Places that make you feel like you're on a different planet
Eli hiking the Bermeja volcano, Isla la Graciosa, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Are you looking for a complete change of scenery for your next trip? Sometimes, there is no need to travel to the other side of the world (or to space!) for an “out of this world” feeling.
So, check out these 6 places which will make you feel like you’re on a different planet.
Iceland
Iceland is one of my favorite countries in the world, precisely because it’s absolutely unique and out of this world.
Reykjavík airport stands on the volcanic Reykjanes peninsula, and you’ll land in the middle of a black lava field, making you feel like you’re getting off a spaceship rather than an airplane. The famous Blue Lagoon is also nestled amidst black lava rocks, and you can easily forget that you’re on earth, lost in the middle of the impossibly blue water and white fumaroles. You’ll see geothermal activity virtually everywhere on the peninsula, and some desolated lakes with monsters, trolls and elves as the only inhabitants.
Keep driving on road 1 towards other volcanic sites like Hveragerði ,or take a side excursion to Landmannalaugar, and swim in a hot stream with colorful volcanic displays as a backdrop.
Visit the troll-shaped rock formations on Vik Beach at sunrise, and admire the white glaciers contrasting with the black lava fields and lava rocks covered in green moss in Skaftafell National Park. For the ultimate out of this world experience, spend some time at Jökulsárlón. For me, it’s THE most beautiful place I’ve ever seen, and I can promise it won’t leave you indifferent.
At the foot of the perfectly white Vatnajökull glacier, covering a black volcano, black and white icebergs of different sizes and shapes float on a deep blue lake. Stay there for a few hours as you listen to the cracking ice, and try to spot the friendly seals playing around these incredible icebergs, made of glacier ice and volcano sand. The lake empties into the ocean, and some icebergs are often stranded on the black beach. In the morning mist or afternoon twilight, this is a sight you’ll never forget.
Did you know?
Countless movies have been filmed in Iceland’s Jökulsárlón, including James Bond, Tomb Raider and Batman.
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Often overlooked by visitors, the Waitomo Caves, on New Zealand North Island, will take your breath away and surely make you feel like you’re traveling in space.
The first part of the visit will show you interesting limestone formations. Until there, nothing unique. But once on the boat, you’ll enter a silent and dark universe, lit up by thousands of glow-worms. The feeling is hard to describe, and you’ll notice that everyone remains absolutely speechless.
The boat will quietly make its way towards the exit, and it might be a little difficult to adjust to daylight – and earth again!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
For a thrilling experience, you can also try black water rafting in the caves, to float and swim underneath “galaxies” of glow-worms.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Who says Spain says sun and beaches, right? Well, Lanzarote has all that, but the landscape might surprise you.
First, a bit of geography. The Canary Islands belong to Spain, but they’re located in the Atlantic, off the Moroccan coast. Therefore, the weather is lovely year-round. And Northern Europeans love it.
But outside the main tourist destinations, the island remains wild and unspoiled, mostly covered by a thick lava layer and volcanic rocks which will definitely make you feel somewhere between Mars and the moon, but definitely not in Spain.
A visit to Timanfaya National Park is a must, but make sure to book a hike several months in advance. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck on a bus as free hiking is not allowed.
But our favorite part of the island is the North. Less tourists, spectacular beaches such as Famara, great local restaurants and the icing on the cake: La Graciosa. You can reach this tiny, irresistible island by ferry from Orzola. And you’ll find a quiet village with sandy streets, no concrete and almost no cars, and beyond… white beaches, volcanoes and dunes.
Climb the Bermeja mountain for unrivalled view of La Concha beach and the surroundings. And if it’s too hot (you won’t find any shade on this island), head to the turquoise and calm waters of La Francesa beach.
Jake on Famara beach, Lanzarote - One small step for Jake, one giant leap for Penguin Trampoline!
Yellowstone, United States
Yellowstone, USA, has the largest geothermal area in the world, and if you visit the park outside the high season, you’ll definitely feel like you’re on a different planet. Watching animals like buffalos and bears evolving among the fumaroles is a sight you’re unlikely to see elsewhere. Some geysers and pools have impossible colors, like deep blue, turquoise green or even orange.
At the Grand Prismatic Spring, the steam itself reflects the rainbow colors of the pool, making you feel like you’re in some kind of parallel fantasy world — or that you had too many of those mushrooms. Make sure to stay a few days to really enjoy all the geothermal activity as the area is huge, and come soon: indeed, tourist pollution is constantly affecting the colors of the thermal pools!
Did you know?
There are more than 10,000 hydrothermal features in Yellowstone: geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.
Watch your steps!
On the picture: Part of the Grand Prismatic Spring
Lofoten Islands, Norway
We’ve decided to list the Lofoten islands in this ranking, as they are just too beautiful to be real. To us, that’s what heaven or Neverland would look like! Located in the Atlantic Ocean but connected by road to Norway’s mainland, the islands are surprisingly easy to get to but feel extremely remote, especially outside summer.
The Lofoten are way above the Arctic Circle, but the landscape has nothing to do with what one would expect at this latitude — thank you, Gulf Stream!: high and rugged peaks, white sandy beaches, turquoise water and green meadows dotted with sheep wandering free around the islands. The imposing silence is only broken by the sound of the ocean and the birds.
The scarce inhabitants live in grass roof houses or in red fishing cabins called “rorbu”, and are certainly not afraid of solitude. The Lofoten’s sky is clear and unpolluted, lit up by the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. It is a perfect spot to cure severe stress and just step outside this world for a few days… or a month!
If you’re interested in this irresistible destination, don’t miss on article on Hiking in the Lofoten.
Swedish Lapland
Lapland is a region stretching over four countries: Norway, Finland, Sweden and Russia. We personally prefer Swedish Lapland, as Norwegian and Finnish Lapland are more developed for tourism. And of course, Russian Lapland is now off limits.
From Stockholm, there are daily flights to Kiruna, where the adventure begins. In order to experience extreme Lapland, come in winter. Temperatures often drop below -30°C, but if you plan good clothing and shoes, you’ll be okay. This freezing feeling is actually stimulating and thrilling!
You’ll feel like you are on another planet when you enter the Icehotel, built every year by ice sculptors from all over the world. The nicest rooms even have lights and sometimes sounds, and the whole “building” an authentic masterpiece.
Complete your experience with a mushing adventure and lead your pack of half-wolf dogs through forests and frozen lakes. The only sound you’ll hear is the heavy breathing of the dogs, and maybe some howling wolves! In winter, days are extremely short, and you will soon be plunged into an eerie blue polar light, like some kind of eternal dusk. When the night finally falls, layer up and stay outside for nature’s most magical show: the Northern Lights. Are you sure you’re still on earth?
One of the suites of the ice hotel in 2020 - Been 5 times, they change every year!
We hope you got some inspiration for your bucket list. If not, check out our best destinations for nature addicts!
