If you’re looking for something a little different than your typical vacation, why not take a trip off the beaten path to see what’s lurking beneath the Earth’s surface? Believe it or not, there are plenty of jaw-dropping underground attractions deep within the cracks and crevices of our strange world; you just have to know where to look!
1. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
This sprawling mine has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, but it has been valuable to the Polish people since the Middle Ages. Since the 16th century, it has been a tourist attraction, and it continues to fascinate over a million visitors from year to year. Salt production only recently ceased in 2007, and the mine is now primarily used as a concert venue, gallery, and exhibition center.
The total length of the mine extends over 190 miles, and it reaches a depth of nearly 500 feet. There is a total of nine levels to explore, including several chambers, galleries, and a stunning underground chapel featuring chandeliers made of rock salt. You’re sure to feel the rich history of generations of workers as you wander through these ancient passageways!
2. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand feature a truly unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The thousands of glowworms that have made the Waitomo caves their home are only found in New Zealand, and you’ll be amazed at the lovely luminescent glow of these tiny subterranean creatures.
You can access the caves on a two-part tour from an experienced guide. On the first level, you’ll see the odd formations of stalactites and stalagmites throughout the cave. When you descend to the lower level, you’ll climb aboard a boat to row silently through the river through small passageways to reach the glowworm caves and the Cathedral, the tallest chamber within the cave.
3. Blair Street Vaults, Scotland
If you have an unusual curiosity about true crime, ancient torture methods, and gruesome murders, a tour through the creepy vaults beneath the otherwise charming city of Edinburgh might just be the trip for you! With a guide from Mercat Tours, you can explore the underground vaults and take a trip to the gloomy Canongate graveyard as you get a history lesson about the horrifying past of the region. You’ll wander through the winding passageways with just a few group members for emotional support as the guides tell haunting stories of tortured souls, ghosts, and other things that go bump in the night.
4. The Greenbrier Bunker, US
This declassified government facility was originally built to protect the members of the Senate in case of nuclear warfare during The Cold War. The bunker was once top secret, hidden within a mountain in West Virginia, but it’s now open for public tours for those interested in the history of the late-1960s. It’s rather eerie to walk through this two-story facility, which has over 150 rooms including decontamination showers, dormitories, a cafeteria, and even its own power plant. During a tour, you’ll get an in-depth look into the panic the Senate members were feeling, how the bunker was constructed, and other details you won’t find in history books.
5. Cango Caves, South Africa
Within the beautiful Cango Valley, you can tour the underground halls, caverns, and hidden hanging crystal gardens that are all within the Cango Caves. Your adventure will include breathtaking views of an active candle-wax column, impressive caverns, and natural formations that have earned some rather descriptive nicknames. You’ll get to squeeze through “The Devil’s Chimney,” examine the “Coffin,” and then wiggle your way through “The Tunnel of Love.” It should be noted that those prone to claustrophobia might not want to tour these caves!
6. Churchill War Rooms, UK
These underground rooms have been perfectly preserved and unchanged since World War II, allowing visitors to get a sense of what Prime Minister Winston Churchill experienced during these horrific times. You can follow the winding labyrinth of the bunker that was designed to protect British leaders from German bombs as they strategically organized military efforts that ultimately led to victory. You’ll also get to learn more about the personal life of Churchill within the Churchill Museum and see how his legacy impacted the world.
Before you go…
As you explore the hidden underworld of our mysterious planet, be sure to share your exciting adventures with your loved ones back home! With an international data SIM card from BNESIM, going abroad doesn’t mean you need to give up your communication needs. You can customize your own plan, making it easy and affordable for you to stay connected to high-speed internet, unlimited data, international calling, and texting—all without getting an expensive bill from your mobile provider. On the reliable network of BNESIM, you can have the freedom to travel worry-free, no matter where you roam.
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