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.
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.
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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vastfreedom.com 
What beautiful places. I think the places that take my breath away are those that aren’t well-known for such beauty. You go there and you see them and wonder why the whole world isn’t there, too. But you’re also kind of glad the whole world isn’t, and that you’ll fully appreciate it for everyone on your own.
Beautifully expressed. I feel exactly the same 🙂
Your photos are beautiful and your adventures are epic thank you for sharing. May you always find peace fun love and light on your journeys
You are very welcome. And thank you so much 😊
Beautiful photos. And some places I would love to see in person 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 If you need any more information about those places, feel free to ask! 🙂
Great list and awesome pictures.
Thank you Matthew!
Amazing photos! And wonderful adventures! I look forward to reading more.
Thank you for following my blog.
Thank you also Michael!
Stunning captures of some of the most gorgeous places in the world. Thanks for sharing! I hope we can make it someday.
Cheryl
Thank you Cheryl! I wish you all the best for your travel plans and also hope you will make it to the places you want to visit one day!
You report on a welcome variety of places that are new to me. Plus, you certainly captured a better look at the Valley of Fire, the only one of these places I’ve been. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you for following Under Western Skies.
Thank you too Brad! I chose those lesser known places on purpose, because I didn’t want to write about places, people have heard of many times before. Valley of Fire is incredible, isn’t it?
Sorry, I meant to type “liking,” not “following.” Pardon me, please.
I am really glad that you are blogging again. These are amazing places and beautiful photographs (descriptions also applicable to photographer). Actually thinking about this again I do not like you (I must work on my jealousy 🙂 ) I would really like go to Tongariro (inter alia)
Thanks again Abrie! I didn’t find a lot of time during the past year to write a lot, because I was busy with studies as well as travelling, I still am, but I kind of missed sharing my experienced with the world. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha I hope you can get over it and like me again 😉 you should definitly go to Tongariro! It’s incredible 🙂 if you need any more information about it, please just ask! 🙂
I enjoyed your interesting list of places and the photos are amazing, particularly Eternal Dawn and walking along the road.
Thank you very much Caroline! 🙂
Absolutely Beautiful!!!
Thank you! 🙂
You are so welcome. I really enjoyed going on the jaunt with you. Tyvm
Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Dave!
Amazing photos! Thanks for hopping aboard The Guitar Train and liking a post.
You are very welcome, and thank you too for the lovely comment! 🙂
Beautiful photos…an inspiring post to think about beautiful places
I’m very glad you like it, thank you!
I think travel is equally important to a university degree to gain knowledge.
Yes, I absolutely agree. I’ve learned a lot more about the world when travelling than in any of my studies!
I had to come back for another look, these are just that beautiful. Loved your description too☺
Awe thank you so much! I really appreciate it ❤
Stunning pictures of really incredible places! Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you! 🙂
Though I am not quite the intrepid traveller, I have been fortunate to have visited Halstatt, no. 1 on your list, a few years back and I fully agree with yr assessment. In fact, Austria as a whole turned out to be a beautiful trip over a week.
Austria is my homecountry. I’m very glad you enjoyed your time there 🙂
Wow, two places in Slovenia! You must have felt really inspired in my country of origin, great to see.
I love Slovenia. It’s a true gem! It has so much to offer 🙂
Wow! A stunning selection of photos! I would be hard-pressed to pick a favourite, although seeing the Northern LIghts again is very high on my list.
You seen some mighty spectacular corners of the world!
Thank you very much Joanne! I hope you get to see the Nothern Lights again soon! 🙂 They are incredible aren’t they?
Most certainly!! Seeing them in beautiful Norway was a bonus for you 🙂
Where did you see them? 🙂
I grew up in Northern Canada. I saw them in my hometown in Northern Ontario.
Funny, at the time it didn’t seem like a big thing … like ‘oh, the Northern Lights are out tonight’. Now I would LOVE to have a chance to see them again!
Many years ago, I shared a class with a kid from Rarotonga, but that’s the first time I’ve actually seen the place. Thank you.
That’s so nice that you share a class with someone from a place so far away. Thank you very much Richard.
Welcome 🙂
Fabulous pics… such wonderful colours, from frozen places to sizzling hot locations (!)
What a great passion to have — I hope you don’t stop until you’ve been everywhere you want to go. 🙂
Thank you so much. I really appreciate what you said. And I want to go everywhere 😉
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Wow! Beautifully 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
TRULY inspirational. This s amazing. Thank you for your interest in my blog and I certainly look forward to following yours!
Thank you! Love your story about kindness and the adopted dog who found a great home!
Thank you!
At the age of 62 I’m still exploring the United States so I’ve only been to one on your list.
To which one have you been to? I think even if someone would spend a lifetime traveling the US, he or she would never be able to visit every beautiful place.
Spectacular work from all over the world! Your photos belong in a large coffee table book.
That’s so nice that you say that, it really motivates me. Thank you so much 🙂
I can’t get over how incredible your photos are. So beautiful.
I don’t know what to say except of thank you very much. That’s so kind from you!
It’s true. And you are welcome.
Beautiful places!
✨🙏🕉🌱🌿🌳🌻💚🕊☯🐉✨
I’m glad you like them! Thank you again 😊