Travelers have long been fascinated by places that defy expectation or seem outright eerie. This guide explores seven truly unusual destinations—from Mexico’s misty Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls) to Romania’s subterranean Salina Turda.
The legend of Isla de las Muñecas began half a century ago. In the 1950s, an eccentric caretaker named Don Julián Santana Barrera found the body of a drowned girl in a canal near Xochimilco (south of Mexico City). He hung a doll on a tree at the site, believing it would appease her spirit. Over the next 50 years he collected discarded dolls and hung them on trees, docks, and his hut – eventually amassing hundreds. In 2001 Don Julián himself died (by drowning in the same canal), and local people began visiting the island as a shrine. Tourists today often leave their own dolls or teddy bears in tribute. As of 2022, Guinness World Records noted Isla de las Muñecas holds the largest “haunted doll collection”, with roughly 1,000–2,000 dolls in various states of decay.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as bizarrely solemn. Amid lush chinampa vegetation, weathered dolls – some missing eyes or limbs – sway in the breeze. Three rustic huts sit on the tiny island: one was Don Julián’s simple home, another his workshop, and a third a mini “museum” with photos and newspaper clippings about the legend. The site is intensely visual: for example, the first doll Don Julián hung is displayed in the hut, set among faded clippings. Silence often hangs over the scene; only canal water and birdcalls pierce the stillness. Many find it moving, though admittedly unsettling.
Longleat Estate in Wiltshire is famous for its Elizabethan mansion and expansive safari park, but its maze is a star in its own right. Established in 1975 under the 7th Marquess of Bath, the hedge maze was designed by Greg Bright as a modern brain-teaser. Covering nearly 2.8 kilometers of paths (1.7 miles) and planted with roughly 16,000 English yew trees, it’s one of the world’s largest hedge mazes. The walls reach about 3–4 meters high; pathways twist between six wooden lookout bridges. Most visitors take 20–60 minutes to find the center or exit (maze maps are only displayed at entry). The journey is intentionally confusing: you pass dead ends, return to prior spots, or climb a bridge to spy the next segment.
Longleat’s maze is part of a bigger attraction. Longleat House (16th century) opened to visitors in 1949. In 1966 it added the UK’s first drive-through safari park, now home to ~500 exotic animals. The maze sits beside the safari lake and adventure playground. After solving the maze, families often explore on—feeding rhinos or taking a boat ride around the loch. The estate covers 3,700 hectares in total, so Longleat feels more like a park than a single site.
Hidden in the desert plateau of AlUla, Qasr al-Farid (meaning “Lonely Castle”) is a Nabataean rock-cut tomb distinguished by its isolation. Carved circa 100 CE by the same civilization that built Petra, it was never completed. Most Nabataean tombs were carved along a cliff face, but Qasr al-Farid was carved top-down from a free-standing sandstone spire. Its four rough corner pilasters and detailed facade hint that it was meant to be an opulent mausoleum. Today it stands alone on the sands, six meters apart from any other structure – hence “Lonely.” Archaeologists see tool marks high on its sides, evidence that work stopped abruptly, likely when the patron died.
Qasr al-Farid exemplifies Nabataean artistry: its ornate window and column motifs show Hellenistic and local styles melded. In 2008 the Saudi government won UNESCO protection for the entire Madain Salih (Hegra) site, preserving over 100 tombs including Qasr al-Farid. This was Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO listing. (Hegra is often called Petra’s “sister city.”) The rock is a warm golden hue, fading into sunset pink in evening light – an unforgettable sight in the remote valley. Unlike busy Petra, AlUla sees only a few hundred visitors per day, so Qasr al-Farid is surprisingly tranquil.
Perched on an Arctic mountainside near the town of Longyearbyen, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a 21st-century wonder. It was opened in 2008 as a backup repository to safeguard the world’s crop diversity against disasters. The vault lies 120 meters inside solid permafrost, which ensures the seeds remain frozen even if cooling systems fail. To date, nearly 1.3 million seed samples (from over 6,000 plant species and 5,000 global gene banks) are stored here. This includes staples like wheat, rice, and bananas. The facility is owned by Norway, with operations run by the Crop Trust and the Nordic Gene Bank. Its first high-profile use came in 2015 when Syria requested its own wheat samples back, following conflict at home.
The Seed Vault’s exterior – a yellow arched doorway set in a snowy cliff – is its only visible feature. Visitors cannot tour inside; the chambers are off-limits to protect security. If you visit Longyearbyen, you can see the entrance from a distance. Guided tours (snowmobile or bus) occasionally include an exterior stop. Many tourists snap photos of the door, but that’s as close as one gets to the “doomsday seed bank.” Instead, Longyearbyen itself offers polar displays: the Svalbard Museum and local institutions explain Arctic research and the vault’s role.
Florence’s La Specola, officially the Museo di Storia Naturale (“Museum of Natural History”), hides a secret chamber of curiosities. Opened to the public in 1775 under Grand Duke Peter Leopold, it is one of the oldest science museums in Europe. Its claim to fame is a vast collection of 18th–19th century wax anatomical models. Under the guidance of sculptor Clemente Susini (1754–1814), artists crafted over 1,400 wax figures depicting dissected human bodies and organs. These so-called ceroplastica pieces range from individual organs (hearts, brains) to life-size figures. Among the most famous are two ‘Anatomical Venuses’: elegantly posed female figures with removable panels revealing innards.
Though undeniably macabre, the waxes were originally teaching tools for medical students. Today they hang in dimly lit glass cases in the museum’s historic halls. Many visitors describe the experience as eerie yet fascinating – imagine seeing a flayed woman holding a baby, or a fetus peeled open to show its beating heart. The artistry is astonishingly lifelike, right down to veins and teeth. Weaving between the exhibits, one gains perspective on Renaissance-era science: these models are both artistic masterpieces and windows into early anatomy. La Specola was refurbished and reopened in February 2024 with new lighting and displays.
Local Perspective: Tucked behind grander attractions, La Specola never gets as crowded as the Uffizi or Duomo. Local guides note that even busy tourist days feel calm here. Florentines often call it their “Easter egg” – a hidden highlight where you can spend uninterrupted time studying the waxes. (Visiting early on a weekday almost guarantees a nearly private tour.)
On a forested island in Lake Onega, northern Russia, stands a miracle of carpentry: Kizhi Pogost. This UNESCO World Heritage ensemble contains two wooden churches and a bell tower, all built without modern tools or nails. The showpiece is the 1714 Church of the Transfiguration: 22 onion-shaped domes stacked in concentric tiers of pine wood. Astoundingly, the entire structure (about 37 meters tall) was assembled by Russian masters using only interlocking logs and wooden pegs. (A noted exception: an estimated 180,000 small nails were used to secure roof shingles.) Legend aside, its craftsmanship is authentic – visitors can inspect the walls and see smoothly fitted beams joined at corners.
Kizhi’s churches were moved to the island in the 1960s to preserve them, and now function as an open-air museum. Inside the Transfiguration Church, one finds no electric lights – it’s lit by hand-painted icons and occasional sunlight through windows. The atmosphere is serene and echoing. The adjacent Church of the Intercession (1764, also domed) and the tall bell tower complete the tableau. No services are held here; instead, visitors wander wooden walkways to view the exteriors and small interior displays of folk crafts. Interpretive signs explain Karelian building techniques and religious life of old Russia.
Deep beneath Transylvanian soil, Salina Turda transforms a centuries-old salt mine into a surreal theme park. Salt has been mined here since at least Roman times, but this section (the Terezia Chamber) dates to the 19th century. After mining ceased in 1932, the site lay idle until 1992 when it opened to tourists. Since 2010 it has been dramatically revamped. Visitors enter a vast cavern (120m deep) via glass elevator or stone stairs. Inside is a pastel-colored subterranean world: an underground lake with rowboats, a Ferris wheel, golf nets, mini-golf, table tennis and bowling alleys, and a small amphitheater. Wooden balconies and galleries built against the salt walls allow sweeping views.
The effect is both playful and uncanny. The rock-salt walls glow white, green, and gold under LED lighting. One can paddle in the saline lake (nicknamed Emperor Franz Josef Lake), ride the little wheel, or simply stand amazed by the cathedral-like space. Anecdotal “benefits” of this mine abound: local lore and speleotherapists claim the pure, high-ionized air is good for asthma and allergies. Indeed, specialists note the constant cool ~11–12°C temperature, high humidity (~80%), and salt aerosol make it a sterilized microclimate beneficial for respiratory health. Many visitors leave feeling oddly refreshed.
Planning Note: If you or a travel companion have respiratory issues, consider spending extra time here. Studies on the microclimate note potential relief for asthma or bronchitis due to the salt-rich, allergen-free air. (Of course, this is complementary – continue regular treatments as advised.)
Below is a quick comparison of the key attributes of each site for at-a-glance decision-making:
Destination (Country) | Highlight | Admission/Tickets | Access/Best Time |
Isla de las Muñecas (Mexico) | Floating island of 1,000+ dolls and a haunted legend | Boat tour ~MXN500–600/hr | Trajinera from Xochimilco; visit in dry season (Nov–Apr) with a guide |
Longleat Hedge Maze (England) | 2.8 km of yew-hedged paths (world’s largest hedge maze) | Park ticket ~£40–50 (adults) | At Longleat Safari Park; open late spring–autumn |
Qasr al-Farid (Saudi Arabia) | Enormous unfinished Nabataean tomb carved from a freestanding rock | Guided tour ~SAR95 (approx $25) | Tours only (from AlUla); optimal Oct–Mar (avoid desert summer) |
Svalbard Seed Vault (Norway) | Arctic “Doomsday Vault” holding 1.3M+ crop seed samples | Free (view only) | Near Longyearbyen; summer tours (midnight sun) |
La Specola (Italy) | 1,400+ anatomical wax models (18th–19th c.), including the “Wax Venuses” | €10 entry (+ €3 guided wax tour) | Florence museum – open daily (closed Mon) |
Kizhi Island (Russia) | UNESCO wooden churches (22 domes) built almost entirely without nails | ~RUB500–900 (ferry + entry) | Summer ferry from Petrozavodsk; winter ice-road or helicopter |
Salina Turda (Romania) | Deep underground salt mine park (Ferris wheel, lake, sports) | 75–90 lei (adult) | Near Cluj-Napoca; open year-round (cool & dry underground) |
Each traveler’s priorities differ: photographers might favor Kizhi or the Ferris wheel at Turda, families may find Longleat or Salina Turda most engaging, and history buffs will cherish Qasr al-Farid or La Specola. Use the table to match interests (e.g. “best for architecture” or “easy access”).
Turning this list into a trip requires some strategy: it spans four continents and very different climates. Below are general tips to weave these stops into a coherent itinerary.
Q: What is the Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas), and why are there so many dolls?
A: Isla de las Muñecas is a small island in Mexico’s Xochimilco canals, famous for its eerie collection of dolls hanging from trees. According to legend, a former caretaker named Don Julián Santana Barrera hung dolls to appease the spirit of a drowned girl he found nearby. Over decades he collected discarded dolls until hundreds adorned the island. Today visitors add their own dolls as offerings. The island is not officially haunted, but it feels like a shrine.
Q: How do I visit Isla de las Muñecas, and is it safe?
A: You reach the island by booking a colorful trajinera boat tour in Xochimilco, south of Mexico City. Tours cost about 500–600 MXN per hour and include a guide. The canals are safe in daylight; local boatmen know the best routes. Stick to official docks (Embarcadero Cuemanco or Celada) and reputable tour operators. Women and children visit often, but stay cautious of sun exposure and use insect repellent. Do not wander alone in the canals.
Q: What is Qasr al-Farid (the Lonely Castle) and how can tourists see it?
A: Qasr al-Farid is an unfinished Nabataean tomb carved from a solitary sandstone pillar in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region. It resembles Petra’s architecture but stands alone in the desert. Tourists can visit via guided tours arranged through the Royal Commission for AlUla. Since 2019, Saudi offers an easy eVisa for many nationalities. After flying into AlUla (ULH), you join a tour (about SAR95 each) that includes Qasr al-Farid. Independent visits are not allowed; all visits are escorted, and appropriate modest dress is required. The site is fully open to visitors (no interior chambers), making photography straightforward.
Q: Why was the Svalbard Global Seed Vault built, and can the public visit it?
A: The Svalbard Seed Vault is a global gene bank in the Arctic (opened 2008) that stores over 1.3 million seed samples from almost every country. Its purpose is to safeguard crops against disasters. For example, Syria withdrew its seeds after war destroyed its bank. Tourists cannot enter the vault’s interior. You may see the yellow entrance from outside via a guided snowmobile or bus tour from Longyearbyen. On such tours, guides explain the vault’s mission, but the door is the only part accessible to visitors.
Q: What are the wax models at La Specola, and is it suitable for children?
A: La Specola in Florence is a museum of science that houses hundreds of 18th-century anatomical wax figures. These range from human fetuses and organs to “wax venuses” (posed female figures with removable panels). They were created by Clemente Susini for medical study. Many visitors find them fascinating; others call them creepy. For children: older kids or teens often find them intriguing (especially those interested in biology or art), but younger children may be disturbed by the realism. A guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the collection and decide what’s appropriate for your family.
Q: What’s special about Kizhi Island’s wooden churches?
A: Kizhi Island (in NW Russia’s Karelia) features an all-wooden Church of the Transfiguration with 22 wooden domes – an architectural feat. Legend says it was built without using any nails; in reality, its log walls interlock without metal fasteners. This gives the church incredible longevity. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site (inscribed 1990) because it exemplifies Russian carpentry and Orthodox tradition. It’s open-air: you can walk around the churches, but entry inside is usually restricted to protect the wood.
Q: What is Salina Turda in Romania, and why is there a Ferris wheel underground?
A: Salina Turda is a former salt mine repurposed as an underground park and spa. After mining stopped in 1932, it reopened to visitors in 1992. Deep underground (about 120m down), one finds an unusual amusements chamber. The Ferris wheel, boats, mini-golf, and even a small amphitheater were installed around 2010 to entertain visitors. They highlight the mine’s gigantic scale. The salt-air is also used for spa therapy (halotherapy): studies confirm its constant 11–12°C, high humidity, and salt particles can improve respiratory conditions. Entrance is 75–90 lei (≈€15–18) for adults. No special gear is needed; wearing layers is fine.
Q: Are these strange places safe to visit?
A: Generally, yes – but with normal travel precautions. None of these sites are inherently unsafe. Isla de las Muñecas and Salina Turda are family-friendly attractions. Longleat and La Specola are well-staffed public attractions. Kizhi and Svalbard require careful planning (weather and wildlife, respectively) but local guides mitigate risks. Saudi sites do have security protocols: current advice (as of 2026) is to “exercise increased caution” due to regional conflicts. Follow official guidelines (e.g. avoid border areas) and register with your embassy. In short, these places are safe if you respect local laws, travel advisories, and common sense (daylight visits, guided tours, etc.). All factual claims here are up-to-date as of mid-2026 and should aid safe, informed travel.
