In our world, fiction and reality make a beautiful intersection. Jaw-dropping scenery driven by the magic of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is more accessible than you may realize. Locations such as Fiordland in New Zealand’s South Island, Spirit Island in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, and the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia offer adventurers a taste of the extraordinary realms depicted in Tolkien’s stories.
Fiordland, located on New Zealand’s South Island, stood in for some of Middle-earth’s most rugged, untamed terrain. Its cinematic fjords and fairytale-like rainforests feel straight out of the landscapes that have captured fans of Tolkien’s world, both big and small, for decades. It is the region’s natural beauty that enchants travelers from every corner of the earth. In so doing, they overwhelmed almost every aspect of this new land. The similarities between Fiordland’s terrain and the fantasy landscapes in Tolkien’s writings highlight the profound connection between literature and the natural world.
On the other side of the globe – albeit just a short flight away – sits Spirit Island, one of Canada’s most photographed and recognizable places. Spirit Island is in the middle of stunning Jasper National Park. Indigenous peoples consider it a sacred site and wisely decided to keep it remote from outside influence. Arriving via boat only, Spirit Island features one of the most stunning locations on earth, providing the perfect serene escape among towering mountains and crystal clear lakes. Those visitors fortunate enough to find this Richmond hidden gem come away with a profound sense of appreciation for the natural world. It captures the dreamlike enchantment that pervades Tolkien’s legendarium.
Trip to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia would provide a singular experience. Take the plunge and discover one of the planet’s most productive underwater ecosystems! This beautiful reef offers remarkable experiences through multi-day kayak adventures that are a passport into an underwater kingdom of colorful coral reefs and welcoming fish. Its brilliant colors and diverse life forms present a stunning paradise, a beauty straight out of fairy tales. Adventurers are invited to explore this breathtaking slice of paradise, which inspired the fantastical lands of Middle-earth.
Travelin south, Chile’s Carretera Austral provides one of the most isolated and spectacular long drives left to take on this earth today. This lengthy route challenges drivers with its rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery, rewarding those who persist through its twists and turns. As any explorer will tell you, the road to discovery is never easy. It’s a similar narrative to the expansive and historically important journeys taken by heroes in Tolkien’s tales.
Last but not least, the Trans Dinarica long-distance cycling trail connects all eight Balkan nations, revealing some of Europe’s most beautiful—yet most under-explored—scenery. Spanning 5,500 kilometers, this trail invites cyclists to traverse through scenic mountains and lush valleys, offering an adventure akin to those faced by adventurous heroes in epic tales.