Fiordland in New Zealand’s South Island features some of the most untamed landscapes that composed Middle-earth. Travelers from all over the world swarm there to touch its magical scenery, straight out of the most famous eponymous literary paradise. This breathtaking area is known for dramatic fjords, dense rainforests, and thundering waterfalls. It reminds us that the wonder of Middle-earth is not just limited to fiction, but alive in our world too.
In addition to Fiordland, Spirit Island in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada stands as one of the country’s most iconic locations. Tucked far inside the Rocky Mountains, this cherished place is only accessible by water. It’s no wonder that so many adventurers come seeking this hidden treasure. Looking out from Spirit Island is a staggering perspective. It’s a cherished refuge for everyone committed to keeping its untamed beauty unspoiled, far from the bustle of today’s world.
In the meantime, Ningaloo Reef, in Australia’s wild west of Western Australia, presents an unforgettable encounter for underwater adventurers. It’s where visitors can start a multi-day kayak trip through connected coastal marshes and estuaries. They’ll dive into an exhilarating underwater experience, surrounded by schools of colorful tropical fish and gigantic coral reefs. Such an incredible experience is truly the only way for modern-day explorers to form a connection with nature that is both intimate and awing.
Further south, Chile’s Carretera Austral offers one of the planet’s most remote—and scenic—highways. This challenging route tests every kilometer of resolve and rewards those willing to traverse its rugged terrain with unparalleled views of glaciers, forests, and mountains. Those who take this adventure will quickly appreciate the surrounding beauty of South America’s southernmost landscape.
The newly opened Trans Dinarica, Europe’s first long-distance cycling trail, links eight Balkan countries. As the ideal antidote to all that, it winds through some of the continent’s most breathtaking and uncrowded scenery. Stretching over 5,500 kilometers, this trail invites cyclists to experience the diverse cultures and breathtaking scenery that the Balkans offer. This fantastic new route does more than just get more people outdoors and moving — it supports travel to areas usually off the beaten path by popular tourism.
As these sites prove, the breathtaking landscapes of fictional Middle-earth are much nearer than you think. Explore the untamed fjords of Fiordland, the reflective lakes of Spirit Island, and the colorful reefs of Ningaloo Reef. Nature’s marvels are waiting for you all over the world! Each stop is a new adventure, a different experience — one that reverberates with that same sense of wonder and discovery that defined Tolkien’s writings.