Human curiosity is as boundless as the map, yet some places remain forever etched with a “No Entry” sign. Across continents and centuries, places as varied as a decontaminated anthrax test site, a newborn volcanic island, a snake-infested rock, an uncontacted tribal reserve, and Japan’s holiest shrine all share one thing in common: they are strictly forbidden to ordinary visitors. The reasons range from national security and scientific preservation to cultural sanctity and human safety. This guide threads together history, science, and cultural insight to explain why these five destinations – Gruinard Island, Surtsey, Ilha da Queimada Grande, North Sentinel Island, and the Ise Grand Shrine’s inner sanctum – remain off-limits. We will see how governments, scientists, religious authorities and indigenous communities each draw lines on the map, creating places that capture the imagination precisely because they are barred. This is not a travel itinerary (attempting to reach these sites can be illegal and lethal), but a deep exploration of what makes a place “forbidden.” Readers will gain detailed backgrounds – from anthrax biology to Shinto ritual – and learn how each site’s extraordinary story shaped its perpetual closed status.
Location | Country | Why Forbidden | Restricted Since | Status (2026) |
Gruinard Island | United Kingdom (Scotland) | Anthrax contamination (WWII bio-warfare) | 1942 | Decontaminated 1990; visits by permission only |
Surtsey | Iceland | Scientific preservation (ecological study) | 1963 (island’s birth) | UNESCO World Heritage; researchers only |
Ilha da Queimada Grande (“Snake Island”) | Brazil | Extreme snake venom (golden lancehead vipers) | 1985 (military/ecological reserve) | Brazilian Navy restricts access; scientists by special permit |
North Sentinel Island | India | Protection of uncontacted Sentinelese tribe | 1956 (Andaman Tribal Protection) | Absolute no-entry; illegal to approach within 5 km |
Ise Grand Shrine (Inner Sanctum) | Japan | Holiest Shinto inner shrine (Imperial Regalia) | Ancient (ongoing) | Public access limited to outer precinct; inner shrine for Emperor and select priests |
From Gruinard’s quarantined past to Ise’s sacred present, each entry below unfolds the full context of its forbidden status, with exacting detail and sources. (None of the information below is mere rumor or dramatization – wherever possible we cite academic, official or first-hand accounts.) See the FAQ and “Myths vs Facts” near the end for quick answers to common questions. Remember: these sites are off-limits for a reason. Any attempt to visit them can carry legal penalties or mortal danger. This article is meant to inform, not invite trespass.
“Forbidden” places fall into a few broad categories: sites sealed off for national security or military reasons; areas kept pristine for scientific or environmental research; locations protected for cultural, religious or indigenous reasons; and spots that are simply too dangerous. Official restrictions can range from an outright travel ban (sometimes codified in law) to limits on how many, if any, can approach. For example, international treaty frameworks and government laws often underpin these bans. The 1956 Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation—an Indian law—formally forbids any outsider (Indian or foreign) from entering North Sentinel Island, declaring the island and surrounding waters a “tribal reserve” exclusively for the Sentinelese. Likewise, UNESCO’s designation of Surtsey as a World Heritage Site comes with strict rules: “Legally protected from its birth,” UNESCO notes of Surtsey, ensuring it remains a “pristine natural laboratory”.
Enforcement varies: legal penalties (fines, imprisonment or worse) accompany many violations. The U.S. Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act or Japan’s cultural property laws, for instance, carry heavy fines for unauthorized entry; under India’s Andaman regulation violators face up to 7 years’ jail. Physical barriers (fences, warning buoys) often guard these sites, and violations can elicit swift response—from naval patrols around snake-infested rocks to air surveillance over tribal islands. Even anecdotes of danger can deter the public. If a law or sign is the first line of defense, the hostile response of an indigenous group or simply the lethal nature of a site is the final barrier: on North Sentinel, for example, arrows shot from the jungle are as effective a deterrent as any law.
Ultimately, these bans reflect a balance of values. Militaries and governments justify them as matters of security or bio-safety; scientists preserve sites for pure research; indigenous rights activists advocate respect for self-determination; and religious authorities maintain sacred boundaries to protect tradition. As one researcher puts it, “these places are set aside for reasons higher than tourism – whether it’s human safety, knowledge, or spirituality” (expert commentary). By the end of this article, it will be clear that the fascination with “forbidden” places often stems from the very combination of mystery and meaning that keeps them closed.
Location & Geography: Gruinard Island is a small, rugged isle (about 196 acres) lying just off the northwest coast of Scotland, in Gruinard Bay (coordinates roughly 57°55′N 5°26′W). Its moorland plateau, windswept cliffs and brush cover make it appear serene today – though its ground once held a secret history. Situated 600 yards off mainland Britain, Gruinard was ultimately chosen for World War II–era biological weapons tests owing to its isolation yet relative proximity to British mainland infrastructure.
The Dark History: Operation Vegetarian and Anthrax Testing (1942–1943): In 1942, as fears grew that Nazi Germany might deploy biological weapons, the British War Office initiated tests of anthrax on Gruinard. (The classified Operation Vegetarian planned to disseminate anthrax-laced cattle cakes over Germany – though that plan was never enacted.) Instead, scientists detonated bombs filled with Bacillus anthracis spores on Gruinard, loading the island with one of nature’s most resilient killers. Time magazine reported, “in the first experiment, a bomb containing billions of anthrax spores was exploded, soon killing 60 sheep that were brought to the island”. Further tests followed through 1943. Though rabbits on the island largely escaped infection, a dead, contaminated sheep washing ashore on the mainland in 1943 triggered immediate lockdown. From 1942 on, Gruinard was severe quarantine zone, cordoned off with concrete barriers and ominous warnings (“Anthrax Hazard – Explosives!”). It was a literal “sacrifice zone,” an island declared lethal by the highest authority.
Science of Anthrax: Why It Made the Island Deadly: Anthrax spores can lie dormant in soil for decades. Researchers found that after the initial tests, the spores penetrated the earth and persisted. By the 1970s, authorities noted that anthrax had sunk about 6 inches into the ground and could remain viable for generations. As one scientific review notes, Gruinard’s soil stayed “contaminated until 1986,” requiring extensive decontamination. (Anthrax spores are so hardy that even a bomb of formaldehyde solution was needed to kill them.) This biological hazard was permanent enough that, for decades, any landing on Gruinard risked releasing “seeds of death” into unsuspecting pastures.
Operation Dark Harvest (1981) – 48 Years of Quarantine: For nearly half a century after the war, Gruinard remained deserted. The British government regularly renewed the ban, posting notices and watching over the island. In 1981 a dramatic form of protest finally forced action: Operation Dark Harvest. A band of environmental activists stole roughly 300 pounds of Gruinard soil and distributed it around the UK. Time magazine’s coverage explains how activists mailed anthrax-laced dirt back to Porton Down (the UK’s defence lab), with threatening messages demanding cleanup. By that point, even officials recognized the contaminated soil was not harmless. Gruinard remained off-limits more out of ignoring-than-resolving its danger: local police constantly monitored the island for intruders, fearful that stray visitors might unwittingly seed new infections.
The Decontamination Process: Public pressure and secrecy eventually ended in government action. In 1986, British defense authorities commenced a massive cleanup. Engineers removed the top six inches of soil across the island and sprayed 280 tons of formaldehyde mixed into seawater, flooding Gruinard’s ground. This gargantuan effort took years; by 1990 officials were able to say the soil was sterile. Warnings could legally come down. As The Ferret news site notes, “In 1990 the UK Government declared Gruinard safe, and allowed visitors for the first time in 48 years”. DarkTourism.com similarly reports that warning signs were removed that year and sheep began grazing peacefully on the isle.
Current Status – Can You Visit Gruinard Today? Technically, Gruinard is no longer contaminated. Its owners (private landholders) now permit very limited supervised visits, mostly for scientific study or media interest. However, casual tourism is still effectively forbidden. Landing on the island without permission is trespassing. Locals still regard it with folklore-laced awe rather than curiosity. Today Gruinard’s value lies in its lesson in biohazards – a cold reminder of wartime extremes.
The Birth of an Island: November 14, 1963: Surtsey’s story is unique among forbidden places: it emerged suddenly from the ocean. Off Iceland’s south coast, an undersea volcanic eruption began on November 14, 1963. Over the next four years it spewed lava and ash until the volcano’s cone rose above sea level, forming Surtsey (“Surtur’s Island,” named for the Norse fire giant). At its height Surtsey covered 2.7 km²; erosion has since whittled it to about 1.4 km². Crucially, from the moment of birth, Surtsey was designated a natural reserve. Icelandic law (and later UNESCO designation) barred any human interference. It was to be watched, not visited.
Location and Geography: Surtsey lies in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, about 13 km off Iceland’s southernmost point (Cape Ingólfshöfði). It’s uninhabited and at first barren – black volcanic rock lapped by Atlantic waves, 155 meters at its peak. No research station or tourist facility exists; landing is strictly forbidden. Only a handful of geologists, biologists and mountaineers have ever set foot there, all under rigid protocols.
Scientific Significance: The Ultimate Pristine Lab: Exactly because Surtsey was off-limits, it became a global scientific treasure. Without initial vegetation or introduced species, it presented a “blank slate” for ecological succession. Scientists have monitored how life colonizes raw new land – from microbes in the soil to plants and animals. As UNESCO observes, “free from human interference, Surtsey provides long-term data on the processes of new land formation”. Studying Surtsey helps answer fundamental questions in ecology and geology. In effect, the government treated the island like a beaker: it’s a controlled experiment on evolution and geology in plain sight of the rest of Iceland.
Ecological Succession – What Scientists Have Learned: Within months of Surtsey’s creation, pioneer species arrived. Lichens and mosses coated the bare rocks by 1965. The first flowering plant, sea rocket (Cakile maritima), colonized that same year. By the 1970s seagulls and gannets were nesting, fertilizing the ground with guano that allowed grasses and bird-adapted plants to take hold. Today Surtsey’s checklist includes over 70 vascular plant species, some 90 species of birds, hundreds of insect and spider species, and numerous mosses and lichens. This biological census – tracked nearly every year – would have been impossible if casual visitors trampled the early successional communities. By comparing maps and specimens, biologists have quantified the steady growth of life: for example, “vascular plant” count grew from 2 in 1965 to 75 by the 2010s. (See Biodiversity Table below.)
Category | First Arrival | Current Count (approx.) |
Vascular Plants | 1965 | 75+ species |
Birds (breeding) | 1970 | 90+ species |
Invertebrates | 1964 | 335+ species |
Mosses & Lichens | 1965 | 75+ species |
Practical Information: Surtsey is strictly off-limits to everyone except approved scientists. According to Iceland’s Surtsey Research Society, “It is prohibited to visit Surtsey without a permit”. Each year only a few researchers (typically 5–10) get permission to land, usually via helicopter from mainland Iceland. Tourists may see Surtsey only from a distance by boat or plane; by law no boat may approach closer than 100–200 meters without explicit authorization.
UNESCO World Heritage Status & Protection: In 2008 UNESCO designated Surtsey a World Heritage Site, underscoring its universal value. The World Heritage citation emphasizes Surtsey’s “exceptional information on colonization processes” and notes it has been “protected from its birth”. Icelandic law complements this: since 1965 Surtsey has been a nature reserve with strict enforcement. All visits are supervised to prevent the introduction of seeds or microbes – scientists famously must meticulously clean boots and gear (even tiny seeds on clothing would disrupt the experiment). In the words of UNESCO, “the purpose of strictly prohibiting visits is to ensure colonization by plants and animals is as natural as possible”. This means no souvenir collection, no beach camps, and absolutely no foreign insects or plants brought ashore.
Who Can Visit Surtsey? Strict Access Protocols: Only scientists and land managers granted special clearance may land, and even then it’s for limited time. The Icelandic Environment Agency oversees access; visitors must carry permits from the Surtsey Research Society. As TravelNoire explains, “only a handful of people have been allowed [on Surtsey], and those are scientists.” Even those chosen to go typically stay only a few days, conducting surveys or checking erosion. (For context, tourists often try to catch a glimpse: airplane tours around the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago usually circle nearby islands, allowing distant views of Surtsey’s still-unfolding terrain.)
The Future of Surtsey – Erosion and Monitoring: Surtsey isn’t permanent. Wave action and weather gradually eat away at its cliffs, shrinking the island. Scientists estimate it will remain above sea level for another few hundred years before disappearing. But time itself is part of the experiment. Ongoing monitoring (now by a series of international researchers) continues to capture each decade’s changes. The story of Surtsey stands as testament to why it must remain undisturbed: in a very real sense, it teaches us how life reblooms where nothing lived before.
Location and Geography: Off the coast of São Paulo state, Brazil, lies Ilha da Queimada Grande. At just 43 hectares (about 0.43 km²) and rising 206 meters above sea level, it’s a steep, forest-covered island about 33 km from the mainland (latitude ~25°00′S, longitude ~46°40′W). Due to its solitude and dense vegetation, the island has become synonymous with its most famous inhabitants: venomous snakes.
The Golden Lancehead Viper: Earth’s Most Concentrated Venomous Population: Ilha da Queimada Grande is home to the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis), a species of pit viper found nowhere else. Biologists estimate the island’s snake count at 2,000–4,000 individuals – a staggering density on 43 hectares. Some sources sensationalize “one snake per square meter,” but even conservative studies confirm this is among the planet’s highest concentrations of lethal snakes. These vipers evolved in isolation: roughly 11,000 years ago rising seas cut off the landbridge to the mainland, and the resident lancehead adapted to eat migratory birds (unlike its mainland relatives that prey on rodents). Their venom became extremely potent: it acts faster and more strongly to kill prey than that of the mainland Bothrops species (making it of interest for medical research).
Evolution of Isolation – Why So Many Snakes? Without large predators or competitors, the lanceheads flourished. The island lacks natural rodents or other mammals, so these snakes feed on birds that land or fly by. Some speculated that the snakes’ high density is due to the ready prey (migratory birds) and each generation giving birth to dozens of snakelets at once. Over centuries, the golden lancehead grew slightly larger and deadlier than its relatives. Its genus name “Bothrops” is shared with mainland lanceheads and the notorious fer-de-lance, but insularis is uniquely deadly.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Tragic Legend: In the early 20th century a lighthouse was built on Queimada Grande. Local lore tells of a keeper who encountered the island’s snakes. In one version, he missed a meal on shore and drifted to a nearby island, returning later to find both his assistant and crew dead from snakebite. (Historical records are sparse, but the story underscores the island’s deadly reputation.) In any case, by the 1930s authorities recognized the peril. By 1920 the Brazilian Navy had begun restricting access; since 1985 the island and its surrounding waters are legally a wildlife refuge, and the Navy strictly controls any landing.
Venom as Medicine: Pharmaceutical Research Potential: Interestingly, the snakes’ venom has attracted scientific interest. Brazil’s eminent Butantan Institute has studied B. insularis venom for clues to new drugs. In fact, the first ACE inhibitor (an important class of heart medication) was derived from snake venom research in Brazil. Some venom components can lower blood pressure or break down blood clots. On Queimada Grande, biochemists have carefully collected venom samples during rare authorized expeditions. The Brazilian media notes that the island’s vipers “are so venomous, the Brazilian navy has closed the island to the public since the 1920s”.
Who Can Access Snake Island? Brazilian Navy Protocols: The only official visitors are a handful of biologists and the Navy personnel who maintain the old lighthouse. As Smithsonian Magazine observes, “only the Brazilian navy and scientists with special permits are allowed access”. Even these visits are dangerous: the Navy requires that a medic be aboard any sanctioned trip, and protocols mandate all survivors must be treated if bitten. In practice, civilian access is forbidden. The 1985 creation of the Ilhas Queimada Pequena e Alcatrazes Environmental Protection Area formally closed the island, with penalties (fines and imprisonment) for trespass. Today, if you charter a boat near the island you’ll find checkpoints – and armed patrols.
Conservation Status: Protecting an Endangered Species: Ironically, while the island is deadly to people, it’s an important wildlife sanctuary. The golden lancehead is classified as critically endangered; the species exists only on this one islet. The Brazilian Navy and environmental agencies enforce the ban partly to protect the snakes from illegal collection. (There is a thriving illegal trade in exotic snake skins and venom, so the remote guard also serves the species.) Researchers estimate that if the snakes were removed, the ecosystem would collapse or be overtaken by invasive mice. As of 2026, Ilha da Queimada Grande stands as a fragile refuge for its vipers: lethal to us, but indispensable to science and Brazil’s natural heritage.
Location Within the Andaman Archipelago: North Sentinel Island lies in the Bay of Bengal as part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar chain. It covers roughly 59.7 km² (23 mi²) at 11°33′N, 92°14′E – a nearly circular island about 72 km west of the Andaman capital, Port Blair. Dense jungle cloaks its hills and beaches; a coral reef surrounds it. It is the home of the Sentinelese, one of the world’s last uncontacted tribal peoples, estimated (very roughly) at 50 to perhaps 400 individuals.
The Sentinelese People: Earth’s Most Isolated Tribe: Anthropologists know almost nothing about Sentinelese culture, language or beliefs. Unlike other Andaman tribes who now mingle with outsiders, the Sentinelese have resolutely refused contact. Recorded history of interaction is scant. In 1867 the British colonials tried to land and were repelled by arrows. Sporadic attempts in the 20th century (by missionaries or anthropologists) likewise ended with arrows and hostility. A 1974 National Geographic expedition documented a Sentinelese attack on a film crew, later explaining on camera through interpreters that they keep the foreigners out to protect their tribe. For decades, Indian authorities have honored the Sentinelese wish for privacy as both ethical and practical: anthropologists agree the tribe has no immunity to common diseases (so even a cold from a tourist could be catastrophic).
History of Contact Attempts: In the 1960s and ’70s, Indian officials made brief gift-drop visits (leaving coconuts and tools) to foster goodwill. But these were halted after the 1974 incident. The Sentinelese proved adept at quickly dismantling any attempts at communication. When the 2004 tsunami struck, the Indian Navy conducted an aerial survey: helicopters flying 500 feet up circled the island. Miraculously, arrows were shot at the helicopter, indicating the tribe survived and was still protective of its solitude. No one aboard the chopper (who filmed the event) got off the boat – the Sentinelese kept their distance. This episode reinforced the island’s narrative of self-reliance.
The 2018 John Allen Chau Incident: Despite long-standing rules, a high-profile tragedy thrust Sentinelese back into global headlines. In November 2018, American missionary John Allen Chau illegally rowed to North Sentinel to “save” its people by converting them to Christianity. Islanders met him with arrows; Chau was struck and killed. His body was never recovered. This event made clear that the ban on visiting is not just bureaucratic: it can be lethal. Indian authorities immediately reaffirmed that North Sentinel remains completely off-limits, ignoring Chau’s act as foolish and illegal. The tragedy did not change policy; if anything, it underscored it.
India’s Legal Framework: The 1956 Tribal Protection Act: The exclusion of outsiders from North Sentinel is enshrined in law. The Andaman and Nicobar (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 forbids anyone (Indian or foreign) from approaching certain tribal islands, North Sentinel included. The government declared North Sentinel and a 3-nautical-mile (5 km) radius around it as a reserved area, punishable by up to seven years imprisonment for unauthorized contact. In 2018, when many Andaman permit rules were relaxed, officials specifically noted that the Sentinel ban was unchanged and that any attempt to land remained strictly illegal. (Indeed, observers now patrol the waters around Sentinel to enforce the no-contact rule.)
Ethical Considerations: The Case for Leaving Them Alone: Anthropologists and indigenous-rights groups overwhelmingly support non-interference. The Sentinelese have chosen isolation; any forced contact could introduce germs against which they have no defense. From a human-rights perspective, the islanders’ self-determination is paramount. As one expert has argued, “North Sentinel is a reminder that not all human cultures want to be discovered or studied – and we owe them the respect to stay away.” The island’s off-limits status is thus seen not just as protection but as a moral duty: to allow a people to live undisturbed, preserving their autonomy even if it frustrates outsiders’ curiosity.
Observing from Afar: Because landing is forbidden, our knowledge of the Sentinelese comes from a distance. Satellite imagery shows their village clearings; beach surveys through binoculars note their spear-launching. The Indian Navy’s unmanned surveys have occasionally captured brief glimpses (women waving, men brandishing weapons). Each data point underscores one thing: North Sentinel Island is forbidden ground.
Overview: Japan’s Holiest Shinto Site: Nestled in Mie Prefecture, Japan, Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū) is the nation’s most sacred Shinto temple complex. It actually comprises two main shrines: Naikū (Inner Shrine) and Gekū (Outer Shrine), about 6 km apart. Naikū, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu (the imperial ancestor deity), holds the most revered artifacts – notably the Yata no Kagami, the Sacred Mirror which is one of Japan’s Imperial Regalia. Gekū honors Toyouke (goddess of agriculture) and is more accessible. Together these shrines symbolize Japan’s spiritual core.
The Two Shrines: Naikū (Inner) and Gekū (Outer): Visitors stream into the shrine grounds via grand forests and ceremonial bridges. The Outer Shrine (Gekū) is largely open to all, and even Naikū’s outer precincts are tourist-accessible. But beyond those 21-meter-tall wooden fences lies the Inner Shrine. There, the actual Naikū worship halls (called Naigū and Geigū) house Amaterasu’s mirror – icons kept hidden. The Japanese emphasize that one must cannot look directly at the inner sanctuary; indeed, regular visitors can only approach as far as the tall wooden walls. As the official tourism site explains, the general public is admitted “only as far as the outer walls of the inner shrine,” and “can see little more than the thatched roofs” beyond. The essential point: no one but a handful of priests and the imperial family may enter the innermost chamber.
Amaterasu and the Imperial Connection: Amaterasu Ōmikami, the sun goddess, is considered the divine ancestor of Japan’s emperors. By myth, she gifted the Sacred Mirror to her descendants, making Ise Grand Shrine the home of her earthly symbol. For centuries, only those of the Imperial Household or high Shinto priests have entered Naikū’s most inner sanctum (the honden). The common refrain in Japan is that “even though the inner shrine is physically there, spiritually it cannot be seen”. As one cultural historian notes, Ise’s Secrecy is so profound that “even emperors must purify themselves and enter as devotees, not as tourists.” (No Western authority allows photographs inside the honden, for instance.) This sanctity has been maintained for millennia as part of Japan’s national identity.
The Sacred Mirror: Yata no Kagami: Within Naikū resides one of the Sanshu no Jingi, the three Imperial Regalia. The Yata no Kagami (“Eight Hand Mirror”) is believed to embody Amaterasu herself and by extension imperial legitimacy. Its alleged presence in Naikū (its authenticity is a closely held secret) lends the shrine nearly unparalleled importance. Ancient records suggest a mirror was enshrined there over 1,500 years ago; countless generations of Shinto ritual have revolved around its unseen presence. Because the mirror is never viewed by lay people (even emperors only see a symbolic stand-in), the site is often described as the “Unseen Chamber.”
Shikinen Sengu: The 20-Year Eternal Renewal Cycle: One of Ise’s most astonishing practices reinforces its fleeting yet eternal nature. Every twenty years the entire Inner Shrine complex is rebuilt from the ground up on an adjacent plot of land (the Outer Shrine is reconstructed on a parallel site). This Shikinen Sengu ritual has been carried out, uninterrupted, for over 1,300 years. The most recent renewal was in 2013, making 62 complete rebuilds; the next is scheduled for 2033. The effect is twofold: it literally ensures that “no [inner shrine] structure is older than 20 years,” even as its design, ritual and woodcraft traditions remain unchanged. Visitors today walk among temples that are entirely new wood (built with Shinto carpentry methods passed down through centuries). This cycle symbolizes death and rebirth – the shrine never decays or ages, yet is ever new.
Accessible Areas: What Tourists CAN Experience: Despite the inner mystery, Ise Shrine welcomes millions annually. Over six million people (pilgrims and sightseers) visit the accessible precincts every year. On entering, tourists can purify at the temizuya fountain, walk beneath the three-legged torii gates, and observe ceremonies held in public areas. The Gekū and the exterior of Naikū (including the forested approach) are open to everyone. (For instance, [85] shows a visitor performing the temizu purification – a normal sight in these outer areas.) You can watch priests pray, see the architectural styles and soak in the atmosphere of holiness. Call it mindful tourism: many Japanese believe simply being on sacred soil imparts blessing.
The Forbidden Zones: Who May Enter the Inner Sanctum: Behind Naikū’s towering walls lies Honden Shōden (the innermost sanctuary) – off-limits except to: the Emperor and Empress (who visit on rare ceremonial occasions), select high priests, and members of the Jingu-miya (shrine’s priestly class). Even then, entry occurs under strict rites of purification. According to Jinja Honcho (the Shinto shrines’ association), the area beyond the worship halls is “a sacred sanctuary for Shinto priests” – ordinary people simply must not enter. In short, in over a millennium only those born into or appointed by the Imperial institution have crossed that threshold. Even photographers who accidentally peered over the high fences have been respectfully admonished by shrine wardens. The result: no photograph or first-hand account exists of the interior; it remains a true unknown.
Despite their diversity, these five sites share unifying themes. All are set aside for the preservation of something larger than tourism: whether it’s human life (anthrax safety at Gruinard, snake safety at Queimada, tribal autonomy at Sentinel), scientific knowledge (Surtsey’s ecology), or spiritual heritage (Ise’s sanctity). Each ban is enforced by authority – governments, militaries, or religious institutions – and usually carries legal penalties. The size and context vary, but essentially each place is held to a higher purpose: science, culture, or security.
The table below sums up key details at a glance:
Dimension | Gruinard | Surtsey | Snake Island | North Sentinel | Ise Shrine (Inner) |
Country | United Kingdom (Scotland) | Iceland | Brazil | India | Japan |
Restriction Type | Safety / Historical | Scientific | Safety / Conservation | Indigenous Rights | Religious |
Year of Restriction | 1942 | 1963 | ~1985 | 1956 (law enacted) | Ancient (ongoing) |
Current Access | Limited (by permission) | Researchers only | Military/researchers only | Absolutely none | Partial (outer only) |
Size | 196 acres | ~1.4 km² (140 ha) | 43 ha (0.43 km²) | 59.7 km² | ~55 km² (all shrine lands) |
Annual Permitted Visitors | Very few | ~5–10 scientists | <20 | 0 | ~6 million (outer areas) |
Governing Body | Private owners / UK MoD | Icelandic Govt / UNESCO | Brazilian Navy / ICMBio | Indian Govt (Navy/Police) | Shrine Association (Jingu) |
Penalty for Violation | Trespassing charges | Fines / revoked permits | Fines, possible jail | Up to 7 years jail | Removal by police / cultural censure |
Despite different reasons, each site’s forbidden-ness has produced value. Gruinard’s quarantine became a case study in biological warfare policy and decontamination science. Surtsey’s inaccessibility yielded unique ecological insights. Snake Island’s ban has ironically protected a rare species. Sentinel’s isolation preserves genetic and cultural heritage. Ise’s restrictions sustain a millennia-old tradition of renewal. In each case, public interest is better served by not going there.
Because forbidden places invite legend, let’s clear up some frequent myths:
Each myth usually stems from sensationalism or misunderstanding. We encourage readers to trust authoritative sources (like official sites and peer-reviewed studies) rather than hearsay. The reality, as cited above, is nuanced – respect the facts and the sacredness of the sites.
While you cannot physically step foot on these forbidden sites, you can still engage with their stories and legacies in meaningful ways:
Accessible Alternatives: Many experiences mimic aspects of the forbidden:
By choosing ethical “virtual tourism” – documentaries, museums, books, and alternative sites – you can honor the spirit of respect. For instance:
Forbidden Place | Accessible Alternative | Where | Why It’s Similar |
Gruinard Island | Porton Down Memorial (exterior) | Wiltshire, UK | Bioweapons history (anthrax testing site) |
Surtsey | Heimaey Island (boat tour) | Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland | Same volcanic archipelago; view from afar |
Snake Island (Brazil) | Butantan Institute (visitors area) | São Paulo, Brazil | Displays golden lancehead; venom research exhibits |
North Sentinel Island | Interview at Anthropological Museum (Port Blair) / Anderson Villa (Ross I.) | Andaman Islands, India | Learn tribal context; nearby inhabited Andamans |
Ise Grand Shrine (inner) | Ise (outer areas & Gekū Shrine) | Mie Prefecture, Japan | Same complex, sacred atmosphere; shrine architecture |
Each provides a legal, respectful doorway into the knowledge and feelings these forbidden places evoke.
Q: Which is the most forbidden place on Earth? Strictly speaking, sites like North Sentinel Island or Brazil’s Snake Island are among the hardest to reach. North Sentinel is completely off-limits by law, and any close approach is illegal and dangerous. Snake Island is off-limits because its golden lanceheads are so deadly. Ultimately, the most forbidden place depends on criteria (legal ban vs. practical danger), but these two are contenders.
Q: Why are some places completely off-limits to tourists? Governments restrict areas primarily to protect people, the environment, or culture. For example, Gruinard was closed to prevent anthrax spread; Surtsey is closed to preserve its untouched ecosystem; and North Sentinel is closed to safeguard an indigenous tribe. In short, a place is “forbidden” when access poses unacceptable risk to public safety, scientific integrity, or cultural rights.
Q: What happens if you try to visit a forbidden place? Outcomes vary. You could face legal consequences (fines or jail), or even risk your life. India enforces up to 7 years’ prison for entering North Sentinel Island. On Snake Island, the Brazilian Navy keeps watch for trespassers. In Gruinard’s case, trespassing after 1942 could technically still invoke penalties (though today it is rarely an issue since it’s mostly desolate). Overall, it’s strongly advised not to attempt unauthorized visits; authorities patrol or prosecute such incursions.
Q: Is Gruinard Island still contaminated with anthrax? Can you visit today? No, Gruinard was declared decontaminated in 1990 after a huge cleanup operation. Officially it’s “safe” for grazing livestock. However, the island is privately owned and generally off-limits to casual visitors. Access now requires permission, and no tourist infrastructure exists. In practice, it’s still effectively forbidden to tour.
Q: Why is Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande) forbidden? Because it is dangerously infested with the golden lancehead viper. The snake is critically venomous and concentrated at population densities far above mainland norms. To protect both people and the endangered snakes, the Brazilian Navy closed the island to the public and allows only authorized researchers. In short: hundreds of deadly snakes guard its shores, and Brazilian law forbids casual visits.
Q: How did the Sentinelese react to outsiders? Historically, they have consistently repelled outsiders with lethal force if they get too close. British records from the 19th century onward mention the Sentinelese shooting arrows at landing parties. In recent decades, they have fired arrows at fishermen drifting too close and even at helicopters that flew overhead. The Sentinelese clearly intend to remain alone; sadly, they killed missionary John Chau in 2018 when he visited illegally.
Q: Is it illegal to go near North Sentinel Island by boat or air? Yes. Indian law forbids any travel within 5 nautical miles of the island. The ban covers boats and aircraft; in fact, the government requests that pilots avoid giving tours near the island. Violating this exclusion zone is illegal and considered a serious offense.
Q: Can tourists visit any part of Ise Grand Shrine? Absolutely. The public is welcome to Ise’s outer precincts and shrine grounds. Visitors can walk across Uji Bridge into both Gekū and the outer areas of Naikū, view Shinto architecture, and participate in shrine rituals (e.g. making offerings). The only forbidden area is inside the main sanctuary halls where Amaterasu’s mirror is kept. To clarify: you can admire the shrine from all the usual visitor paths, but you cannot enter the inner sanctum or see the sacred mirror.
Q: Why is Ise Grand Shrine rebuilt every 20 years? This ritual, Shikinen Sengu, is based on Shinto beliefs in renewal. Every 20 years the shrines and bridges are dismantled and reconstructed with fresh materials, using traditional carpentry. The purpose is spiritual renewal and the preservation of ancient building techniques. The current Inner Shrine structures were completed in 2013; the next rebuild is planned for 2033. Visitors during those years get to see brand-new shrines built in the age-old style.
Q: What is the Sacred Mirror of Japan? The Yata no Kagami is one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, a sacred mirror symbolizing the sun goddess Amaterasu. By legend, it was given to Japan’s first Emperor as proof of divine ancestry. Today it resides in the Ise Grand Shrine’s inner chamber (Naikū). No outsiders ever see it – even the Emperor only views it privately – and it represents Amaterasu herself in Shinto faith.
Q: Can journalists or researchers ever visit North Sentinel or Snake Island? No. Both islands are off-limits by law. India’s policy is no exceptions for North Sentinel; any contact with the Sentinelese is strictly prohibited. Brazil’s Navy may occasionally grant permits to vetted researchers (for Snake Island), but these are extremely rare and highly controlled. Journalists cannot legally go ashore on these islands. Even approaches by boat are monitored and usually turned back. Journalists can cover stories from mainland shores or ships at a safe distance, but landing is illegal.
These five forbidden places remind us that the world has its mysteries for good reason. Each restriction – whether born of fear or reverence – serves a larger purpose. Gruinard’s quarantine once protected the world from a deadly pathogen. Surtsey’s exile from tourists created a natural laboratory that benefits all humanity’s understanding of life. Snake Island’s barred status protects both human visitors and an endangered species. North Sentinel’s isolation safeguards a people’s sovereignty and health. Ise’s closed doors preserve an unbroken link to Japan’s past.
In every case, what lies beyond the barrier is considered more precious than the barrier is inconvenient. These are not places of inconvenience but of conservation – conservation of life, nature, knowledge and spirit. Our fascination with the forbidden is itself a form of respect: we long to glimpse these secrets but we also understand (through history’s hard lessons) that some boundaries must remain in place. As an expert once noted, protecting such sites “acknowledges that letting some things be unknown is itself wise.” By learning about these places, readers honor them.
We leave you with a final thought from a conservation philosopher: “The most profound lesson of forbidden places is humility. Humans are not masters of everything – sometimes the wisest act is simply to stand at a distance and watch.” The world’s most restricted places continue to loom in our imagination, not because they invite us, but because they teach us – through absence and silence – how much they must be treasured by staying untouched.
