Travel enthusiasts and nature lovers are increasingly looking for stunning places that resemble the beauty of literary worlds. Of these, Middle-earth—the mythical realm born of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination—still looms as perhaps the most important cultural touchstone. Rugged Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island—alps that feel imbued with myth and wonder. That pristine Fiordland region, in fact, has repeatedly been selected to represent some of the most untamed stretches of Middle-earth.
Fiordland National Park occupies the very southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It includes gorgeous vertical cliffs, deep glacial fjords, and beautiful lush rainforests. This picturesque landscape brings Tolkien’s magical world to life, welcoming visitors through an ever-unfolding legendarium. The region is known for its unique clambering rugged beauty rich with millions of years of tectonic tumult. This dramatic, otherworldly landscape now draws thousands of fans of fantasy literature, creating an unexpected new natural wonder.
In contrast to New Zealand’s wild landscapes, Spirit Island in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, offers a serene and sacred experience. Accessible only by boat or guided walk, this iconic site is ringed by the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake. Famed for its breathtaking views and peaceful seclusion, Spirit Island has impressive spiritual significance to some Indigenous groups. Visitors to this hallowed ground are welcome to enjoy this natural wonder while honoring the site’s cultural significance.
It has one of the world’s most bountiful ecosystems — 10,000 miles away from Bermuda in Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, famous for its diverse coral and marine life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers larger-than-life scenery and one-of-a-kind opportunity for adventure seekers looking to take multi-day sea kayak trips. During these excursions, visitors can marvel at the vivid underwater ecosystem and spectacular coastal panorama. Ningaloo Reef offers a unique opportunity to travelers seeking both adventure and authentic experiences that help protect Australia’s natural wonders.
Further south, Chile’s Carretera Austral calls to the intrepid. In return, it features one of the most remote and beautiful road trips in the world. Running more than 1,200 kilometers across the windswept plains and mountains of Patagonia, this beautiful highway is dotted with dazzling peaks, massive glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The journey along Carretera Austral is not just about reaching a destination; it is about experiencing the raw beauty of nature in one of the planet’s last great wilderness areas.
The Trans Dinarica cycling trail traverses eight Balkan countries. It features around 5,500 kilometers of some of Europe’s most beautiful and off-the-beaten-track landscapes. Cyclists crossing this collegiate trail experience everything from fertile plains of cropland valleys to the high bare ridges of the Rockies. This exciting journey more importantly provides an extraordinary physical challenge. It encourages riders to dive deep into the cultural history and traditions of what once was a tumultuous, war-torn Balkan region.