Although we live in the age of Google Maps and information at the click of a button, the planet still holds forbidden, secret or mysterious places. From ultra-protected military bases to cursed islands and underground cities, these places arouse curiosity… and many conspiracy theories.
Here’s a list of some of the world’s most secret areas that few have ever set foot in… or know what really goes on there.
1. Area 51 (Nevada, USA)
The most famous military base in the world… because of what is not known about it. Officially it is an Air Force test center, but many associate it with UFOs, alien technology and secret projects.
2. North Sentinel Island (India)
Inhabited by a tribe that rejects all contact with the outside world, it is illegal to approach. It is protected out of cultural respect… and because it can be deadly to try. The tribe has been isolated for more than 60,000 years.
3. Vatican Secret Archives (Vatican City)
They contain documents dating back to the 8th century: letters of kings, judgments, treaties, and even apocryphal texts. Only a few accredited historians can access them under strict conditions.
4. Surtsey (Iceland)
One of the youngest islands in the world, emerged in 1963 after a volcanic eruption. Only scientists can enter, as it is a natural laboratory to study how life develops from scratch.
5. Dulce Base (New Mexico, U.S.A.)
A subway facility shrouded in legend. Conspiracy theorists claim human experiments, hybrid beings and collaboration with extraterrestrials. Officially, it does not exist.
6. Poveglia Island (Italy)
Between Venice and Lido, it was a plague hospital, a psychiatric asylum and a place of torture. It is said that thousands of people died there. Today it is closed to the public and considered one of the most haunted islands on the planet.
7. Mezhgorye (Russia)
A Russian closed city, located near Mount Yamantau. It is believed to house a nuclear bunker, a weapons depot or even a subway city. Access is totally restricted.
8. Pine Gap (Australia)
A joint U.S.-Australia facility in the middle of the desert. It is vital for satellite surveillance, drones and global military operations. Some call it “Australia’s Area 51”.
9. Snake Island (Brazil)
The most dangerous place on Earth according to many. Inhabited by thousands of venomous snakes, such as the golden lancehead viper. It is forbidden to land except for authorized research.
10. Baigong Mountain (China)
Famous for its alleged ancient metal pipes embedded in the rock. Some believe them to be of alien origin. Official investigations are limited and the area is partially restricted.
11. Cheyenne Mountain Complex (Colorado, U.S.A.)
A subway military facility built inside a mountain, capable of withstanding nuclear attack. NORAD command headquarters, still operational and with ultra-restricted access.
12. Room 39 (North Korea)
One of the most mysterious offices in the world. Believed to be involved in illegal financial operations to sustain the regime: from counterfeiting to international trafficking.
13. Woomera Prohibited Area (Australia)
Larger than many countries, it is a military territory where missile tests, secret weapons and classified technologies are conducted. Almost no one is allowed to enter.
14. Bouvet Island (Norway)
A remote volcanic island, in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, uninhabited and covered with ice. Hardly anyone has ever been there. A mysterious antenna was found… and then disappeared.
15. Metro-2 (Moscow, Russia)
An alleged network of secret subway lines parallel to the public system, used by the government, the KGB and high-ranking officials. It has never been officially confirmed.
16. Mount Weather Bunker (Virginia, USA)
A U.S. government emergency facility, built to withstand nuclear attack and govern in the event of national collapse. Access is fully classified.
17. Bohemian Grove (California, USA)
An exclusive club where powerful figures from the political and business world have been meeting for decades. Surrounded by secrecy, it is rumored that key global decisions are made there.
18. Hashima Island (Japan)
It was once a mining island and floating city. Today it is a ghostly landscape, abandoned and forbidden partly for security reasons. It was partially reopened to tourism, but many areas are still off-limits.
19. City of the Dead (Russia, Caucasus)
An ancient cemetery with burial houses where families were buried next to their dead. Isolated, remote and inaccessible, its actual use and origins are still debated.
Bhangarh (India)
A ruined city that, according to legend, was cursed by a magician. The government prohibits access after dark. It is believed to be haunted and is one of the darkest places in the country.
🔒 Conclusion.
From military installations to ghost islands, the world is full of areas that remain hidden from the eyes of ordinary mortals. Some are off-limits for security, others for mystery… and others simply because no one wants to (or can) get there.
