Stories - Atlas Obscura

Meet the Chef Reviving Royal Cambodian Recipes

Inspired by a trailblazing princess, Chef Nak's cookbook is a celebration of Khmer history.

The Last Days of Berlin's Gas Streetlamps

Looking at the German city in a different light.

archive of wonder

Kick Off Summer With 7 Unique Beach Reads About the Beach

Surprising stories from where land meets sea.

Podcast: Tonopah Mining Camp

The 'Queen of the Silver Camps' is 113 acres of history preserved.

In Nordic Countries, Pine Foods Have Evergreen Appeal

What was once famine food is now fine dining.

The Strawberry Moon Marks a Sweet Start to Summer

Here's why you should welcome this most lovely of full moons—and how to experience it.

Podcast: Koutammakou

Can the stunning earth-tower homes of Togo and Benin be saved?

Podcast: The Woman with the Handbag

How pocketbooks became a symbol of resistance in Sweden.

The Historic Grand Canyon Adventure Two Women Had For Science

Botanists Elzada Clover and Lois Jotter braved rapids and steep cliffs to catalog numerous plant species.

Kelp Seed Banks Save Biodiversity and Indigenous Traditions

In Washington State, a new preservation facility offers a back-up plan for an uncertain future.

Podcast: Tick Collection

What can we learn from these blood suckers?

Puzzle Monday: Cut Scene Crossword

Enjoy a challenge created by the students in Atlas Obscura's 'Creating Crossword Puzzles' course!

Summer of Wonder

Our season-long event will celebrate road trips, dark skies, wildlife encounters, and more.

a seat at the table

Meet the Women Mapping New York City’s Halal Food

It's a constellation of birria, noodles, and fried chicken sandwiches.

summer of wonder 2023

The Retro Lover's Guide to Road-Tripping

Inside one man's quest to visit the last vestiges of roadside Americana.

summer of wonder 2023

A Reading List to Start Your Summer of Wonder Right

Whether at the beach or in your backyard, these books will inspire and delight.

summer of wonder 2023

The Coast-to-Coast American Road Trip Is 120 Years Old

In 1903, a Vermont doctor bet $50 that he could cross America by car. It took him 63 days, $8,000, and 600 gallons of gas.

summer of wonder 2023

Are You a Shoobie or a Benny?

When summer visitors arrive, so do the colorful and sometimes perplexing local nicknames.