To anyone who boasts about travelling the world over, you should ask them if they’ve also visited the bowels of the earth. Our far-reaching planet has so much to offer, and sometimes the most bizarre and sublime landscapes are to be found underground. These subworlds, whether natural or man-made, are a universe in themselves and experiencing their weird and wonderful atmosphere is a privilege for all to enjoy, not only just experienced cavers.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Island.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano is today one of Iceland’s leading tourist attractions. The volcano is dormant – it last erupted over 4000 years ago – and inside is completely hollow.
You can truly appreciate the beauty of the various colourations on the walls from the mixture of minerals when entering the crater and descending. An unforgettable experience for lovers of extreme adventures.
Cueva de los Verdes, Lanzarote, Spain.
The cave is made up of a network of tunnels of different lengths created by lava flows from a volcanic eruption.
One of the principal attractions in the caves are the impressive stafilities formations, along with the lighting and repair work carried out along the 2km of tunnels. Concerts and plays are now regularly performed here.
Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, and Cappadocia Underground Cities, Turkey.
It is believed these magnificent underground cities were constructed 3400 years ago. They are made up of a complex network of tunnels and stairs that cover the entire maze of houses, temples and shops that previously gave life to the cities.
Some run as deep as 85m below the surface, but in the interest of safety, tourists are only allowed to explore the top eight floors.
Interesting features include the different sized houses and corridors and the lake that runs under the bottom of the structures.
Turda Salt Mine, Romania.
The floor of this impressive mine is a staggering 120m underground with a unique blend of natural and man-made features to create unforgettable experiences for all who visit.
Several shops have been set up for tourists, along with cafes, a billiard table, a library, a chapel, the salt mine museum, a wine gallery, and other recreation centres.
Mines of Paris, France.
These mines were originally used to extract minerals, but over time and as the city started to expand, they were abandoned, and one section was then used to store human remains from three of the main cemeteries that were destroyed in the city. There are a series of galleries where you can see the walls covered in ancient bones and inscriptions indicating where they came from, social rank or job title.
The mines also have a series of tunnels that are closed to the public, but are accessed occasionally by the more intrepid adventurers who dare to explore them. The mines are considered one of the city’s leading tourist attractions.
Los Cóndores Mine, San Luis, Argentina.
The mine is located in Concarán, in the San Luis province of Argentina, and was previously worked for tungsten, a highly sought-after chemical element used in manufacturing weapons.
Today, the area has been revamped as a tourist attraction, where visitors can enjoy the 6km trek inside the main tunnel. As you walk along the tunnel, remains of tungsten can be seen along with the impact of time and abandonment.
Bonne Terre Lead Mines, Missouri, USA.
These mines in Missouri are an authentic paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts.
The water deposit found within the mines was formed by the filtration of rainwater, which led to the creation of this spectacular site.
Diving is the main attraction here. After the first levels of the mine became flooded when the mine was closed, a unique underwater setting was created for diving. Walking tours are also offered along the corridors and pits that were not broken down or closed off by the water.
Once you’ve discovered the darkness inside the earth, once you’ve experienced its sounds and silence, once you’ve felt its temperature, you’ll surely appreciate more the light, the rays of sunlight, the birds singing, and our role on the planet differently. And all of this will make you a more seasoned traveller.
