Inga Ecker | Vastfreedom

Some places are so beautiful, you can hardly believe they are real just by looking at photos of them. But I can promise you, the following ten places actually exist. I’ve been there and it was me who took those photos 🙂

Our planet is a source of inspiration, you only have to walk through it with open eyes as well as an open mind!
Here’s my top ten list of the most inspiring places I’ve been to all around the world.

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10. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a fairytale town, surrounded by mountains. Especially in winter, when snow coveres the roofs of the old wooden houses, and lightchains pierce through the branches of colorful decorated chrismastrees, it feels like being in a beautiful dream of your childhood.

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9. Tongariro, New Zealand

It’s a challenging hike to the top of this active volcano in New Zealand, but the vistas are incredible. The hike includes steaming moonscapes, a walk through a crater as well as beautiful views of the barren lands around and the emerald volcanic lakes.

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8. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

While everybody’s heading to the more popular Lake Bled, a short detour to lake Bohinj should be on your schedule. It’s less crowded and therefore very peaceful. In summer it sparkles in an emerald color and in winter, the mountains surrounding it are mirrored in the crystal clear waters. Be aware if you dare to swim in it! Is very cold, even on hot summer days.

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7. Cirque Mafate, La Réunion

La Réunion, a tiny island, close to Mauritius in the southern Indian Ocean is a true gem. Despite its small size, it offers a lot of great hiking (including a climb of the tallest mountain in the Indian Ocean) as well as incredible views. The trails lead you through dense jungles and very humid areas, to sharp volcanic peaks piercing through the clouds.

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6. Valley of Fire, Nevada

The valley of fire in Neavada lays in a desert landscape. It’s a few minutes hike from the parking lot to a wave like rock formation. Bring lots of water, it’s hot there all year round.

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5. Škocjan Cave, Slovenia

In southern Slovenia, you can find the largest underground cavern in the world. The river Reka, which is already piercing through the limestone for millions of years, created that cavern. It’s not allowed to take photos inside of the cave, but prepare to be inpressed when you see its size for the first time! The trails are very safe, but make sure you’re not scared of heights, as you walk along a cliff and have to cross bridges.

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4. Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Imagine a remote Island, in the middle of the southern pacific ocean. Just imagine that. And now add some incredible sunrises, great food, beautiful mountains, lovely people, a white sandy beach and another tiny island within the colorful reef. This is Rarotonga.

 

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3. Nothern Norway

Yes it’s cold, and yes the sun doesn’t rise at all in winter, but therefore you get endless dawns, when the skies turn in the most beautiful shades of orange and red and the nothern lights dance above your head during the stairy nights. Nothern Norway in winter is incredible. And getting through the cold nights outside is part of the experience.

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2. Pag Island, Croatia

An hour by ferry away from the mainland, lies the beautiful island of Pag. Its backcountry is what makes it so special. The dry lands stretch endlessly across the island, only interrupted by salt lakes.

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1. Arabian Desert, UAE

Watching a sunset in the desert is an experience you will for sure never forget. The tall sand dunes cast shadows across the landscapes, the winds softly run through your hair, and you stand there, speechless, watching the shining ball of fire setting in the distance, displaying all shades of colors in the skies.

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