You might be surprised to find out the entrance to the underworld is only about 20 feet beneath the ground. Located near Derweze, Turkmenistan, the Gateway to Hell is a fiery crater sitting in the middle of the country’s vast natural gas fields. Soviet engineers originally discovered the site in 1971, but were more interested in possible oil extraction.
Disappointed with nothing but natural gas, the engineers unfortunately caused the ground to collapse underneath their drilling equipment, creating a huge crater measuring 230 feet wide. To prevent the leaking gases from poisoning the nearby towns, the engineers decided to burn it off, setting the crater on fire and expecting it to burn out in just a few weeks. The plan didn’t work, and the fire has been going for the past 45 years.
Since 2009, more than 50,000 people have visited the site, entranced by the heat and roaring flames. The government has been pushing the area as a travel destination, believing it has the potential to be an adventure and eco-tourism hotspot.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Sep 6, 20242 Adventure-Infused Hotel Experiences for Fall and Winter Getaways
With travelers looking for new adventures and experiences while traveling, two Hyatt resorts offer new adventure-infused programs offering memorable opportunities year-round.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan Tourism Introduces New Waves of Wonder Identity
Waves of Wonder, the new brand slogan for Taiwan Tourism, captures the essence of seasonal travel across Taiwan. Travelers interested in visiting Taiwan can learn more through an animated short film and promotional song. As travel to Taiwan surges post-pandemic and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport expands operations, tourism in the country delivers a richer array of travel experiences as it innovates toward sustainability and digitization.
Bachelor/ette Parties
Sep 6, 2024Host a Spellbinding, Halloween-Themed Bachelorette Party with BachBoss
Time to conjure up an unforgettable bachelorette party this fall. BachBoss can help, as the company specializes in creating celebrations to enchant. Brew up an event that combines the charms of fall with the spookiness of Halloween with these tips:
Destinations / North America
Sep 5, 20243 Can’t-Miss September Events in Denver
Headed to Denver this month? Summer fun doesn’t end after Labor Day weekend. Here are a few other can’t-miss events to catch in the Mile High City.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 5, 2024Why Trekking Trails Are This Year’s Hidden Gem for European Fall Travel
According to this year’s Global Wellness Summit Trend Report, people are rediscovering the beauty of exploring nature. Walking enthusiasts are ready to get out and explore trails around the world, connect with nature, and learn more about an area’s cultural heritage while on multiday hikes. With European countries battling overtourism, remote locations and trekking trails gain more and more traction.
ShareThis