14 Incredible Underground Attractions You Won’t Believe Exists
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1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Nestled in the rolling hills of the North Island, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a sight like no other—a ceiling dotted with the light of thousands of glowworms. It’s like staring up at a starry sky, but underground. The caves are not far from Auckland, making them a fantastic place to visit for a day.
During a guided tour, you’ll glide through the magical Glowworm Grotto by boat. The silence is punctuated only by the gentle drip of water, as you look up in wonder at the luminescent display. The stalactites and stalagmites that frame the cavern add to the majesty of the experience.
2. Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey
Discover the wonders of Derinkuyu Underground City, a fascinating subterranean complex in Turkey that dates back centuries. This hidden marvel plunges 85 meters deep and invites you to explore its ancient rooms and tunnels.
For a small entrance fee, you can wander through parts of this extensive network. Only a portion is open to visitors, but it’s enough to give you a sense of the ingenuity and resilience of past civilizations. It’s a perfect adventure if you’re curious about history and enjoy exploring unique places.
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3. Salt Mine City, Poland
Nestled deep in the Polish countryside lies Wieliczka Salt Mine, a sprawling underground city carved entirely out of salt. As you wander through its vast network of chambers, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning sculptures and chapels, all meticulously chiseled by miners throughout the centuries.
Explore this awe-inspiring site where history meets myth and natural splendor. It’s no wonder that the Wieliczka Salt Mine proudly stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting curious explorers from around the globe.
4. Cave of the Crystals, Mexico
Deep below the surface in Chihuahua, Mexico, lies a hidden marvel known as the Cave of the Crystals. This underground wonder is home to some of the largest natural crystals ever discovered, with giants towering over you at heights equivalent to two-story buildings.
Discovered by miners in 2000, this cave sits about 950 feet underground and connects to the Naica Mine. In this hot and humid expanse, you’ll find selenite crystals that have been growing for hundreds of thousands of years.
The consistent high temperatures, paired with mineral-rich waters, created the perfect conditions for these crystals to reach such magnificent sizes. Just be aware, the conditions inside are quite extreme, so it is not always accessible to the public for safety reasons.
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5. Catacombs of Paris, France
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a hidden world from the past, the Catacombs of Paris. These underground tunnels are lined with the history of the city in a way you might not expect—with the bones of millions from centuries ago. As you explore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by silent yet poignant reminders of the past.
Historic and a bit eerie, the catacombs offer a unique glimpse into what lies beneath one of the world’s most beloved cities. If you’re curious about the stories and legends that have built up around this place, consider a guided tour to truly appreciate the Catacombs’ place in Parisian lore.
6. Coober Pedy, Australia
In Coober Pedy, Australia, folks live, work, and play beneath the Earth’s surface to escape the scorching heat. This small town is famous for being the opal capital of the world, where colorful gems glitter under the rough desert rocks. Kids and grown-ups alike can try their hand at noodling for opals.
If you’re into unique art, visit Josephine’s Gallery and mingle with friendly kangaroos at the adjoining orphanage. For a peek into history, the Umoona Museum shares tales of the land and people.
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7. Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland
Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh lies a hidden network of passageways and rooms steeped in mystery—the Edinburgh Vaults. Created in the 18th century, these vaults were forgotten for decades, only to be rediscovered and become one of the most captivating underground attractions in Scotland.
You can walk through the stone corridors where once merchants, body snatchers, and perhaps even secret societies went about their business. It’s a unique peek into the city’s past that’ll leave you with plenty to talk about.
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8. Batu Caves, Malaysia
If you find yourself in Malaysia, the Batu Caves are a sight you shouldn’t miss. This natural marvel combines both cultural significance and stunning visuals. A towering golden statue of Lord Murugan greets visitors at the entrance, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring scenes inside.
The caves themselves are a natural wonder, with impressive vaulted ceilings and intricate formations. Venturing into these caves, you’ll be met by cool, airy spaces filled with light filtering in from the world above.
9. Cappadocia Cave Dwellings, Turkey
If you’re eager to explore unique places, the Cappadocia cave dwellings in Turkey are a must-see. Carved into the soft volcanic rock by ancient people, these structures are a sight to behold. You’ll walk through corridors and rooms that were once lively homes, places of worship, and even entire cities beneath the ground.
The subterranean city of Derinkuyu, for instance, could shelter around 20,000 folks with space for livestock and food supplies. Cappadocia’s fascinating history is matched by the awesome landscape that looks like it’s straight from a fairytale.
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10. Burlington Bunker, UK
Deep under the green hills of Wiltshire, the Burlington Bunker is a vast underground hideaway, originally built as a top-secret refuge during the Cold War. Your curiosity will be piqued as you uncover details about this hidden city, designed to shelter government officials in the event of a nuclear strike.
Walk through this underground complex, complete with kitchens and even an underground lake, all sitting quietly below the charming market town of Corsham.
Once a closely guarded secret, now you can delve into the history and scale of this incredible subterranean site.
11. Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, Setenil de las Bodegas offers a captivating glimpse into a town carved from rock. Unlike any other place, homes, shops, and eateries snugly sit under the natural overhangs of massive boulders.
During lunch, imagine dining in a restaurant nestled within a cave, where the ambiance is as compelling as the food is tasty. If you’re curious about the distinctive experiences this village presents, let a visit to this cave village surprise and captivate you.
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12. Postojna Cave, Slovenia
Slovenia’s Postojna Cave welcomes you into a world of underground wonders. This vast cave network stretches over 24 kilometers, with pathways lined by an array of stalactites and stalagmites that have been shaped over millions of years.
Visiting in late spring or early autumn is ideal, as you’ll avoid the tourist rush of August and the winter holidays. If you’re seeking more adventure, consider pairing your cave exploration with a trip to the nearby Predjama Castle, a remarkable fortress melded with the karst landscape.
