this cathedral is built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters deep. With their expertise, engineers, miners, and sculptors have created an expansive tunnel beneath layers of salt, rock, and minerals. The most remarkable feature of the cathedral lies in its lighting, with blue and purple lights illuminating the tunnel, creating a magical and mysterious atmosphere.
2. Salina Turda Park, Romania
“Underground amusement park” sounds like a location straight out of a fantasy tale, but in reality, such a place exists and is far less intimidating than one might think.
Located in a salt mine deep beneath the Earth’s surface, Salina Turda features attractions like a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, bowling alley, table tennis, and even boating on a lake.
3. Under Restaurant, Norway
Under Restaurant in Kristiansand, Norway, is known as one of the few dining establishments built underground and also beneath the sea. Guests can enjoy delicious meals while gazing at the chilly waters of the North Sea flowing past the glass windows.
4. Derinkuyu City, Turkey
The underground city of Derinkuyu, located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, dates back thousands of years. This city features a complex network of passageways across multiple levels, reaching depths of 85 meters underground.
Historically, living underground allowed the people of Derinkuyu to escape harsh temperatures and fend off invaders more easily. Although it is no longer inhabited today, this site remains an intriguing example of human survival efforts.
5. Ajanta Caves, India
Despite being deep within thick rock, the Ajanta Caves are surprisingly well-lit. This illumination makes it much easier to appreciate a series of Buddhist monasteries and relics dating back to the first and second centuries BCE.
6. Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland
Sometimes, just viewing a volcano from a distance doesn’t satisfy the adventurous spirit of many thrill-seekers. As a result, some have chosen to climb or even venture inside the volcano. It may sound crazy, but that’s exactly what you can do at Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland.
This site features an elevator that takes visitors down over 200 meters inside a volcano that has been dormant for 4,000 years. However, even though it poses no danger now, only those who love thrills would dare approach such a volcano.
