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The UNESCO World Heritage Sites Flying Under the Radar
We are all aware of the classics, so to speak – Machu Picchu, the Pyramids of Giza, Petra etc. – the marquee names of travel that permeate the culture. While their popularity is undeniable and perfectly justified (in fact, we’ve published features on each, which you can read by clicking them), there is a strong case to be made in favour of the lesser-known locales.
A dearth of visitors is certainly not indicative of an area’s beauty or allure – factors like ease of access or postcard-readiness tend to be among the primary factors drawing in the crowds, but with over 1,220 World Heritage Sites and counting, the chances of discovering an underappreciated gem are greater than ever!
Here at Odyssey World, we take pride in encouraging travellers to evade the beaten track. The relative anonymity of some heritage sites may, if anything, enhance their beauty. This is not to suggest that these sites have flown entirely under the radar; in fact, seasoned travellers may scoff at the idea. Rather, simply broadening one’s scope of wonder may result in some unexpected adventures!
Vatnajökull National Park (Iceland)
A stark, dramatic, yet beautiful landscape, Vatnajökull National Park, located in southeastern Iceland, is one of the largest national parks in Europe, covering about 14% of Iceland’s total land area. The park is best known for its vast ice caps, rugged mountains, active volcanoes, geothermal areas, and glacial rivers.
Within the park, visitors can witness stunning waterfalls such as Dettifoss, considered considered Europe’s most powerful, Skaftafell, a region renowned for its dramatic mix of landscapes, and Svartifoss (aka Black Falls), a unique waterfall that cascades over dark basalt columns.
Despite the extreme climate, there are various species which thrive in the wetlands and along the coast: Arctic foxes are the only native land mammal, but unique birds such as the Gyrfalcon, which is the largest falcon in the world, the Great Skua, and the Pink-footed Goose are among many that can be spotted in this region.
Southern Islands of Japan
Known as the “Galápagos of the East” due to their high concentration of endemic species, the Southern Islands of Japan – officially known as the Ryukyu Islands – are vaunted for their rare wildlife, unique cultural artefacts, and incredible beauty.
The archipelago comprises several islands, including Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawa, and Iriomote. The islands’ subtropical forests and coastal environments are home to endemic and sadly endangered wildlife – from the ‘Amani rabbit’, a dark-furred mammal considered a ‘living fossil’ due to its ancient lineage, the ‘Iriomote cat’, an elusive wildcat, and the Okinawa rail, a reclusive flightless bird inhabiting dense forested areas.
The islands also boast an immense cultural significance, having been part of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, which was once an independent kingdom distinct from mainland Japan. The existing culture bears imprints from this ancient influence – from unique limestone architecture, extant languages, cuisine, and traditional music.
L’Anse aux Meadows (Canada)
Half a century before Christopher Colombus discovered the Americas, the Vikings had quietly staked their claim at the very northern tip of Newfoundland in Canada, likely unaware of the enormity of the continent they had discovered.
With carbon dating estimates approximating the inception of this site to be around 990 – 1050 CE, and tree-ring dating of 1021, L’Anse aux Meadows is the only “undisputed site of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact of Europeans with the Americas”.
This site – surrounded by the seemingly eternal expanse of Newfoundland’s verdant mountainous beauty – includes the remains of a timber-and-sod settlement constructed as a temporary base for Norse explorers, potentially led by Leif Erikson.
Whether you’re entranced by the historical grandeur or simply bewitched by the understated beauty of America’s Europe-facing pinnacle, the World Heritage site of L’Anse aux Meadows is an impeccable sight.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Vietnam)
Formed over 400 million years ago, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located in central Vietnam, is home to one of the world’s most impressive limestone karst formations, as well as over 300 caves, many of which boasting incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and other curious coalesces, the most notable of which being Son Doong, the largest cave in the world.
Additionally, the area is a replete ecosystem, supporting a variety of wildlife: Asiatic black bears, tigers, and several species of langur can be encountered. The park is not only an aesthetic wonder, but a scientific one: with so many unique species, formations, and ecosystems, this world heritage site has been studied meticulously and provides continual insights into the minutiae of our natural world.
The Ancient City of Pingyao (China)
One of the best-preserved examples of a traditional Chinese walled city – located in Shanxi Province and dating back to the 14th century (during the Ming Dynasty), The Ancient City of Pingyao offers the fascinating opportunity to immerse oneself in the architectural and social structures of imperial China.
Once a thriving financial centre, often coined the “Wall Street of China”, this preserved Chinese town contains many ancient buildings, including banks (known as piaohao), courtyard houses, temples, and administrative buildings.
The area also bears, as many ancient cities do in the pursuit of self-preservation, a formation of impressive and robust walls that stretch over 6km and are lined with watchtowers, evincing the foregone stratagems designed to repel invaders or monitor trade paths.
If you’re intrigued by any of the beautiful and culturally rich UNESCO World Heritage Sites mentioned in this article, feel free to click the link of each country to view its destination page and browse the pre-existing itineraries. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to weave an excursion into your bespoke journey – enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk / +44 117 313 7070!
