'Terrific' is a word we often use unconsciously while talking about things we enjoy. Interestingly, its original meaning is 'to cause fear.' Over time, we've transformed this daunting word into something more positive. Today, M Kid takes us to some truly awe-inspiring places that can genuinely be described as terrific in both senses of the word. Visiting the scariest places on Earth is an opportunity to awaken your inner adventurer. While many things appear frightening at first glance, they often lead you to the most fascinating and beautiful corners of the world. Some of these places are natural wonders, while others are man-made marvels, yet many are indeed terrifying to behold. If you're looking for an adventurous and intriguing travel experience, be sure to keep the following places in mind.
Death Road, North Yungas Road, Bolivia
Calling the journey from La Paz to Coroico in Bolivia dangerous is almost an understatement. This treacherous path, known as the Death Road, winds through the Amazon rainforest at over 15,000 feet above sea level. The North Yungas Road is a single-lane route, just 12 feet wide and stretching 50 miles long. It earned its ominous nickname due to the staggering number of fatalities it used between 200 and 300 per year. Nowadays, it's more of a destination for adventurous mountain bikers rather than a thoroughfare for vehicles.
Hill of Crosses, Lithuania
Imagine a vast hill covered in thousands of crosses-a place once dedicated to freedom and the commemoration of the deceased, has now transformed into a famous tourist destination. The Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania exudes an eerily mesmerizing atmosphere. Since the 14th century, people have started placing crosses on this hill as symbols of Lithuanian independence. This tradition persisted through the Middle Ages and re-surged after the Peasants' Revolt of 1831, honouring the fallen rebels. During the Soviet occupation from 1944 to 1991, the hill was razed three times by Soviet forces using bulldozers, yet the locals continually rebuilt it. Today, it's estimated that over 100,000 crosses stand on the hill. Can you envision the haunting sight of these crosses, clattering in the wind, creating an almost mystical symphony?
Hanging Coffins, Sagada, Philippines
In Sagada, Philippines, if you want to visit the departed, don't look down at a cemetery-look up. The people of this region are known for an ancient tradition of burying their dead in coffins attached to the sides of cliffs. This practice, thousands of years old, involves individuals crafting their coffins. After their passing, the coffins are hung on the cliffs, stacked in rows. Many of these hanging coffins are centuries old, drawing tourists from all over the world to witness this unique spectacle.
Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
Ever wondered what the entrance to hell might look like? In the middle of a desert in Turkmenistan lies the 'Door to Hell,' an extraordinary crater perpetually engulfed in flames. This fiery pit, known as the Gates of Hell crater, was created in 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig accidentally hit an underground natural gas cavern. The locals have named it the 'Door to Hell.' Spanning 230 feet in width, the Soviet Union initially set the gas-filled crater on fire to eliminate it. Yet, decades later, the inferno continues to burn with relentless intensity.
Skeleton Church, Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic
Imagine a chapel where nearly every decoration is crafted by human bones - including its altar, chandeliers, candlesticks, and more. This is the eerie allure of the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic, often referred to as the Ossuary Church or the Church of Bones. Inside this bone-adorned sanctuary, skeletons and skulls greet you at every turn. The origins of this tradition date back to the early 1300s when an abbot from the Sedlec Monastery returned from Jerusalem with holy soil, which he spread in the church’s cemetery. This sacred ground drew thousands who wished to be buried there, necessitating the exhumation of older graves to make room for new ones. With a growing collection of bones, the abbot decided not to let them go to waste. Thus began the creation of the church's unique decor, featuring over 40,000 human remains. The centrepiece of this haunting collection is the massive chandelier, made from nearly every bone in the human body.
Dolls Hospital, Hospital de Bonecas, Portugal
The Hospital de Bonecas in Portugal is renowned as the world's oldest doll hospital, where dolls are repaired and restored to their former glory. Hidden among the shops on one of Lisbon’s busiest shopping streets, this "doll hospital" has been in operation since 1830. Despite its charming premise, something is unsettling about a hospital for dolls. Cabinets filled with plastic heads, drawers brimming with glass eyes, and beds lined with 'sick' dolls conjure a sense of eerie unease. For horror enthusiasts and fans of films like Annabelle, Hospital de Bonecas is a must-see attraction. It offers a unique blend of fascination and fear, making it an unforgettable stop on your next trip to Lisbon.
Danger Walk, Huashan Mountain, China
Mount Huashan is often touted as the world’s most dangerous mountain, a reputation that precedes it in countless articles and videos. This imposing peak in Central China is a major attraction for thrill-seeking tourists, renowned for its heart-pounding plank walk. The 12-inch-wide wooden walkway clings to the mountain's side, with thousands of steps carved into the rock leading to the summit. While a cable car can whisk you to the temple at the top in just ten minutes, many choose to trek the path for the terrifying rush of adrenaline it provides. Every step of this trek is taken along the edge of a cliff. It takes one extraordinary amount of courage to look down while trekking this route. The paths are constructed of wooden planks bolted to the mountain's rock face, but in some places, these planks have deteriorated, leaving only the safety chains behind. Trekkers are often left with no choice but to rely on these chains as they make their daring journey across the face of the mountain.
