If you've ever ventured into the big wide world you've probably heard of a few places that are off-limits to regular travelers. Here we've gathered a wide array of locations that you won't be able to visit whether it be somewhere that is a protected area for the animals that live there or if it's because of military protocal. Either way, these places are unlikely to become available any time in the future and you won't have a chance to see them in your lifetime. But if you'd like to see images of the places that you'll miss, all you have to do is keep reading to find out.
Ilha Da Queimada Grande
Ilha Da Queimada Grande or better known as "Snake Island" is infamous for...well, snakes. These snakes are actually the reason why no one, except a few lucky researchers, is allowed to set foot here.
Some exaggerated estimates claim that there are between one to five snakes for every square meter of land. While it's an exaggeration, there certainly are a lot of poisonous vipers there. It's also home to the rare and incredibly deadly golden lancehead species.
Lascaux Cave
Discovered in 1940s France, these caves are covered in paintings dating back to the Paleolithic period and are the most iconic cave paintings ever studied. The paintings depict horses, deer, and other animals, too.
If you were lucky enough to live during the fifteen years after 1948, you might have once been able to enter these caves. However, artificial lighting and other human interference have steadily decayed the wall's magnificent paintings. Luckily, there's an exact replica next door if you're desperate to check it out.
Ise Grand Shrine
Unless you're a high priest/priestess, you'll likely never get to see most of this Shinto shrine. Every two decades it is deconstructed and rebuilt in order to both preserve the architectural style and the building itself while also symbolizing death and rebirth.
The image above is actually the Kaguraden, the hall for special prayer where individuals can offer up their prayers to the kami, or god, by means of donations, or the purchasing of amulets, talismans of protection, and hanging scrolls of the Amaterasu Omikami.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Located in Spitsbergen, Norway, this vault is used to keep more than 1 million seed samples that are native to various parts of the world safe from harm. It is also known as "The Doomsday Vault".
Due to its structural design and its location, it is capable of withstanding everything from earthquakes to nuclear attacks. It is also meant to keep away the prying hands of the people that might destroy it, which is why only certain people can enter.
Vatican Apostolic Archive
Known until 2019 as the Vatican Secret Archives, this library holds all of the personal documents from all of the popes that have ever lived. It was completely classified until 1881 when special access was given to Catholic Scholars by Pope Leo XIII.
Although you can visit the Vatican itself, this place remains completely off-limits to the general population. Only certain people are allowed access, and even less are allowed to browse the library.
Coca-Cola Vault
If you've ever watched Spongebob, you'd know how important it is to some people to steal the secret formula which makes certain products so perfectly delicious. Heck, you don't really need to have seen it to understand that.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia at The World of Coca-Cola Museum, this vault remains inaccessible to all but the top executives of the company. Still, you can go to the museum and see it from the outside.
Uluru (Ayer's Rock)
Up until 2019, this site remained a popular tourist destination for all sorts of people to come and hike up this marvelous natural structure. It is forbidden now because it has always been a sacred site for the indigenous people who live there.
If you've never heard of this place, it is located in Australia. Although you can no longer scale the mountain itself, you can still visit it. The next time you're in Australia, be sure to check it out.
The Island Of Surtsey
All the way back in the 1960s this island was formed when an underwater volcano erupted. The lava cooled down to form this relatively small island off the coast of Iceland. Just like Surtsey, the rest of Earth's landmasses formed in the same way.
That's why this island is forbidden to anyone except the noninterventionist scientists that study the place. They wanted to see how ecosystems developed. Many species found there way there such as mold, fungi, 89 different birds, and even a tomato plant that probably grew from a seed that was pooped out by a bird.
Heard Island/Mawson Peak
This island is actually off-limits for the protection of the people. It is located in Antarctica and is a territory of Australia. Although you can technically visit it with a permit, it is highly ill-advised.
The location is home to Mawson Peak, a volcano that is about 9000 feet tall and has been active since at least 2000. The wind speeds are also on average 20 mph, so you might just want to skip out on this adventure.
Montserrat's Exclusion Zone
More than half of the Caribbean island of Montserrat is a designated exclusion zone after the eruption of the local Soufrière Hills volcano in 1995. The town of Plymouth had to be fully evacuated and is now deserted.
There's a chance it will erupt again which is why it is still under lock and key. Due to the chance of ash falls and building collapses it just isn't safe anymore for people to visit and will likely stay this way for a long time.
Chernobyl's Exclusion Zone
Montserrat isn't the only place with an exclusion zone, Chernobyl also has a pretty hefty exclusion zone preventing anyone from entering the city. Though anyone worth their salt in history might know that one.
Due to the large nuclear power plant explosion back in April 1986, no one is allowed to enter for fear of the looming radioactivity and potential poisoning. Many myths have also made it seem like it's currently haunted as well.
Area 51
Although many people did try to access this facility on September 20th, 2019 (well, maybe not actually, since they were threatened to be shot down), this "alien holding cell" is inaccessible to anybody without proper authorization.
It is so forbidden, in fact, that nobody actually knows what goes on in there. That's what led conspiracy theorists to chalk it up to aliens because what else would be so top secret? Maybe they're right, but we probably won't know until the government decides we're ready.
Room 39, North Korea
Similar to Area 51, Room 39 is a government secret in North Korea. However, instead of aliens, the selling a counterfeit drugs and fake money is the goal of the project.
Apparently, fake viagra is the main source of money--through Room 39--that keeps Kim Jong-un able to live his life of luxury. There have also been reports of methamphetamines being sold as well.
The Island Of Poveglia
A lot has happened on this island. It is said that so many people have lived and died here--around 160,000 people--that up to half of the soil contains human remains. So what did happen, exactly?
Back in 1793, the island was used as a quarantine zone for the mass bubonic plague epidemic that swept across Europe. Later, in the 1920s, a mental asylum was built there but was shut down after reports of inhumane treatment of the patients surfaced.
North Brother Island
This island in New York also has a history of quarantining the sick. This island had housed a hopital where people with contagious infections were sent, most notably Mary Mallon who you might know as Typhoid Mary.
She was actually sent there twice; first for three years, and then again (against her will) until she died. Today, it serves as a bird sanctuary and is open to only those who have "compelling academic and scientific" reasons to be there.
Heart Reef
Perhaps one of the friendlier items on this list, Hear Reef isn't banned for any reason regarding human lives being lost or history being preserved, but rather it's to preserve the life that lives there now.
Coral reefs are sensitive and delicate ecosystems that need to be kept away from human intervention. That's why it has been banned from any divers or snorkelers from getting too close. It is, however, an awesome location to shoot pictures from above.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
This place is banned to anyone who is not part of the church. Why you might as? Well, because it apparently currently houses The Ark of the Covenant. Yes, the one from the Old Testament.
Whether it's the real deal or not doesn't matter. The simple idea that such an ancient relic might exist inside the church is enough to prevent anyone from going inside. We'd like to see it ourselves, but we'll probably never have the chance.
Maya Bay
Like we said before, coral reef ecosystems are highly fragile and need to be preserved properly in order to prevent their destruction. Unfortunately, that's the exact reason this popular destination in Thailand was closed off to the public.
After the movie "The Beach" (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) came out, thousands of tourists came to see the famous location of the film. It nearly destroyed the delicate ecosystem, and it was closed in order to let it recover. Plans were to reopen in 2021, but it doesn't look too promising.
North Sentinel Island
This place is not somewhere you would want to go even if you could. It is currently protected by the Indian government because the indigenous Sentinelese tribe has been living there for 50,000 years undisturbed.
They are very protective of their land and any who go there will be met with hostility and probably won't survive the experience. A missionary by the name of John Allen Chau was killed there in 2018 after illegally entering to try to preach Christianity to the people there.
Bhangarh Fort
This entry is cheating just a little bit because you can technically visit this place up until a certain time at night. Once it reaches sunset, everyone is strictly prohibited from entering this 17th-century Indian fort.
The reason is that it is haunted. According to the locals, anyone who enters after the designated visiting hours is never heard from again. Although it's probably just superstition, we're not about to take any chances.
Diego García
This location in the Overseas British Territories is an important asset for the United States Navy, as it is home to one of their major military bases. It is also said to have a number of important floating CIA black sites.
Originally, it was rented out to the USA by the United Kingdom for 50 years, having set to expire in 2016. But this was supposed to be only applied to an uninhabited island, which it was not. This contract was extended another 20 years, and the people who once lived there have been unsuccessful at getting their land back.
The White's Club
This is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. As it was a gentleman's club, a popular concept from England's past, it still doesn't allow women to enter. The only woman who has ever been there was Queen Elizabeth
The bar has never closed in 200 years. There have been many attempted break-ins to figure out the activities going on in there. While it used to have many members, it has since shrunk to a measly 500 men.
Jiangsu National Security Education Museum
This spy museum was originally opened in China in 2009. it was supposed to exhibit the history of China's espionage and secret services from the early days of its communist party up until the 1920s.
While it's not forbidden to those who hold a Chinese passport, any foreigners are denied entry. Even those who are allowed to enter a strictly prohibited from taking any pictures while inside the facility.
Dulce Base
Legend has it that Dulce base is home to advanced technologies and animal-human hybrids. While probably not true, this underground facility boasts high security and is basically untouchable by any normal citizen.
It is located in Dulce, a quiet little town inhabited by some 2,600 Native Americans in Colorado, near the border of New Mexico. We'll probably never know what kind of experiments go on there, but we're still curious to find out.
Tomb Of Qin Shi Huang
The gravesite of China's first emperor has been buried beneath a pyramid for more than 2,000 years. While its discovery was of great importance, it still remains largely unexplored and unstudied.
It is full of many terracotta soldiers and horses that stand guard over the mausoleum. Out o respect for the site, the Chinese government made it illegal to excavate the site and almost no one is allowed access.
Pravcicka Brana
This landmark is located in the Czech Republic and is one of the most panoramic sites there. It boasts the largest sandstone arch in Europe and is something out of a fairy tale.
People from all over the world would come to bask in its glory. However, out of concern for its collapse, it was discontinued as a tourist site in 1982. It was a truly magnificent site, so it's a real bummer that it has become forbidden.
Niihau Island
This is another island that is prohibited from outsiders in order to preserve the natural ecosystem there. As a part of the Hawaiin archipelago, its stock full of natural wildlife that the governments doesn't want disturebed.
The only way you can get access to this island is to have a native relative living there amongst the approximate population of 160. Either that, or you can join the Navy and hope to find yourself there one day.
Morgan Island
This island in South Carolina went largely uninhabited until 1979 when rhesus monkeys started spreading viral infections in Puerto Rico. They were relocated to the uninhabited island when South Carolina offered it as a refuge.
Out of the concern for the monkeys, as well as the people who might end up on the island, it has become restricted to visitors. We hope you weren;t planning a trip anytime soon.
Mezhgorye
This town in Russia, somewhere in the Southern Ural Mountains, is a highly secretive site. Anyone who wants to enter will be met by a couple of battalions that keep the place well-guarded.
Nobody knows why it's kept under such tight lock and key, but it's rumored that it is the site of an automated missile system that can be controlled remotely. If that's the case, we don't want to go anywhere near it.
Chichen Itza Pyramid
There's no shortage of pyramids around the world. It's quite interesting that so many cultures in the world converged and simultaneously created these familiar triangular structures.
While many of these pyramids are readily available to tourists or archeologists, this Mayan pyramid was closed off from climbing when a woman tumbled to her death in 2006. You can still view it from afar, though.
Pluto’s Gate
It's not every day that superstitious rumors are proven to be true. Well, Pluto's Gate in Turkey was definitely proven to be as dangerous as everyone says. Since ancient times, no one dared enter it.
Scientists who came to study this phenomenon found that there were heavy CO2 concentrations in the cave which caused all of the deaths within it. It's much safer during the day, since the increased temperature causes the CO2 to weigh down to the bottom, but no one really wants to risk it.
Fort Knox
This army installation in Kentucky is home to a large portion of the gold reserves of the United States. It is so well-kept that none of the staff members even have acess to the vault located within.
It has seen gold shipments upwards of 13,000 metric tons and has even safeguarded such precious items as the Constitution of the United States and the United States Declaration of Independence.
The Queen's Bedroom
Although this site in Buckingham palace used to be available to the public during public tours, it has since been banned from visitors due to a break-in that occurred way back in 1982.
Since Michael Fagan's break-in to the bedroom, it has been heavily guarded at all times. Now it is one of the most restricted sites in the world and it will never be viewed by the public eye again. Thanks a lot, Michael.
Vale Do Javari
This territory in Brazil is home to most of the country's indigenous people including the Matis, Matses, Kulina, Mayoruna, Korubo, and many more. The Brazilian government has made these lands restricted to the public.
The reason it's restricted is due to the tribes remaining basically uncontacted even today. If they were to be introduced to modern society, they could potentially be wiped out by the diseases we carry and are practically immune to. Sound familiar?
Zone Rouge
Also known as the Red Zone, this chain of uninhabited areas in Northern France were completely sealed off after World War I due to it being completely damaged by the war.
It is stock full of animal and human remains due to the destruction and is full of contaminated land and water. Also, there are many unexploded weapons there, so it's generally accepted as unsafe to visit.
Cave Of Altamira
This is another cave full of wall paintings that is located near the famous Spanish town of Santillana del Mar The cave paintings are comprised of charcoal drawings and polychrome paintings that depict the local fauna and human hands.
It was banned from visitors after 1977 because of the increase in tourism that was leading to the destruction of these paintings. Although it's sad that we won't be able to see them, it's arguably more important to be able to preserve the history.
Pine Gap
Pine Gap is a joint defence facility made by the Australian government and the United States government. It is cooperatively managed by the CIA and the NSA, so there's no chance any regular person will be able to go there.
It was originally stated to be a space research center but has since been known to aid the US in both intelligence activities and military operations. Don't get caught trespassing or you'll be in for a world of hurt.
Farallon Islands
This island is located about thirty miles off the coast of California. It is yet another island in which the wildlife is trying to be reserved by limiting the people that have access to it.
It is also generally unsafe as there are many rocky shorelines and steep cliffs. It is home to a plethora of avian species including the largest population of western gulls in the world and half the world's population of ashy storm petrels.
Mount Weather
This "secret" facility is located in the state of Virginia. It serves as the US government's emergency center in case of any natural disasters. After learning that knowledge the facility seems to be pretty aptly named.
Due to its use as the government's emergency center, it is obviously prohibited to any visitors. It was kept a well-guarded secret until a plane crashed into the location in 1974, revealing its existence to the public.
Woomera Range Complex
This highly restricted area is used as a military and aerospace center for the Australian military. It is controlled by the RAAF and is strictly prohibited from the public.
While the facilities themselves are prohibited, there are a couple of things that can be visited. This includes a museum, an observatory, and a park that features the missiles and rockets that they use
Albatross Island
As the name implies, this island is chock full of albatrosses. This island is home to approximately forty percent of the world's albatross population. The island has become their breeding ground of sorts.
In order to protect the wildlife and the habitat, people are generally not allowed there. Other than albatrosses the island is host to many other species such as penguins, fur seals, and Tasmanian skinks.
Metro 2, Russia
While not exactly forbidden, you'll be hard-pressed to be able to find the place. As it stands, nobody actually knows where the metro system is located. Good luck getting there.
It was a secret metro system operated by the Russian Ministry of Defence. It is said that the train system was supposed to connect the Moscow Kremlin to the secret service facility headquarters.
Navassa Island
Unless you are some sort of researcher, you probably won't have access to the island. It was declared by the US government as a wildlife refuge, so it is inaccessible to the general public.
The island is also disputed territory between the USA and Haiti, so it's possible that the US government declared it as such to end the dispute, at least temporarily, as this way no one can enter.
Bank Of England Vaults
It's no secret why this place would be inaccessible to the general public. After all, is any bank readily available to the random people that would want to go inside? That would be bad business.
It is said that the bank vault holds an entire fifth of the world's gold reserves. That would be about 5,000 tons of gold which are estimated to be worth 200 billion US dollars. Yeah, you're not getting inside there.
Cheyenne Mountain Complex
This military installation is located in the Cheyenne Mountain of Colorado. As it is a military complex, it's pretty obvious that you won't be allowed in without the proper clearance.
There is an air force base within the complex that is used for crew qualification training. As cool as that sounds, this place is super secure and is unfortunately unavailable to the public and visitors.
Royal Airforce Menwith Hill
The giant golfball-looking structures of this complex look strikingly similar to the ones of Pine Gap. That's because they are used for practically the same thing: electronics monitoring.
It is said to be the largest electronics monitoring station in the world, providing intelligence services to both The United Kingdom and The United States. It became a protected site in 2006 and it has since become a criminal offence to trespass.
Aksai Chin
This area is actually a disputed border between China and India. It is also called the "Line of Actual Control" and separates the area called Ladakh between China-controlled Ladakh and India-Controlled Ladakh.
It boasts a large scenic landscape that many a traveller would want to visit. But because of its strategic location, only officials and personnel are allowed into the area and it's strictly off-limits to anyone else.
Bohemian Grove
Located in Monte Rio, California, this area is a highly restricted one and is the selected location for an exclusive gentleman's club. As such, you need to have a membership to gain access to the area.
This club is a male-only club called the Bohemian Club and has members ranging from Nobel Prize winners to high-ranking politicians. Good luck trying to buy your way into that one.
Google Data Centers
This is where Google processes and saves all of its data. Obviously, this place is going to be highly secured and, unless you have the right authority, you aren't going to be able to get into the facility.
There are actually four of these centers around the world. There is one in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Without these centers, we wouldn't have the amazing search engine we know and love today, so they are really protective to prevent any kind of data breach.