Each of the 6,000 national parks across the globe hold fascinating histories and boast some of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth. By visiting parks in different countries, travelers can discover diverse cultures and landscapes.
While COVID-19 continues to affect travel, many of us may still be looking for ways to explore the world from home. With no clear end in sight, the trend of virtual living, working and playing is likely to carry on. In recognizing the effect of COVID-19 on museum goers, many museums around the world have opened up their collections to be viewed online for free. With exhibits ranging from science to rare art to historical demonstrations, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Below is a guide to eight museums whose exhibitions are available to be viewed from home.
1. Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
Established in 2008, Vatnajokull National Park combines two former national parks, Skaftafell and Jokulsargljufur, within its area, as well as the Vatnajokull ice cap. The ice cap covers 8% of Iceland and was likely a route of travel for medieval people. In addition to Vatnajokull ice cap, the massive park is home to stunning displays of some of Iceland’s unique geological features: glacial rivers and lagoons, active volcanoes, powerful waterfalls, lava fields and many more sights. A number of the park’s incredible natural features hold records, like Askja, a volcanic caldera containing Iceland’s deepest lake, Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and Snaefell, Iceland’s tallest free-standing mountain.
2. Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
Known as the “Park of Man,” Cinque Terre encompasses five colorful seaside villages along the mountainous Mediterranean coast: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, which together have about 4,000 inhabitants. In order to farm the uneven land in these villages, ancient peoples created flat areas using dry stone walls and a system of soil leveling. Visitors to Cinque Terre will see the impressive results of this human impact in the park’s network of sculpted terraces. Each village of Cinque Terre offers beautiful sea views, charming architecture and a look into the area’s rich history.
3. Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, Brazil
Located in western Brazil, Pantanal Matogrossense offers visitors the opportunity to relax among the diverse flora and fauna of the world’s largest tropical wetland. In 1981, part of the Pantanal wetland was declared a national park in Brazil. The Pantanal is home to a wide range of bird species, as well as jaguars, giant anteaters, marsh deer, and howler and capuchin monkeys. Pantanal Matogrossense’s flat and open geography allows for easy sightings of the park’s wildlife.
4. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
To experience the distinctive beauty and isolation of the desert, travelers should visit Namib-Naukluft National Park. The park protects part of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib, which also boasts the highest dunes worldwide. Dunes surround Sandwich Harbour, a bay that hosts over 200,000 seabirds. In the east, park visitors can admire the remarkable Naukluft Mountains. The park’s main attractions are Sossusvlei, a natural salt-clay pan lined by dunes, and Sesriem, a canyon formed by the Tsauchab River.
Visitors to Jostedalsbreen National Park can get up close to the ice by hiking Nigardsbreen glacier. Christopher Michel. CC BY-NC 2.0
5. Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway
Tucked between two of the world’s longest fjords, Sognefjord and Nordfjord, Jostedalsbreen is home to the European mainland’s largest glacier, which gives the park its name. The park protects a breathtaking glacial landscape, including alpine peaks, lowlands with lush deciduous forests, rivers and waterfalls. Ice covers over half the park, approximately 310 of the park’s 510 square miles. One of the best places to explore the dazzling ice up close is Nigardsbreen, a glacial arm of Jostedalsbreen. Nigardsbreen is easily accessible to visitors of all levels, with tours tailored for experienced hikers and for families.
6. Huangshan National Park, China
Mount Huangshan, the central feature of China’s Huangshan National Park, has been a fixture in Chinese art and literature since the 8th century. According to legend, the mountain is the place of discovery for the fabled elixir of immortality. Poets and artists drew inspiration from the fairy-tale-like landscape of ancient pine trees that cling to granite peaks rising above the clouds. Today, visitors can hike the mountain or take a cable car from the base to the summit area, both of which offer stunning views. Visitors to the park may also witness Buddha’s Light, a stunning natural phenomenon created by the interaction between the mist from the clouds and sunlight or moonlight.
7. Mu Ko Similan National Park, Thailand
Travelers who enjoy diving or exploring remote islands filled with wildlife should visit Mu Ko Similan National Park, which includes the 11 Similan Islands, as well as crystal-clear waters and unusual rock formations. In 1982 the Similan Islands became a national park in order to protect the species of tropical birds, fish, reptiles and monkeys that live on them. Koh Similan is the largest island and perhaps the best place to start a trip. The most popular activities on Koh Similan are scuba diving and snorkeling. Visitors can also navigate the vibrant jungle, admire the strange, Donald Duck-shaped rock that sits above Donald Duck Bay, and experience the pristine white coral-sand beaches.
8. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Georgia
In central Georgia, near the eastern edge of the Caucasus Mountains, the land overflows with history. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park’s natural riches were first noticed in 1880, when Georgia was part of the Caucasus Viceroyalty, an area of Russian political authority. Awed by the beautiful forests and diverse wildlife, Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich built a palace at Borjomi and established the surrounding area as a hunting reserve. After the fall of the Russian Empire, the area was converted into a nature preserve to protect the dwindling wildlife, and in 1995 it became a national park. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in history and nature, exploring the alpine meadows, ancient forests and historic buildings like St. Nino Church through hikes and educational tours. The hikes vary in difficulty from the 90-minute National Park Information Trail to the four-day St. Andrew Trail, but each path offers gorgeous views.
9. Goreme National Park, Turkey
Turkey’s Cappadocia region is known for its peri bacalari (fairy chimneys), extraordinary chimney-shaped rock formations turned into houses and churches, as well as over 40 underground cities. Goreme National Park is situated within Cappadocia in the volcanic zone of Mount Hasan and Mount Erciyes. The region’s unique rock structures were formed by volcanic activity over millions of years, as ash solidified into a soft rock called tuff. This tuff was then eroded by wind and water into unusual shapes like spires and cones that can still be seen today. Six of Cappadocia’s underground cities are open for exploration, and visitors can even take in an aerial view of the park’s geography by booking a Cappadocia balloon tour.
10. Valley of Flowers National Park, India
High in the Himalayas of India’s Uttarakhand state lies Valley of Flowers National Park, a picturesque site full of native flowers. Valley of Flowers is also connected to the Hindu story of Sanjeevani buti, a fabled herb said to have been retrieved from the region by Hanuman to help the god Lakshmana, who was injured in battle. Unable to identify the herb on the lush mountain, Hanuman brought the entire mountain, and Lakshmana was revived. Valley of Flowers was relatively undiscovered until 1931, when three British mountaineers lost their way and stumbled across the peaceful hidden pastures that give the park its name. The valley is in full bloom during July and August, so visitors seeking arrays of stunning flowers should plan their trips during that time of the year. Besides flowers, the park is home to native and rare wildlife such as Asiatic black deer, snow leopards and blue sheep.
Rachel Lynch
Rachel is a student at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY currently taking a semester off. She plans to study Writing and Child Development. Rachel loves to travel and is inspired by the places she’s been and everywhere she wants to go. She hopes to educate people on social justice issues and the history and culture of travel destinations through her writing.