Caves are one of the most captivating sights on Earth. Many people spend weeks, if not months, exploring caves all over the country and beyond. If you are wondering what makes caves so fascinating, our list of the most amazing caves in the world will show you.
From professionally taken photographs, they might seem unrealistic, more like CGI from parallel universe movies. But, they are more than real and can be found in remote places all around Asia, North America, and Europe. In fact, some of these caves were formed millions of years ago and have become the jaw-dropping formation it is now.
Some are open for the public, while others require more experience to visit or are only accessible for the most brave-hearted adventurers who have to get their visit passes in advance.
Soon Dong Cave, Vietnam
The Son Doong Cave located in Vietnam is the world’s largest known cave. The inside of this cave lies a whole new world of wonders, such as isolated ecosystems, weather systems, and geological formation.
Cave of Crystals, Mexico
The Cave of Crystals was discovered back in 2000. Inside the cave resides the largest natural selenite crystal ever found. However, because of the extremely hot temperature, the cave remains unexplored. Even with protective gear, scientists and researchers can only stay a maximum of 45 minutes inside.
Vatnajokull Glacier Cave, Iceland
Located in Europe’s largest glacier is Vatnajokull Glacier Cave. It is concluded that caves like these are formed by the melting ice water. However, despite its jaw-dropping appearance, it can be dangerous as well, because glaciers regularly break and change.
Batu Caves, Malaysia
What was once mined for agricultural purposes by English and Chinese settlers and the Indigenous Temuan people, this cave is now a must-visit mountain cave filled with statues, as well as other caves. It is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia.
Antelope Canyon, USA
The Antelope Canyon is located in Arizona and is the pure work of Mother Nature herself. This formation was carved by thousands of years of constant wind and flash floods, the prime reason why the walls look smooth and fluid. However, it is best to avoid visiting during the desert’s monsoon season as flash floods can occur without prior warning.
Reed Flute Cave, China
Reed Flute Cave is located in Guilin, Guangxi, China, and is also known as the Palace of Natural Art. The cave is filled with dreamy and massive natural formations. There’s an underground lake that flows along, giving visitors the reflection of the cave ceiling, as well as unmatched distinctive formation inside.
The cave was named after the abundant reeds that grow outside the cave that can be used to make flutes.
Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
Fingal’s Cave is located on Staffa, an uninhabited island. The cave is known to be of volcanic origin and is famous for its hexagonal basalt columns. The size of the cave, as well as its shape and arched roof gives a cathedral-like atmosphere. Aside from that, the sound of the waves completes an eerie but awe-filled experience.
Škocjan Cave, Slovenia
One of the world’s most important natural treasures. Škocjan Cave is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is the home to some significant underground phenomena in both the Karst region and Slovenia.
According to UNESCO, the Škocjan Cave is:
- One of the largest known underground canyons
- A natural beauty with enormous aesthetic value
- Home to a diverse ecosystem
- Historically and culturally significant (inhabited during prehistoric times)
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
This cave is a well-known tourist attraction and foreigners from all around the world would flock over to New Zealand for this.
The glowworms that fill the cave’s ceiling are as small as a mosquito and there are millions of them inside. They are closely monitored by a specialized staff that monitors the temperature of the cave, the amount of carbon dioxide to maintain the glowworms, and the number of visitors per day.
Mendenhall Ice Caves, USA
The Mendenhall Ice Caves are caves found inside a 12-mile long glacier in the Mendenhall Valley, Alaska. These are stunning blue ice caves and can only be accessed if you are willing to kayak and climb over the glacier.
Unfortunately, it is unclear how long this glacier will last. Due to climate change, the glaciers are experiencing ever-changing conditions and are retreating increasingly fast.
