BEAUTIFUL PLANET | The most beautiful places on Earth

Lifeder En・2 minutes read

Iceland and Norway showcase stunning natural landscapes shaped by unique geological processes, including volcanic activity and fjord formation. Various destinations around the world, such as Tenerife, Galapagos Islands, and Austrian Alps, offer diverse natural attractions from pristine beaches to mountain peaks and rare wildlife species.

Insights

  • Iceland's volcanic activity is a result of its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates diverge, showcasing unique geological formations like the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park.
  • The Norwegian fjords, carved by glaciers and flooded by the sea, are iconic natural landscapes featured in Viking sagas, blending harmoniously with human structures and reflecting Norway's geological history.
  • The Galapagos Islands off Ecuador are a naturalist's paradise, boasting volcanic landscapes, unique animal species like marine iguanas and giant tortoises, and rare colonies of flightless cormorants, offering a glimpse into unparalleled biodiversity and evolution.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Iceland?

    Iceland's volcanic activity is due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates diverge. This geological phenomenon results in the country's unique landscape, featuring stunning natural wonders like volcanic threats, fractures caused by continental drift, and clear water bodies like the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park.

  • How do glaciers contribute to the formation of Norway's fjords?

    Glaciers carved deep valleys in Norway, which were later flooded by the sea, resulting in the creation of the country's iconic fjords. These majestic natural landscapes, featured in Viking sagas, are among the world's most recognizable and are a testament to the powerful forces of nature shaping the Scandinavian country's environment.

  • What makes Maui an ideal location for adventure films?

    Maui's green mountains, heavy rainfall, and steep cliffs create a dramatic terrain that is ideal for adventure films. The island's natural features, such as Hanakapiai Falls, offer breathtaking backdrops for cinematic productions, attracting filmmakers seeking stunning landscapes and challenging environments for their projects.

  • Why is the Tara River in Montenegro popular among rafting enthusiasts?

    The Tara River in Montenegro is considered to have one of the deepest canyons in the world, making it a thrilling destination for rafting enthusiasts. The river's fast-flowing waters, surrounded by stunning natural scenery, provide an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers looking to navigate through the rugged terrain and enjoy the beauty of the Montenegrin landscape.

  • What unique marine biodiversity can be found in Raja Ampat, Indonesia?

    Raja Ampat in Indonesia is a hotspot of marine biodiversity, boasting over 70% of known coral species and a wide variety of unique marine life. The region's volcanic landscapes, white and black sandy beaches, and diverse ecosystems support a rich array of underwater creatures, including marine iguanas, penguins, and rare species like flightless cormorants and giant tortoises.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Natural Wonders of Iceland and Norway"

  • Iceland is a country with stunning natural wonders, combining bizarre, majestic, and beautiful landscapes.
  • The country features volcanic threats with about 130 volcanoes, some active and others dormant for centuries.
  • Iceland's volcanic activity is due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates diverge.
  • Thingvellir National Park showcases fractures caused by continental drift, including the Silfra fissure with exceptionally clear water.
  • Iceland includes smaller islands with lighthouses in unique locations and transforms into a stage for the northern lights in winter.
  • Norway's nature is a marvel with harmonious human structures blending into the environment, including fjords formed during the last ice age.
  • The Norwegian fjords are among the world's most recognizable natural landscapes, featured in Viking sagas.
  • Glaciers carved deep valleys flooded by the sea, resulting in the creation of Norway's fjords.
  • Hawaii boasts graceful coastlines, with Kauai offering breathtaking terrain and the sacred Napali Coast.
  • Maui is ideal for adventure films with green mountains, heavy rainfall, and steep cliffs creating Hanakapiai Falls.

46:12

Natural Wonders: Rivers, Lakes, and Mountains

  • The genus Papilo resembles bird droppings to deter predators.
  • The caterpillar Emeral Plenus mimics a venomous snake in appearance and movement.
  • The Tamaran resembles a dry leaf with irregular edges to blend with its surroundings.
  • The Tara River in Montenegro is considered to have one of the deepest canyons in the world.
  • The Tara River is a popular spot for rafting enthusiasts.
  • The Durdeva Tara Bridge spanning the Tara River is among Europe's tallest bridges.
  • Lake Piva in Montenegro is an artificial marvel and one of the deepest European lakes.
  • Mount Yoshino in Japan is renowned for its cherry blossoms and is a pilgrimage destination.
  • Raja Ampat in Indonesia is a hotspot of marine biodiversity with over 70% of known coral species.
  • Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany is known for its traditional Bavarian houses and the Church of St. Sebastian.

01:30:28

"Natural Wonders: Islands, Peaks, and Parks"

  • Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, features beaches, dunes, mountains, forests, and volcanoes with a pleasant year-round climate.
  • Mount Teide, an active volcano and Spain's highest peak, dominates Tenerife with a moon-like surface casting reddish hues at sunset.
  • Anaga mountain range in Tenerife's northeast hosts Laurel forests nurtured by trade winds.
  • La Palma, the second highest Canary Island, showcases terrains shaped by geological processes and lush forests.
  • Fuerteventura is known for its extensive white sandy beaches and sparse vegetation, resembling a desert.
  • Galapagos Islands off Ecuador are a naturalist's dream with volcanic landscapes, white and black sandy beaches, and unique animal species like marine iguanas and penguins.
  • The Galapagos Islands also host a rare colony of flightless cormorants and famous giant tortoises.
  • Zermatt in Switzerland, nestled in the Swiss Alps, is renowned for its pristine condition and Matterhorn peak challenging mountaineers.
  • Glacier-filled Banff National Park in Canada features the enchanting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with their sublime beauty.
  • Amalfi Coast in Italy offers a picturesque setting with colorful towns perched on natural cliffs and a unique spot like the Fjord of Furore.

02:17:10

"Enigmatic Sanctuaries: Nature's Hidden Wonders"

  • Pumas are elusive creatures that enjoy one of their last sanctuaries, where guanacos are commonly seen roaming freely in rugged terrain and changing climates.
  • The Isle of Skye in Scotland, from Old Norse "sky," translates to "island of the clouds," with sheep integral to the scenery near cliffs, making it a filming location for movies.
  • Bora Bora in France is a tropical paradise in French Polynesia, with two extinct peaks of an ancient volcano, Mount Otemanu and Mount Paa, encircled by a coral reef and small islands known as motus.
  • Tonga comprises over 170 islands with white sands blending with coral reefs and underwater volcanoes, offering awe-inspiring whale sightings under expert guidance.
  • Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina straddle borders, with Argentina showcasing most of the falls, including around 275 waterfalls plunging into the narrow Devil's Throat, creating a thunderous roar.
  • The Red Sea, starting at the Gulf of Suez near Egypt and ending near Yemen, is home to over a thousand fish species and hundreds of hard and soft corals, making it a top diving destination.
  • The Austrian Alps cover about 60% of Austria's land surface, with villages, wooden houses, Baroque churches, and orographic clouds shrouding mountain slopes, including the picturesque village of Hallstatt.
  • El Nido in the Philippines, at the northern tip of Palawan Island, boasts stunning beaches and sculpted rocks resembling nearby countries, with attractions like the Twin Lagoon separated by a massive cliff.
  • Capri in Italy features stone guardians rising above the Tyrrhenian Sea, with blooming gardens, deep cliffs, and luxurious homes, attracting artists and serving as a retreat for Roman emperors.
  • Bryce Canyon National Park in the United States, named after Ebenezer Bryce, showcases irregularly shaped rock columns and a human history dating back at least 10,000 years, with natural sculptures in the landscape.

03:05:08

Island Adventures: Surfing, Coral, and Mangroves

  • Mrii, an uninhabited island, was the setting for a famous movie about a Castaway's Adventures.
  • The archipelago shaped by volcanic fervor is a green Eden nourished by rains, sustaining lush Flora.
  • The island is dubbed the soft Coral capital of the world, with marine treasures decorating its waters.
  • The Philippines' Siargao is the capital of Surfing, famous for world-class wave Cloud9 attracting surfers globally.
  • Coconut Road in Siargao, lined with tall coconut trees, creates a natural tunnel, a spectacular site.
  • Sara boasts extensive Mangrove forests serving as natural barriers against tsunamis.
  • Sugba Lagoon, a Hidden Paradise west of the island, is accessible by boat through a maze of aquatic Greenery.
  • Madeira, Portugal, adorned with dense Laurisilva forests, displays mountainous terrain with fertile soils and various microclimates.
  • The island features a network of irrigation channels called Levadas, akin to Aqueducts.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.