Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations

The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

Discover the Unexpected With Our Stories

Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.

military history

How Did a World War II Boat End Up at the Bottom of a California Lake?

The discovery, retrieval, and mysterious history of a ‘ghost boat.’

April White November 23, 2022

Puzzle This: Tick Tock Stars Crossword

Let your brain flex.

AO Puzzles November 28, 2022

The Macabre History of India's Sati Stones

Their challenging legacy has complicated preservation and study.

Kamala Thiagarajan November 30, 2020

In Search of Sanctuary

A Dozen Places Around the Country to Find That Perfect, Peculiar Gift

The Quest to Preserve Syria's Cassette Tape Era

Give the ultimate holiday gift!

The Explorer's Library box set

wildlife & nature

Iceland in Winter: Natural Wonders & Ancient Legends

Nov 30–Dec 7, 2022

From $3,685 USD

A land of folklore and myths on a backdrop of remarkable natural wonders.

+ 11 other dates

Artisans & Exiles: Exploring the Hidden Traditions of Japan’s Sado Island

May 13–21, 2023

From $6,540 USD

Exploration through a history of exile, gold rush, and thriving cultural traditions.

+ 4 other dates

Underground Greece: Ghost Cities & Sinking Ships

Oct 9–17, 2023

From $3,974 USD

Explore the ghost cities, abandoned industrial buildings, and mountain villages scattered throughout the rugged region of Peloponnese in search of a truer, more contradictory Greece.

Chiseled in Stone: Armenia’s Ancient Roots and Soviet-era Relics

May 28–Jun 6, 2023

From $2,970 USD

An overland journey to uncover the ancient, complex, and tragic history of one of the earliest Christian civilizations

+ 1 other date

Festivals and Mountaintop Temples of Bhutan

Dec 6–16, 2022

From $4,235 USD

Explore the ancient traditions and contemporary culture of this Himalayan kingdom during its lively festival season.

Discover Chile: From Santiago to Patagonia

From $7,765 USD

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Ponte dei Salti

This medieval footbridge in the Swiss Alps is known to attract cliff-jumping daredevils.

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Destination Guide

London, England

Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

Destination Guide

New York

Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

Hampshire, England

Farnborough Airship Hangar Frame

The lasting remains of the Balloon Section of the British Armed Forces.

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Aikey Brae Stone Circle

Considered "the most original, complete, and unimproved" circles in Aberdeenshire.

Boston, Massachusetts

Massachusetts General Hospital Sundial

Designed to honor all those that work as nurses around the globe.

Newton Mearns, Scotland

Mearns Castle

Attached to this castle is a local church.

Queens, New York

Wise Clock (Riis Park Memorial Clock)

This 19th-century clock has been restored to help withstand the harsh environment of its seaside home.

Barcelona, Spain

Font de Sant Just

This fountain was designed to honor the man who helped bring water to Barcelona.

Demystifying Artisanal Cheese With Jasper Hill Farm

Starts Tue, Nov 29

Making Upcycled Travel Journals With Bel Mills

Starts Tue, Nov 29

$210 per person

How to Read a Landscape: Botany & Ecology With Annie Novak

Starts Thu, Dec 1

Spoken Stories: Recording Oral History With Meral Agish

Starts Thu, Dec 1

$220 per person

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Mon, Dec 5

$215 per person

+ 3 other dates

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Dec 5

$210 per person

+ 1 other date