17. The Darvaza Crater, Turkmenistan
Deep in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert is a massive, burning gas crater of unknown origin: the aptly named ‘Gateway to Hell.’ Geologists disagree as to how the hole was formed – while some believe it was a freak natural phenomenon, others say it was accidentally created by the Soviet Union in the 1960s while they drilled for oil. Either way, it’s still burning more than half a century later – and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, with people flocking from all over the world to marvel at the seemingly eternal flames.
16. Þríhnúkagígur volcano, Iceland
Volcanoes are among the most terrifying things on Earth to witness – let alone climb inside. But that’s exactly what Iceland’s ‘Inside the Volcano’ experience offers intrepid tourists. Named as ‘one of 20 places in the world you must see’ by CNN, the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano is the only accessible lava chamber on Earth. Participants begin by hiking two miles to the summit, before descending 400 feet into the volcano via an open cable lift, operated by mountaineers.
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