107 Items

AO Puzzles

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: The Secret Language of Thieves Crossword

AO Puzzles July 11, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: What’s in a (Japanese) Name?

Alex Bellos July 4, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: Indigenous Fare Crossword

AO Puzzles June 27, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: A 'Pencil Puzzle' Made of Pencils

AO Puzzles June 20, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: Creature Feature Crossword

AO Puzzles June 13, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

native americans

Puzzle Monday: Secrets of the Original Code-Talkers

Alex Bellos June 6, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: Honing In Crossword

AO Puzzles May 30, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: Logic, Symmetry, and Astronomy

AO Puzzles May 23, 2022

<em>Puzzle Communication Nikoli</em> has a small circulation but a global influence.

Inside Japan's Cult-Favorite Puzzle Laboratory

Atlas Obscura is bringing you logic challenges from the pages of Puzzle Communication Nikoli.

Alex Bellos May 23, 2022

Longleat Maze and a viewing bridge

24 Mesmerizing Mazes and Labyrinths

It's okay if you're a little lost.

Michelle Cassidy May 20, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: Here's the Plan Crossword

Each Monday we’re going to tease that brain of yours.

AO Puzzles May 16, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

standing stones

Puzzle Monday: Deciphering Ireland's Ancient Standing Stones

Alex Bellos May 9, 2022

All of the <em>Atlas Obscura</em> Easter eggs in the maze PDF are clickable.

How a Master Maze Maker Gets You Lost

Michigan-based artist Michelle Boggess-Nunley has created a new, Atlas Obscura–inspired challenge.

Victoria Stapley-Brown May 5, 2022

The instruction isn't visible to people actually in the 2021 Chilliwack Corn Maze in British Columbia, Canada.

Exploring the Mysterious Allure of Mazes and Labyrinths

On the joys and frustrations of losing yourself.

A.J. Jacobs May 5, 2022

Alchemists were a puzzling bunch. Take, for instance, this 1618 engraving by Matthaeus Merian the Elder, which is full of alchemical secrets encoded in complex symbols.

7 Puzzles That Perplexed People for Centuries

From the secrets of Venice’s codebreakers to China’s intricately carved puzzle balls, these historical ciphers will inspire your curiosity.

Sarah Durn May 3, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Puzzle Monday: Great Big Things Crossword

AO Puzzles May 2, 2022

All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura

Announcing Atlas Obscura Puzzles!

Each Monday we're going to tease that brain of yours.

Samir S. Patel May 2, 2022