Many of us have dream destinations we’ve always wanted to see—but unfortunately, it might be too late. Several famous spots have recently closed their doors to visitors due to factors like natural disasters & cultural changes. Sometimes, it’s just because they want to protect these places. Either way, here are ten well-known locations you can’t visit anymore & why they’re currently unavailable. The world keeps changing and sometimes we miss the chance to explore amazing places.
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Lascaux Caves, France
The Lascaux Caves in France feature incredible Paleolithic paintings estimated to be over 17,000 years old. Unfortunately, concerns about mold & bacteria damaging the artwork have greatly restricted access to them. You can’t enter the original caves at all anymore. Instead, visitors may only explore precise replicas nearby—not the real thing.
White Island (Whakaari), New Zealand
In December 2019, White Island—also known as Whakaari—unexpectedly erupted while tourists were visiting. Sadly, the sudden eruption killed several people & caused many injuries and since that terrible event, tours of this active volcano have been halted indefinitely. Authorities deemed it too risky so you may only view it from afar.
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The Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan
The Darvaza Gas Crater has been a fiery spectacle in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert for decades. In 1971, the massive burning pit was created during a drilling accident but in early 2022, the Turkmenistan government decided to extinguish the flames. They wanted to conserve natural gas resources. As such, they’ve restricted access while they work on closing the crater.
Uluru Climb, Australia
Since 2019, climbing Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, has been banned. The decision came after complaints from the Anangu people, who are Aboriginal Australians who consider Uluru sacred. You may still visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and walk the base trails. But if you were hoping to climb to the top, that’s no longer an option.
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
Before 2022, you could take guided tours of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to see the haunting remains of the 1986 nuclear disaster. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 completely shut down access there. The region is now a conflict zone. While troops have withdrawn from the site, the Ukrainian government still considers it a dangerous place and does not allow any tourists to visit.
The Azure Window, Malta
On the island of Gozo in Malta, prior to March 2017, you would’ve found the Azure Window, a stunning natural limestone arch. Sadly, a powerful storm caused the entire structure to collapse into the sea. You can still visit there—but only to see the spot where the Window once stood before nature took its course.
North Sentinel Island, India
North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese and they are one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes. The island has always been off-limits to outsiders to protect the tribe’s way of life & prevent disease spread. However, in 2018, a visitor illegally tried to make contact—he was later killed by the tribe. Since then, the Indian government has tightened enforcement. Nobody can approach the island.
National Museum of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
In September 2018, a devastating fire destroyed around 90% of the National Museum of Brazil’s collection, including priceless artifacts & fossils. Some of these pieces had been collected over 200 years. Currently, the museum is still working on reconstruction. Yet you can’t visit it—and you probably won’t be able to for the foreseeable future.
Hashima Island (Battleship Island), Japan
Hashima Island was once a bustling coal mining center but was abandoned in 1974. In 2009, it re-opened for guided tours to allow visitors to explore the site’s crumbling buildings. However, the safety risks are so high that tours are very limited—90% of the island is forbidden for people to visit. You also can’t set foot on the island alone.
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Home to the famous Komodo dragons, Komodo Island in Indonesia was once a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts—the keyword being, “once.” Concerns over poaching & environmental impact forced the government’s decision to temporarily close the island. The site goes through periods when it is open & closed to tourists.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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