These are uniquely beautiful places included in UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage list, yet not every traveler is aware of them.
Exploring the 12 Most Unique Natural Heritage Sites in the World
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia. It is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, being one of the first natural heritage sites in the world.
2. Ilulissat Icefjord
Ilulissat Icefjord is located near the town of Ilulissat, Greenland, Denmark. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Kayaking and enjoying the stunning scenery here is an unforgettable experience for many travelers.
3. Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains
The Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains are located on Honshu Island in northern Japan. Also known as Kosai, this area has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shirakami-Sanchi is the largest mountain range in East Asia, consisting of vast primeval forest.
4. Ounianga Lakes
The Ounianga Lakes system in Africa consists of 18 interconnected lakes, forming a unique natural landscape with stunning shapes and colors. This lake region is situated in a very harsh environment, with saline and freshwater lakes located far apart. Ounianga was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
5. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is located at the border between Alaska (USA) and Canada. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 under the name “Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek National Parks.” Within Glacier Bay lies Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, standing at 5,959 meters.
6. Socotra Archipelago
The Socotra Archipelago is located in the northwest Indian Ocean, spanning 250 km and consisting of 4 main islands and 2 rock islets. This area boasts a rich and unique ecosystem, home to species that are found nowhere else in the world. The archipelago was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
7. Réunion Island
Réunion Island is a small island located in the Indian Ocean. Its highest peak, Piton de la Neige, also known as the Snow Peak, reaches an elevation of 3,070 meters. Surrounding this peak are beautiful natural cirques that have retained their wild character. The second highest peak is Piton de la Fournaise, standing at 2,632 meters, which is covered by one of the most active volcanic systems in the world.
8. Jiuzhaigou Valley
Jiuzhaigou Valley is located in the northern part of Sichuan Province (China), also known as the “Valley of Nine Villages.” This stunning place captivates every visitor with its miraculous natural beauty. Jiuzhaigou was formed on a limestone sedimentary mountain range, famous for its multi-colored lakes, tiered waterfalls, and snow-covered peaks, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
9. Te Wahipounamu National Park
Te Wahipounamu National Park is located in New Zealand and consists of four adjacent national parks: Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, Fiordland, and Westland. Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, standing at 3,755 meters. Its unique natural terrain and biodiversity showcase evolutionary adaptations across a wide range, which helped Te Wahipounamu gain UNESCO World Heritage status in 1990.
10. Ningaloo Coast
Ningaloo Coast is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Australia. Notably, Ningaloo features a 260 km long coral reef close to the shore, making it the longest coral reef in the world. Additionally, it is renowned for its underground springs, cave systems, and limestone cliffs. In 2011, UNESCO included Ningaloo and its coral reef in the World Heritage list.
11. Škocjan Caves
The Škocjan Caves in Slovenia are one of the largest underground wet cave systems in the world, formed by the Reka River. This site also attracts scientists studying limestone weathering phenomena. Since 1986, the Škocjan Caves have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12. Aldabra Atoll
Aldabra Atoll is located in Seychelles, Africa, and consists of four large coral islands. However, due to its “isolation” surrounded by vast waters, it is difficult for most visitors to access this area. Consequently, Aldabra remains largely untouched by human impact, becoming a paradise for numerous species, including the largest tortoise species in the world.
