Places in the world that seem straight out of science fiction books: from “rivers of blood” to the “gates of hell”

The natural world is full of wonders. From the Grand Canyon to the Great Barrier Reef, these sites can take one’s breath away with their beauty. However, there are also places that have long captured human attention for a different reason—their chilling features, which make for an unsettling viewing experience.

Still, many of these eerie sites remain popular destinations. They possess an aura of awe that leaves visitors with unforgettable memories.

Where the water runs red...

Take Lake Natron in Tanzania.

This lake contains high concentrations of salt and other minerals, which can cause parts of the water to appear red—like blood. The water itself isn’t actually red; rather, the color comes from halophilic microorganisms and cyanobacteria. These organisms produce red pigments (such as carotenoids) during photosynthesis. Where pigment concentrations are high, the water appears deep red. In shallower areas, where the concentration is lower, the water often takes on a more orange hue.

Lake Natron isn’t the only body of water that looks like it’s filled with blood. In Huelva, southern Spain, the Rio Tinto—because of its similar coloration to red wine—gets its name from the striking color of its waters. This reddish hue results from a combination of highly acidic water and the oxidation of iron and other metals in the riverbed.

Door to hell?

Sometimes, human activity leaves a terrifying mark on the environment. One such case is the Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell, located in Turkmenistan.

The ever-burning fire began when a crater formed in a gas field and caught fire. Gas extraction activities caused the cavern’s roof to collapse, but exactly why it was then set alight remains a topic of debate.

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