Beneath the bustling cities and quiet countryside lies a hidden world one carved by nature, crafted by ancient hands, and waiting to be explored. From glowing caves and forgotten cities to surreal salt cathedrals and artistic subways, the underground realm holds some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring and mysterious attractions. Traveling below the surface reveals a different side of our world, one shaped by time, history, and a touch of the surreal.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves – New Zealand
Tucked into New Zealand’s North Island, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves feel more like a fantasy novel than a natural landmark. Inside the cavernous tunnels, thousands of glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa) emit a bioluminescent blue light, creating a starry-sky effect overhead. Visitors glide silently through the caves by boat, watching the ceiling come alive with glowing constellations. It’s a hauntingly beautiful reminder that nature can be as magical as it is mysterious.
Derinkuyu Underground City – Turkey
One of the most astonishing feats of ancient engineering lies beneath Cappadocia, Turkey. The Derinkuyu Underground City, dating back to the Byzantine era, descends over 200 feet and once sheltered up to 20,000 people. Complete with chapels, stables, ventilation shafts, and even schools, this vast subterranean network was used for protection during invasions. Exploring its narrow corridors and hidden chambers offers a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into ancient survival tactics.
The Paris Catacombs – France
Beneath the romantic streets of Paris lies a macabre marvel: the Paris Catacombs. This underground ossuary holds the bones of over six million people, arranged artistically along narrow tunnels. Originally built to address the city’s overflowing cemeteries in the 18th century, the catacombs have since become a popular, if eerie, attraction. The contrast between Paris’s lively surface and its solemn underworld makes for a powerful, unforgettable experience.
Salina Turda – Romania
Romania’s Salina Turda isn’t just a salt mine- it’s an underground amusement park. Carved out centuries ago, this vast salt cavern has been transformed into a surreal entertainment venue, complete with a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, and paddle boats floating on a subterranean lake. Beyond the fun, the salty air is also believed to offer health benefits, especially for respiratory conditions. It’s one of the world’s most unique examples of repurposed underground space.
Coober Pedy – Australia
Known as the “opal capital of the world,” Coober Pedy in South Australia takes underground living to a whole new level. Due to extreme surface temperatures, many residents live in dugouts—homes carved directly into hillsides. Visitors can sleep in underground hotels, explore subterranean churches, and tour opal mines. Coober Pedy offers a fascinating look at how humans adapt to even the harshest environments.
Stockholm’s Subway Art – Sweden
In contrast to natural caves and ancient tunnels, Stockholm’s Tunnelbana (subway) is often called the world’s longest art gallery. More than 90 of the system’s 100 stations feature bold murals, sculptures, mosaics, and installations. Carved into the rock and creatively lit, these underground spaces are a blend of function and form turning daily commutes into immersive cultural experiences. It’s urban infrastructure reimagined as public art.
Why Go Underground?
Exploring underground wonders offers a sense of mystery, history, and often, serenity. These hidden worlds are often cooler (literally and figuratively), quieter, and more contemplative than their above-ground counterparts. Whether shaped by nature or human hands, these spaces reveal the depths, both literal and metaphorical, of human ingenuity and geological wonder.
The World Below Awaits
From glow-in-the-dark caves to underground cities and subterranean art galleries, the world beneath our feet is teeming with stories and surprises. Underground wonders invite us to step away from the surface, venture into the unknown, and discover beauty in the most unexpected places.
So next time you travel, don’t just look up or around, look down. The adventure of a lifetime might just begin underground.