Most Forbidden Places in the World

Thanks to technology, the world is virtually accessible to everyone. If you have the money, you can take a plane and get to most destinations in the world under 24 hours. That’s why it’s fascinating to think about how even the wealthiest couldn’t (or shouldn’t) go to certain locations. You have to be in-the-know, a head of state, a priest, or a native member of a tribe that hasn’t had contact with the modern world (don’t worry, you’ll see in the list). From top secret government locations to sacred spaces to radioactive cities lost to time, these are the most travel-restricted places in the world:

LASCAUX CAVES (DORDOGNE REGION, FRANCE


It would be pretty cool to explore these caves which are home to paintings that are an amazing 17,300 years old. The cave system was discovered in 1940 by a teenaged boy. 8 years later, the caves were opened up to the public but in just 7 short years, the emissions and exposure to the elements caused the Paleolithic paintings serious damage. The caves were closed to the public in 1963 but unfortunately, the degradation process has continued. Lichen, mold, and fungus have beset the cave walls and affect the pigment of many of the paintings. So much so that only one person is allowed to go into the caves for twenty minutes, once a week. And as of present day, a preservationist or scientist can only enter a few days out of the month in effort to monitor the growing problems. Lascaux II has been built so visitors can see replicas of the paintings from the Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery without harming the original paintings which are under constant threat of evisceration from environmental contaminants.

Thanks to technology, the world is virtually accessible to everyone. If you have the money, you can take a plane and get to most destinations in the world under 24 hours. That’s why it’s fascinating to think about how even the wealthiest couldn’t (or shouldn’t) go to certain locations. You have to be in-the-know, a head of state, a priest, or a native member of a tribe that hasn’t had contact with the modern world (don’t worry, you’ll see in the list). From top secret government locations to sacred spaces to radioactive cities lost to time, these are the most travel-restricted places in the world:

LASCAUX CAVES (DORDOGNE REGION, FRANCE


It would be pretty cool to explore these caves which are home to paintings that are an amazing 17,300 years old. The cave system was discovered in 1940 by a teenaged boy. 8 years later, the caves were opened up to the public but in just 7 short years, the emissions and exposure to the elements caused the Paleolithic paintings serious damage. The caves were closed to the public in 1963 but unfortunately, the degradation process has continued. Lichen, mold, and fungus have beset the cave walls and affect the pigment of many of the paintings. So much so that only one person is allowed to go into the caves for twenty minutes, once a week. And as of present day, a preservationist or scientist can only enter a few days out of the month in effort to monitor the growing problems. Lascaux II has been built so visitors can see replicas of the paintings from the Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery without harming the original paintings which are under constant threat of evisceration from environmental contaminants.

US BULLION DEPOSITORY - FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY

US BULLION DEPOSITORY - FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY

SVALBARD SEED VAULT (NORWAY)


If you enter this place – it’s not a good sign, it means something of apocalyptic proportions has happened. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a seed bank located on Spitsbergen, an island that’s part of Norway. The vault holds multitudes of seeds in the case of global catastrophes destroys most of the earth’s crops. Currently, it holds about 864,000 distinct seeds and has the capacity to hold up to 4.5 million. It has 1/3 of the world’s most important food crop seeds inside of it. The vault is 390 feet into a sandstone mountain with no permanent staff and no one person has all the codes you need to get inside. For hundreds of years, these seeds will be kept safe and a study done on the feasibility of the vault suggests the seeds might be preserved for even thousands of years. Each seed is packaged in a three-ply foil packet sealed with heat to ensure there’s no moisture. It’s fully automated and is remotely monitored. The vault is only open for special visitors and a few days a year when it accepts new seeds. And, also, it’s in the middle of the Arctic, very close to the North Pole.

SVALBARD SEED VAULT (NORWAY)


If you enter this place – it’s not a good sign, it means something of apocalyptic proportions has happened. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a seed bank located on Spitsbergen, an island that’s part of Norway. The vault holds multitudes of seeds in the case of global catastrophes destroys most of the earth’s crops. Currently, it holds about 864,000 distinct seeds and has the capacity to hold up to 4.5 million. It has 1/3 of the world’s most important food crop seeds inside of it. The vault is 390 feet into a sandstone mountain with no permanent staff and no one person has all the codes you need to get inside. For hundreds of years, these seeds will be kept safe and a study done on the feasibility of the vault suggests the seeds might be preserved for even thousands of years. Each seed is packaged in a three-ply foil packet sealed with heat to ensure there’s no moisture. It’s fully automated and is remotely monitored. The vault is only open for special visitors and a few days a year when it accepts new seeds. And, also, it’s in the middle of the Arctic, very close to the North Pole.

ISE GRAND SHRINE (ISE, JAPAN)

ISE GRAND SHRINE (ISE, JAPAN)

THE MORMON CHURCH SECRET VAULT (LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON, UTAH)


Not far from Salt Lake City you can find Granite Mountain – which, ironically, is mostly composed of quartz monzonite. There’s a vault built 600 feet into the Little Cottonwood Canyon which is owned by the Mormon Church. The vault is used for various things like document storage but also houses administrative offices, has shipping and receiving docks and a laboratory for restoring microfilm.

The records stored are genealogical documents showing family history information. The microfilm archive increases by up to 40,000 rolls each year. For security reasons, the public is barred from entry. It’s protected by two 9-ton doors and built so it can survive a nuclear blast. Of course, with a religious organization and a highly secretive vault comes plenty of conspiracy theories. But, it’s all speculation.

THE MORMON CHURCH SECRET VAULT (LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON, UTAH)


Not far from Salt Lake City you can find Granite Mountain – which, ironically, is mostly composed of quartz monzonite. There’s a vault built 600 feet into the Little Cottonwood Canyon which is owned by the Mormon Church. The vault is used for various things like document storage but also houses administrative offices, has shipping and receiving docks and a laboratory for restoring microfilm.

The records stored are genealogical documents showing family history information. The microfilm archive increases by up to 40,000 rolls each year. For security reasons, the public is barred from entry. It’s protected by two 9-ton doors and built so it can survive a nuclear blast. Of course, with a religious organization and a highly secretive vault comes plenty of conspiracy theories. But, it’s all speculation.

SURTSEY (ICELAND)

SURTSEY (ICELAND)

NORTH SENTINEL ISLAND (THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS, BAY OF BENGAL)
Next


There are approximately 50 – 400 Sentinelese on this island. They represent one of the last groups of humans who have rejected the modern world to continue their primitive way of life. The island is about 28 square miles and is actually an ideal place to keep out unwanted visitors. There are no natural harbors and the island is bordered by unmapped (read: dangerous) coral reefs. There have been several different attempts to contact the people who live on the island but not all of these interactions have been successful. In the 60’s, lukewarm contact with the tribe was successfully made. In the mid 70’s, a Sentilese fighter shot a National Geographic film director in the thigh with an arrow – so things have been hot and cold, you could say. Finally, in 1991, friendly contact was made with the help of gifts and offerings. After a while, however, the Indian government decided these interactions were fruitless. They permanently ended the visits in 1996. The stories that come from the area these days are usually lone fishermen who are killed on site when they accidentally drift too close to the island.

NORTH SENTINEL ISLAND (THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS, BAY OF BENGAL)
Next


There are approximately 50 – 400 Sentinelese on this island. They represent one of the last groups of humans who have rejected the modern world to continue their primitive way of life. The island is about 28 square miles and is actually an ideal place to keep out unwanted visitors. There are no natural harbors and the island is bordered by unmapped (read: dangerous) coral reefs. There have been several different attempts to contact the people who live on the island but not all of these interactions have been successful. In the 60’s, lukewarm contact with the tribe was successfully made. In the mid 70’s, a Sentilese fighter shot a National Geographic film director in the thigh with an arrow – so things have been hot and cold, you could say. Finally, in 1991, friendly contact was made with the help of gifts and offerings. After a while, however, the Indian government decided these interactions were fruitless. They permanently ended the visits in 1996. The stories that come from the area these days are usually lone fishermen who are killed on site when they accidentally drift too close to the island.

WHITE GENTLEMAN'S CLUB (LONDON, ENGLAND)

WHITE GENTLEMAN'S CLUB (LONDON, ENGLAND)

AREA 51 (NEVADA)


Area 51 – the storied location of secret military aircraft, high security, and UFO sightings. To this day, the main purpose of Area 51 – which is an outpost of the Edwards Air Force Base – is unknown. Most agree that the site is where the military tests secret weapons and aircraft that are still in development also known as black projects. Area 51 known as the “Groom Box” (because of its proximity to Groom Lake) is a 6- by 10-mile area of restricted airspace – even unauthorized military planes that fly over the area may receive disciplinary action.

The government has been reluctant to reveal any information about the area which is part of the reason why conspiracy theories about the “true” purpose of the area flourish. Surveillance around Area 51 is 24/7 and includes cameras and underground motion sensors. Photography is strictly prohibited and if you decide to venture across into the area, deadly force is permitted.

AREA 51 (NEVADA)


Area 51 – the storied location of secret military aircraft, high security, and UFO sightings. To this day, the main purpose of Area 51 – which is an outpost of the Edwards Air Force Base – is unknown. Most agree that the site is where the military tests secret weapons and aircraft that are still in development also known as black projects. Area 51 known as the “Groom Box” (because of its proximity to Groom Lake) is a 6- by 10-mile area of restricted airspace – even unauthorized military planes that fly over the area may receive disciplinary action.

The government has been reluctant to reveal any information about the area which is part of the reason why conspiracy theories about the “true” purpose of the area flourish. Surveillance around Area 51 is 24/7 and includes cameras and underground motion sensors. Photography is strictly prohibited and if you decide to venture across into the area, deadly force is permitted.

COCA-COLA VAULT (ATLANTA, GEORGIA)

COCA-COLA VAULT (ATLANTA, GEORGIA)

CHAPEL OF THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (AXUM, ETHIOPIA)


This Ethiopian chapel has been rumored for centuries to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. In case you’re not up to snuff on your Biblical knowledge, the Ark of the Covenant is the alleged vessel for God’s Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Conveniently, nobody is allowed to see the Ark. Not even the Ethiopian president. But according to reports, there is a single monk who watches over it, never leaving the chapel grounds. If the Ark of the Covenant sounds familiar to you but you’re not particularly religious, it may be because of a certain fictitious professor-archeologist-adventurer by the name of Indiana Jones went searching for it in the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark.

CHAPEL OF THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (AXUM, ETHIOPIA)


This Ethiopian chapel has been rumored for centuries to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. In case you’re not up to snuff on your Biblical knowledge, the Ark of the Covenant is the alleged vessel for God’s Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Conveniently, nobody is allowed to see the Ark. Not even the Ethiopian president. But according to reports, there is a single monk who watches over it, never leaving the chapel grounds. If the Ark of the Covenant sounds familiar to you but you’re not particularly religious, it may be because of a certain fictitious professor-archeologist-adventurer by the name of Indiana Jones went searching for it in the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark.

GOOGLE DATA CENTERS (VARIOUS LOCATIONS)

GOOGLE DATA CENTERS (VARIOUS LOCATIONS)

JIANGSU NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION MUSEUM (NANJING, CHINA)


If you’re a Chinese citizen you’re allowed entrance into this museum but foreigners are strictly barred from entering. Why? The museum allegedly houses sensitive spy information. Several halls show the history of Chinese security devices and practices throughout time – dating back to 1927 when communists fought against their Nationalist enemies. An employee who works at the museum and spoke on the condition of anonymity said that collections house things like classified documents, guns disguised as everyday objects, weapons, and uniforms. People who appear to be Westerners are turned away but if you have Chinese characteristics, you are usually granted entrance without further questioning.

JIANGSU NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION MUSEUM (NANJING, CHINA)


If you’re a Chinese citizen you’re allowed entrance into this museum but foreigners are strictly barred from entering. Why? The museum allegedly houses sensitive spy information. Several halls show the history of Chinese security devices and practices throughout time – dating back to 1927 when communists fought against their Nationalist enemies. An employee who works at the museum and spoke on the condition of anonymity said that collections house things like classified documents, guns disguised as everyday objects, weapons, and uniforms. People who appear to be Westerners are turned away but if you have Chinese characteristics, you are usually granted entrance without further questioning.

CHERNOBYL (PRIPYAT, UKRAINE)

CHERNOBYL (PRIPYAT, UKRAINE)

BANK OF ENGLAND VAULTS (LONDON, ENGLAND)
Next


The vaults beneath London hold the gold reserves of the UK and multiple other countries. It covers a huge floor space and needs three-feet long keys to open. It holds 4600 tons of gold which have an estimated market value of £156,000,000,000. You cannot enter the vaults unless you’re a member of the security team or an employee but Queen Elizabeth took a tour of the vaults recently. Maybe they let her in because she’s not as likely as others to slip some extra coin into her purse or under her pillbox hat. Interestingly, besides giant (almost comically so) keys, you also need a password to get in. I imagine trying to break into the Bank of England vaults is like some old-timey heist film where the would-be robber says “Open Sesame” to no avail.

BANK OF ENGLAND VAULTS (LONDON, ENGLAND)
Next


The vaults beneath London hold the gold reserves of the UK and multiple other countries. It covers a huge floor space and needs three-feet long keys to open. It holds 4600 tons of gold which have an estimated market value of £156,000,000,000. You cannot enter the vaults unless you’re a member of the security team or an employee but Queen Elizabeth took a tour of the vaults recently. Maybe they let her in because she’s not as likely as others to slip some extra coin into her purse or under her pillbox hat. Interestingly, besides giant (almost comically so) keys, you also need a password to get in. I imagine trying to break into the Bank of England vaults is like some old-timey heist film where the would-be robber says “Open Sesame” to no avail.

RAF MENWITH HILL (HARROGATE, NORTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND)

RAF MENWITH HILL (HARROGATE, NORTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND)

MOSCOW METRO-2 (RUSSIA)


The Russian government currently refuses to confirm or deny the existence of Metro-2 which was codenamed D-6 by the KGB. Allegedly, the story goes that Joseph Stalin had the Metro-2 built for the purpose of facilitating the travel of Russian secret services and heads of state. There are reportedly four lines that connect from a central location to KGB outposts. So, does it really exist? That’s still a question. People have been interviewed over the years that claim to have been part of building it and a recent demolition under the purported spot of the Metro-2 revealed a tunnel that could be part of a larger system. I don’t see Putin admitting to this secret train system any time soon, though. The man likes his state secrets.

MOSCOW METRO-2 (RUSSIA)


The Russian government currently refuses to confirm or deny the existence of Metro-2 which was codenamed D-6 by the KGB. Allegedly, the story goes that Joseph Stalin had the Metro-2 built for the purpose of facilitating the travel of Russian secret services and heads of state. There are reportedly four lines that connect from a central location to KGB outposts. So, does it really exist? That’s still a question. People have been interviewed over the years that claim to have been part of building it and a recent demolition under the purported spot of the Metro-2 revealed a tunnel that could be part of a larger system. I don’t see Putin admitting to this secret train system any time soon, though. The man likes his state secrets.

PINE GAP, AUSTRALIA (OUTSIDE ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA)

PINE GAP, AUSTRALIA (OUTSIDE ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA)

DULCE BASE (NEAR DULCE, NEW MEXICO)


And now we head into some serious far-fetched territory. Dulce Base is allegedly an underground facility owned jointly by aliens and humans – see, we can all work together. A businessman from Albuquerque, New Mexico named Paul Bennewitz became convinced he was receiving alien communications in the 1970s and in the 1980s, he was certain there was an underground base. UFO-believers took the information and ran. However, there is a slight chance that there is an underground base – it just might not be the alien-human joint operation conspiracy theorists are imagining. Underground missile stations were a reality during the Cold War so theoretically, it could exist. There’s just no evidence of it. Yet.

DULCE BASE (NEAR DULCE, NEW MEXICO)


And now we head into some serious far-fetched territory. Dulce Base is allegedly an underground facility owned jointly by aliens and humans – see, we can all work together. A businessman from Albuquerque, New Mexico named Paul Bennewitz became convinced he was receiving alien communications in the 1970s and in the 1980s, he was certain there was an underground base. UFO-believers took the information and ran. However, there is a slight chance that there is an underground base – it just might not be the alien-human joint operation conspiracy theorists are imagining. Underground missile stations were a reality during the Cold War so theoretically, it could exist. There’s just no evidence of it. Yet.

ROOM 39, NORTH KOREA (PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA)

ROOM 39, NORTH KOREA (PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA)

MEZHGORYE, RUSSIA


In the Ural Mountain range, specifically on Yamantau Mountain lies a huge underground facility. There are rumors it is more than 400 miles total. Nobody is quite sure of the purpose of the complex but it’s probably an underground bunker in case of nuclear disasters and might have also been used at one point to store food and Russian treasures. The American government found out about the structure in 1992 but the Russian government has been mum on the true purpose and operations of the facility. Officials estimate it took 10,000 workers finish the structure.

MEZHGORYE, RUSSIA


In the Ural Mountain range, specifically on Yamantau Mountain lies a huge underground facility. There are rumors it is more than 400 miles total. Nobody is quite sure of the purpose of the complex but it’s probably an underground bunker in case of nuclear disasters and might have also been used at one point to store food and Russian treasures. The American government found out about the structure in 1992 but the Russian government has been mum on the true purpose and operations of the facility. Officials estimate it took 10,000 workers finish the structure.

SNAKE ISLAND (BRAZIL)

SNAKE ISLAND (BRAZIL)

VATICAN SECRET ARCHIVE (VATICAN CITY, ITALY)


The Vatican Secret Archive holds many important and historically significant documents – some believe it also is hiding important pieces of history, too. We do know what some of the contents are: Galileo’s trial transcript, letters from Abraham Lincoln, and King Henry VIII letters. These archives were originally created by Pope Paul V in 1612 and 400 years later, some of those documents are finally on display. However, there are still questions as to whether or not the church is hiding documents that put the Church in an unfavorable light like anti-semitic sentiments and other backwards ideas. You can’t just waltz into the archives that are available for viewing, you have to be a scholar and pass Swiss guards. Credentials for access expire after sixth months and tourists, journalists, students, and armchair historians are never granted access.

VATICAN SECRET ARCHIVE (VATICAN CITY, ITALY)


The Vatican Secret Archive holds many important and historically significant documents – some believe it also is hiding important pieces of history, too. We do know what some of the contents are: Galileo’s trial transcript, letters from Abraham Lincoln, and King Henry VIII letters. These archives were originally created by Pope Paul V in 1612 and 400 years later, some of those documents are finally on display. However, there are still questions as to whether or not the church is hiding documents that put the Church in an unfavorable light like anti-semitic sentiments and other backwards ideas. You can’t just waltz into the archives that are available for viewing, you have to be a scholar and pass Swiss guards. Credentials for access expire after sixth months and tourists, journalists, students, and armchair historians are never granted access.

BOHEMIAN GROVE (MONTE RIO, CALIFORNIA)

BOHEMIAN GROVE (MONTE RIO, CALIFORNIA)

DISNEY CLUB 33


So this is probably the most innocent place on the list but you have to be filthy rich to get in. It’s named after its location, 33 Royal Street in Disneyland. You can enjoy a five-course menu and most importantly, booze. There are antiques to check out while you dine on a fusion of French and New American cuisine. The club opened in 1967 and has member fees that cost $10,000 annually. Oh, but that’s not all. If it’s your first time signing up, you’ll pay a $25,000 initiation fee. I mean, I guess it’s better than sorority and fraternity hazing rituals but still, that’s got to sting. The Club recently made headlines because it sent out 100 exclusive invitations to potential members to join the club.

DISNEY CLUB 33


So this is probably the most innocent place on the list but you have to be filthy rich to get in. It’s named after its location, 33 Royal Street in Disneyland. You can enjoy a five-course menu and most importantly, booze. There are antiques to check out while you dine on a fusion of French and New American cuisine. The club opened in 1967 and has member fees that cost $10,000 annually. Oh, but that’s not all. If it’s your first time signing up, you’ll pay a $25,000 initiation fee. I mean, I guess it’s better than sorority and fraternity hazing rituals but still, that’s got to sting. The Club recently made headlines because it sent out 100 exclusive invitations to potential members to join the club.

POVEGLIA (ITALY)

POVEGLIA (ITALY)

CHURCH OF OUR LADY MARY OF ZION (ETHIOPIA)


The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is found in Ethiopia, and it is impossible to access because it’s claimed to contain one of the most important biblical objects, the original Ark of the Covenant, which according to tradition came to Ethiopia with Menelik I after he visited his father King Solomon. Due to the holiness and relevance of the ark, only a specially chosen monk has the privilege of entering the temple, and no one else is allowed to lay eyes on it or even get close.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY MARY OF ZION (ETHIOPIA)


The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is found in Ethiopia, and it is impossible to access because it’s claimed to contain one of the most important biblical objects, the original Ark of the Covenant, which according to tradition came to Ethiopia with Menelik I after he visited his father King Solomon. Due to the holiness and relevance of the ark, only a specially chosen monk has the privilege of entering the temple, and no one else is allowed to lay eyes on it or even get close.

NIIHAU (USA)

NIIHAU (USA)

THE NEGEV NUCLEAR RESEARCH CENTER (ISRAEL)


The Negev Nuclear Research Center is an Israeli nuclear installation located in the Negev desert, about thirteen kilometers southeast of the city of Dimona, Israel. Its construction commenced in 1958 with French assistance, according to the Protocol of Sèvres agreements. Information about the facility remains highly classified. But in 1986, Mordechai Vanunu, a former technician at Dimona, fled to the United Kingdom and revealed to the media some evidence of Israel’s nuclear program and explained the purpose of each building, also revealing a top-secret underground facility directly below the installation. In January 2012, media reports indicated that the Israel Atomic Energy Commission had decided to, at least temporarily, shut down the research center’s reactor. The site’s vulnerability to attack from Iran was cited as the main reason for the decision. In October and November 2012, it was reported that Hamas had fired rockets at Dimona (rather Negev Nuclear Research Center), but the facility was not harmed or damaged in any of the attempted strikes. Of course the airspace over it is closed to all aircraft. They also implement the necessary measures to prevent unauthorized entry, so the area around it is heavily guarded and fenced off.

THE NEGEV NUCLEAR RESEARCH CENTER (ISRAEL)


The Negev Nuclear Research Center is an Israeli nuclear installation located in the Negev desert, about thirteen kilometers southeast of the city of Dimona, Israel. Its construction commenced in 1958 with French assistance, according to the Protocol of Sèvres agreements. Information about the facility remains highly classified. But in 1986, Mordechai Vanunu, a former technician at Dimona, fled to the United Kingdom and revealed to the media some evidence of Israel’s nuclear program and explained the purpose of each building, also revealing a top-secret underground facility directly below the installation. In January 2012, media reports indicated that the Israel Atomic Energy Commission had decided to, at least temporarily, shut down the research center’s reactor. The site’s vulnerability to attack from Iran was cited as the main reason for the decision. In October and November 2012, it was reported that Hamas had fired rockets at Dimona (rather Negev Nuclear Research Center), but the facility was not harmed or damaged in any of the attempted strikes. Of course the airspace over it is closed to all aircraft. They also implement the necessary measures to prevent unauthorized entry, so the area around it is heavily guarded and fenced off.

TOMB OF QIN SHI HUANG (CHINA)

TOMB OF QIN SHI HUANG (CHINA)

WOOMERA PROHIBITED AREA (AUSTRALIA)


The largest land testing range on Earth is located in Australia and just in case there was any question about its accessability, it was clarified right in the name.

WOOMERA PROHIBITED AREA (AUSTRALIA)


The largest land testing range on Earth is located in Australia and just in case there was any question about its accessability, it was clarified right in the name.

THE MARIANAS TRENCH, PACIFIC OCEAN

THE MARIANAS TRENCH, PACIFIC OCEAN

MOUNT WEATHER EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (VIRGINIA)


FEMA’s center of operations is the go-to spot for our country’s top officials when disaster strikes. Dick Cheney and many members of Congress were shuttled here on September 11— the 564-acre facility has offices, dorms and a dining room in a location safely outside the city of D.C. There are armed guards. And access to the president’s Emergency Alert System. So you can’t go there.

MOUNT WEATHER EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (VIRGINIA)


FEMA’s center of operations is the go-to spot for our country’s top officials when disaster strikes. Dick Cheney and many members of Congress were shuttled here on September 11— the 564-acre facility has offices, dorms and a dining room in a location safely outside the city of D.C. There are armed guards. And access to the president’s Emergency Alert System. So you can’t go there.

RED CASTLE MUSEUM (LIBYA)

RED CASTLE MUSEUM (LIBYA)

MOUNT KUMGANG (NORTH KOREA)


Mount Kumgang is located on North Korea’s east coast and has been known for its scenic splendor since ancient times. The landscape includes lagoons, mineral springs and temples. In July 2008, however, a South Korean woman was shot dead after she wandered into a restricted area. In addition, many governments including the United States and Canada restrict travel to North Korea due to high tension as a result of North Korea’s nuclear weapons development program.

MOUNT KUMGANG (NORTH KOREA)


Mount Kumgang is located on North Korea’s east coast and has been known for its scenic splendor since ancient times. The landscape includes lagoons, mineral springs and temples. In July 2008, however, a South Korean woman was shot dead after she wandered into a restricted area. In addition, many governments including the United States and Canada restrict travel to North Korea due to high tension as a result of North Korea’s nuclear weapons development program.