Stories - Atlas Obscura

8 Colorful Cities that Look Like They Were Designed by Crayola

See the world in a whole new light through these vibrant locales.

Mysterious Underwater Boom Sparks Ferry Evacuation In France

Officials still aren't sure what caused the blast.

Los Angeles Tops List of American Cities with the Rarest Pokémon

The study wasn't terribly scientific, though.

Found: A Family of Bears, Inside the House

There was a mama bear and two baby bears.

The Alarming Aesthetics of Jazz Age Perm Machines

Mix dangling wires and asbestos to achieve the perfect flapper wave.

Resurrecting the Incredible Flower Crowns of Old Ukrainian Wedding Photos

Pinterest boards around the world, unite.

6 Real-World Harry Potter Locations You Can Visit

Ready your broomsticks.

These Beautiful Photos of Subway Stations Will Transport You From Your Daily Commute

See the most striking transit systems from Montreal to Munich.

The Slow Demise of Asbestos, the Carcinogen That Gave 'The Wizard of Oz' Snow

It took awhile.

Check Out This Panda-Themed Train Just Unveiled in China

The subway that looks like it could be fueled by bamboo.

Youth Tries to Improve 5,000-Year-Old Skier Carving, Causes 'National Tragedy'

The Norwegian etching is some of the earliest evidence of human skiing.

For Lunar New Year, Blacksmiths Create Fiery Sparkling Rays With Molten Metal

The farming town of Nuanquan, China, celebrates the holiday with a 300-year-old spin on fireworks.

January 18, 2023

This Map Proves Britain Loves Tea More Than Anyone Else

The British Isles desired to best China as the tea drinking capital of the world.

An Earthquake Early-Warning App Just Went Rogue and Terrified Tokyo

"When I saw the app screen, I prepared to die," wrote one user.

A Massive Mudslide Shut Down Denali Park Road and Marooned Visitors

Officials are still cleaning up.

Where to See the Ruined Remains of Olympic Infrastructure

The relics of past Games, overrun by nature.

Atlas Obscura's Great Nevada Road Trip

Five days. Fifty hidden wonders. A thousand miles.

Found: A Carton of a Dozen Eggs, All With Double Yolks

The odds are one in a thousand trillion.