Goblin Forest, Dancing Forest, Paranormal Forest, Sunken Forest: unusual forests of our planet

Our planet is full of mysteries and wonders, among which forests hold a special place. They can be not only regular green expanses but also real natural anomalies.

In this article, we will talk about the most unusual forests in the world: Goblin Forest, which resembles a forest from a fantasy film; Dancing Forest, where trees seem to dance; Paranormal Forest, where unexplained phenomena occur; and the Sunken Forest, hidden underwater. Immerse yourself in the world of mysterious forests, full of legends and amazing facts.

 

Goblin Forest, New Zealand

The most popular hiking spot in New Zealand is Goblin Forest, growing on the slopes of Mount Taranaki (also known as Mount Egmont). This forest is also known as Kamahi Trail because of the large number of kamahi trees growing here.

This forest looks like something out of a fantasy film. The kamahi trees began their lives perched on the trunks of other trees. Their trunks and branches grew through and around the existing trees, giving the whole place a very eerie yet stunning appearance.

Hanging mosses, lichens, and ferns have enhanced this strange effect. Add to this the falling rays of the sun, and you get a truly enchanting forest that will delight every photographer.

Inside Goblin Forest, there is a network of well-maintained hiking trails that not only give a clear idea of where to go but are also perfect for visitors of any skill level and interests. Goblin Forest in New Zealand is more than just a place for nature lovers; it is something that needs to be added to your travel bucket list.

More interesting facts, photos, and videos about this fantastic place can be found in our article “Goblin Forest: The Hidden Treasure of New Zealand”.

 

Dancing Forest, Russia

Dancing Forest is a section of pine forest known for its unusually twisted pines. It is located at the 37th kilometer of the Curonian Spit (Kaliningrad Region, Russia). This forest is a local tourist attraction and is part of the Curonian Spit National Park.

By the way, we recently looked at a similar forest — this is the Crooked Forest (or Krzywy Las) in Poland. To see it and learn some interesting facts, go to this article ☛.

This forest was planted in 1961 on the Round Dune near the village of Rybachy to strengthen the sands of the Curonian Spit.

The trees in the Dancing Forest are twisted into several patterns, such as rings, hearts, and twisted spirals that bend towards the ground. The exact cause of the tree distortion is unknown, and botanists' opinions differ. Possible theories include the peculiarities of geomagnetic fields, strong winds from different directions, and the damage of young pines by the butterfly caterpillar Rhyacionia buoliana.

More interesting facts, photos, 360° panoramic views, and videos about this unusual forest can be found in our article “Dancing Forest: The Mysterious Natural Wonder of Russia”.

 

Paranormal Forest, Romania

Hoia Forest, also known as Hoia-Baciu Forest or Horia-Baciu, is considered the most paranormal forest in the world. It is located in Romania, west of the city of Cluj-Napoca, near the exhibition of the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania. Unsurprisingly, this forest is filled with twisted trees that give it a spooky atmosphere, and it has captivated the imagination of people for centuries.

This vast ancient forest has a long history of strange events dating back to the distant past, earning it recognition as the most haunted forest in the world.

According to legend, Hoia Forest is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Numerous ghost stories and urban legends contribute to its popularity as a tourist attraction. It is said that ghosts and spirits hide among the trees. People are known to have disappeared in the eerie grove and reappeared years later, with no memory of where they had been. Adding to the intrigue, there have also been UFO sightings and reports of alien encounters. For this reason, thrill-seekers from around the world come here for spooky forest adventures.

Skeptics, of course, say these are just stories for entertainment and have no verified evidence.

The forest covers an area of about 3 square kilometers. It is used as a regular recreational area. In recent years, a bike park and facilities for other sports such as paintball, airsoft, and archery have been added.

More interesting facts and photos about this mysterious forest can be found in our article “Paranormal Hoia Forest: A Mysterious Corner of Romania”.

 

Sunken Forest, Kazakhstan

In southern Kazakhstan, in the Almaty region, there is a popular tourist spot — Lake Kaindy. Many travelers dream of coming here because it is where you can observe a unique natural phenomenon — logs rise right above the surface of the lake, resembling the masts of sunken ships. This area is often called the Sunken Forest or Underwater Forest.

These protruding tree trunks were once a beautiful pine forest. Interestingly, after the valley was flooded, the forest was not destroyed but formed a unique landscape. The water in Lake Kaindy is so cold that the pine trees have literally been preserved.

In summer, the water temperature in the lake does not exceed 6 degrees Celsius. Despite such a low water temperature, Kaindy is popular with diving enthusiasts. The lake is 400 meters long, and its deepest point reaches almost 30 meters.

Lake Kaindy was formed due to a large limestone landslide caused by an earthquake in 1911. As a result, a natural dam blocked the gorge and filled it with water from a mountain river. The upper parts of the trees protruding from the water lost their side branches and bark, and the wood turned white. That is why, when you look at such a panorama, it creates the impression of looking at a submerged fleet.

The lake's surface regularly changes color and often has a very beautiful blue hue. This strange color is caused by lime and other minerals that were in the water 100 years ago. But as soon as you approach the lake closer, the water becomes crystal clear, and sometimes you can even see trout in it.

In recent years, Lake Kaindy has become a popular international tourist destination. Since the water in this mountain reservoir is quite clean and clear, underwater forest masses have been preserved, creating uniquely beautiful aquatic landscapes. Therefore, many tourists come here for diving. The lake is also known for ice diving and trout fishing in the winter season.

More interesting facts, photos, 360° panoramic views, and videos about this sunken forest can be found in our article “Underwater Forest in Kazakhstan: A Unique Natural Phenomenon”.