The Seven Natural Wonders of the World
(and the best ways to experience them!)
We all know about the natural wonders of the world (and if you don’t, I’m about to give a refresher), but we are never really told how to make a day out of them and properly enjoy and experience these beautiful sights! Have no fear, for below you will find the list of wonders along with some details and ideas to inspire you to see them all and make great memories while learning about the history and culture of the region. Let’s dive in!
AURORA BOREALIS
Or what is better known as the Northern Lights, are visible closer to the North Pole. Some of the most popular places to visit to see this phenomenon are Alaska, some regions in Canada, and even Sweden.
If you’re in North America –
- Yellowknife – Dubbed the Aurora capital of North America, this capital city in Canada’s Northwest Territories offers plenty of things to do and different ways to experience the lights.
- The Yukon – Another territory, bordered by British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Alaska, offers plenty of stunning wilderness, as well as different activities and tour companies to guide you to your best viewing experience.
- Denali – This National Park in Alaska can be a fantastic place to view the Lights due to the long hours of darkness during the majority of the year. This is a great activity for all ages, especially in winter between skiing and snowshoeing.
- Moosehead Lake – One of the northernmost parts of Maine houses a spectacular view of the Lights, and can be seen during winter, all the way through summer!
If you’re in Europe –
- Finland – If you look into the night sky 200 out of 365 nights of the year, you’ll be wowed by the Aurora views. You can even rent a glass igloo for the perfect view of the lights. Travelers can enjoy this along with other cold-weather activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing.
- Scotland – Known as the Merry Dancers in Scotland, this country not only has stunning plains of green, but all the colors of the Aurora at night. The farther north you travel the better, specifically to the northern Highlands. The Lights can be best viewed in the fall and winter months.
- Sweden – Green skies are what you’ll experience the most in the Laplands of Sweden, once you make your way into the Arctic Circle. Different camps, sleigh rides, or even sled dogs can take you out once night falls in the winter so you can experience this phenomenon!
- Norway – There are plenty of places around Norway to view the light show. In particular, the Lofoten Islands are where the lights can be seen at their strongest. Other places offer other natural wonders to see, such as the local wildlife: reindeer and even walrus. There’s always plenty to do and see in Norway!
HARBOR of RIO DE JANEIRO
Also known as Guanabara Bay, the Harbor of Rio De Janeiro is located in Brazil. This is the largest bay in the world based on the volume of water. The harbor is surrounded by granite mountains, including Sugarloaf Mountain. It was created by erosion caused by the Atlantic Ocean. Rio de Janeiro is also home to a man-made wonder of the world–the Christ the Redeemer statue. Taking to the beaches to enjoy the surrounding formations or taking to the skies on a helicopter tour are two of many ways to enjoy this natural wonder.
THE GRAND CANYON
One of the oldest and most visited national parks in the United States is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world, This 277-mile long canyon in Arizona has plenty of activities, including sightseeing and hiking all over the North and South rims. Established as a national park in 1919, this canyon shows nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history caused by the uplifting of tectonic plates in the Colorado Plateau. Check out this article to read up on other national parks and when to visit the Grand Canyon for free!
GREAT BARRIER REEF
Spanning over 1200 miles of coastline in Queensland, Australia, this natural wonder beckons millions of visitors every year. The stunning, rich natural ecosystem of coral and exotic marine life is a breathtaking experience to see and even participate in, with activities such as swimming and snorkeling. However, due to climate change and warmer ocean temperatures, the reef has suffered die-offs and severe bleaching. The devastation is being monitored and restoration processes are in motion. The best thing for the reef is to be admired and also supported through conservation initiatives!
MOUNT EVEREST
Nestled in the Himalayas, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and the highest point on Earth. The peak, between Nepal and Tibet, reaches 29,029 feet at its highest summit. This mountain is not only a natural wonder but a hot spot of thrill-seekers and seasoned mountaineers. Many have reached the top, and many have died trying–their bodies still dotting the mountain due to the danger of retrieving them. A breathtaking natural wonder, but also a deadly one.
PARICUTIN
If you are visiting Mexico, be sure to make your way to this natural wonder in the form of an extinct volcano crater. The crater is considered a cinder cone type and was active for nine years before extinction. Hiking up and around the crater is popular, but there are parts of the crater that are still hot and will steam when mixed with rainfall or water on the surface. There are more things to see in the surrounding area for visitors to make a day of it as well!
VICTORIA FALLS
At the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa, you’ll find the final natural wonder of the world, Victoria Falls. It is the largest waterfall in the world and creates the largest sheet of falling water at 5,604 feet wide and 354 feet high. The falls are formed by the water falling along a fracture zone or chasm in the basalt plateau. There are many different things to do to enjoy this natural wonder, and here are just a few!
Have any amazing experiences from visiting a natural wonder? Are any o these on your travel bucket list? Tell us about it!
