In today’s noisy world, finding peace and quiet, which seems like a forgotten skill, can be quite challenging. Luckily, there are plenty of such places on this planet where only peace becomes the ruler. Here are 10 super quiet places on Earth, perfect if you need a break from all the noise:
- Haleakala Crater, Hawaii
Atop of Maui there is a slumbering volcano named Haleakala which is widely known for its unusual surroundings. The distinct ambiance of the crater floor enhances its quietude. Due to the scarcity of plants and the high elevation that is about 10,000 feet, sound waves do not travel well and they leave the visitors with a really eerie feeling of silence. Picture yourself standing on its brink, looking out to the lunar type of landscape, and being wrapped into a strange stillness that could be described as supernatural.
- Zabalo River, Ecuador
Zabalo River, a designated World Quiet Park, can be found deep within the Amazon rainforest. The isolation of the area and its management by the indigenous Cofán people restrict the presence of noise pollution to a greater extent. The music of the rainforest organically takes over, bird songs and leaf rustles audibly mixed together. Lastly, find yourself in this colorful scenery, where the quiet buzz of insects and monkeys’ calls go hand in hand with the rushing water of the river.
- Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan
What if serenity lives in the midst of a noisy city? Less than an hour away from the bustling city of Taipei lies an oasis of tranquility, that is, Yangmingshan National Park. Dense forests with colossal trees and unique geothermal features such as fumaroles and hot springs create an atmosphere of mystery. Hiking along foggy trails, inhaling the air fragranced with sulfur, and hearing the pleasant melody of hot springs – a relaxing symphony turning away the noise of the city.
- NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Southern Namibia’s wide stretches of Nature Reserve of NamibRand are a heaven to stargazers seeking not only the view of Milky Way but also a noise and light pollution-free environment. Its isolation brings quiet to the landscape, the main soundscape being the roar of the desert wind and the movement of giant sand dunes and the infrequent cry of desert wildlife. Picture yourself beneath a blanket of stars with soft wind singing across the dunes. This is your only companion; a wholly immersive sensation of desert serenity.
- Tak Be Ha Cenote, Mexico
Dive under the Yucatan Peninsula and into the underwater world of Tak Be Ha where you are surrounded by darkness and crystal-clear water. These subterranean caves work as natural filters, putting them away from surface noise. Walk down the cathedral-shaped cenote’s entrance and enter the almost contemplative silence, only interrupted by the occasional drop of water from the distance. The silence here is astounding, opposite to the busy outer atmosphere above, and it gives an outstanding opportunity to reconnect with the calmness of the planet deep inside.
- Antarctica
The Earth’s southernmost continent has a true wilderness experience that is truly unique. Its immensity, which is to a huge extent untouched by humans, is frozen. This silence is overwhelming and rich in meaning, symbolizing the extreme power and loneliness of this place. Walk to the edge of a glacier and see how insignificant you feel next to the giant ice blocks. The silence is so deep that you almost feel like you can hear it.
- Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
In Botswana, this landscape isn’t of this world; it is a network of gigantic salt flats stretching as far as the eye can see. The Makgadikgadi Pans reveal their beauty at the same time that they portray extraordinary quietness. The remoteness of the area and the reflecting surface of the mud pan create a sense of hushed serenity, interrupted only by the occasional cry of a desert fowl. Imagine that you have been transposed from the world you know, and you are looking out at this boundless expanse, feeling smaller than anything here, and enthralled by a kind of stillness that is at once humbling and awe-inspiring.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area, United States
On the Minnesota-Canada border, a protected oasis of tranquility resides in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The only way to access this immense wilderness area is by canoe or boat. This allows losing yourself in the calmness of the boreal forest for a while. Paddle quietly across pristine lakes among towering pines, the only sound being the occasional dip of your paddle breaking the stillness. Hear the silent rustling of the leaves in the wind, the loon cry that resounds across the water, and just enjoy the marvel of being there, in the quietness of the natural world.
- Kielder Forest, England
Leave the city chaos behind and enjoy a hike through Kielder Forest, the largest forestry plantation in England. The quietude of the forest and its commitment to environmentally conscious practices accentuate its peaceful atmosphere. The overhead canopy drowns the outside noises in an orchestra of bird notes and the shuffling of leaves below your feet. Inhale the crisp, pine-smelling air and let the calming sounds of the woods hypnotize you to a peaceful state of mind.
- Orfield Laboratories, United States
For a unique and unforgettable experience of silence, try visiting the Orfield Laboratories in southeastern Minnesota. This anechoic chamber qualifies as the quietest place on Earth with a background noise level measured at -9 dB. Stepping into this specially built room feels very unreal. The silence absolutely bewilders me, as it makes more noticeable the constant “white noise” of everyday sounds. Although usually not a place for nature lovers, Orfield Laboratories provide a unique opportunity to explore acoustics and the need for silence in a noisy world.
Therefore, if you experience tiredness from a massive amount of noise, take a rest in one of those quiet spaces. Whether it is the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii or the Antarctic plains, different places have their own distinct sound and the opportunity to get back to nature.
