The Mysterious Red Lagoon of Chile

In the town of Camina, in northern Chile, 147 km from the city of Iquique, and approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, lies a strange Red Lagoon. The waters of the lagoon is so intense red that it seems like ink or blood. The lake was known to locals, but unknown even to the National Service of Tourism until 2009, although several miles downstream lies the Caritaya Reservoir.

This area has historically been populated by the Aymara culture and ancient civilization, who have managed to preserve the secrets and legends of its land, and which have just recently been revealed. Like the mysterious curses that have been associated with Egyptian tombs, this red pool is possesses by a curse that affects those who approach its red waters. That's why nobody knows where it is exactly and it does not appear on maps. The disappearance of thousands of Aymaras is also attributed to this lake because they drank from its waters.

The red lagoon is surrounded by two other pools of yellow and green water, and they are said to bubble when surrounded by unpleasant people. it is therefore common belief that these accumulations of colored water are owned by the devil himself. According to a few experts the color is due to different species of algae living in its depths.

The Sunken Bridge of Fort de Roovere

During the 17th century, a series of moats and fortresses were built over the West Brabant Water Line region of the Netherlands to provide protection from invasion by France and Spain. Fort de Roovere was surrounded by a shallow, muddy moat that was too deep to march across and too shallow for boats. Recently the fort was opened for tourist but instead of building an overbridged over the moat which would have definitely taken away the fort’s dramatic view, a sunken bridge was designed. 

From afar, the bridge is invisible to the eye. The flow of the moat appears continuous, as the water level remains at the same level. As visitors approach the fort, the bridge appears as a break in the water. The project was recently awarded with the prestigious BNA (Union of Dutch Architects) Building of the Year 2011, Southern Region.

Sunken Observation Platform in the Middle of a Pond

There is a clever observation platform built into a pond in  Vöcklabruck, Austria. The platform, rather than being raised, is sunken into the water allowing visitors to walk below the water's surface without getting wet. Pictures of this pond, first reported by Bored Panda, and quickly picked up by other publications, are currently circling the Internet but no additional information seems to have been collected. Some readers speculate what would happen during floods, but if you notice carefully, water is already spilling over the walls into the deck. So there is likely a drainage system in place that keeps the deck water free even during floods or heavy rainfall.

Gruner See, Styria A Park That Turns Into a Lake in Summer

Grüner See, literally “Green Lake”, is a lake in Styria, Austria, near the town of Tragoss, located at the foot of the snow-capped Hochschwab mountains. During winter, the lake is only 1–2 meter deep and the surrounding area is used as a county park. It is a particular favourite site for hikers. But as the temperature starts rising in spring, the ice and snow on the mountaintops begins to melt and runs down into the basin of land below. The lake swells up to engulf the entire area including the park. During summer, the lake reaches its maximum depth of around 12 meter and is claimed to look the most beautiful at this time.

The lake gets its distinctive green colouring, and the name, from the grass and foliage beneath, and thanks to the fresh snow melt, the ice-cold water is crystal clear clear. The temperature of the lake is rather cold at 4 to 8 °C, yet it’s popular among divers who can observe the green meadows in the edge zone of the lake particularly in June when the water is at its highest. The alpine grasses and flowers of the meadow are visible in full bloom under the water. One can even see benches, a bridge and walking trails. Starting July, the lake starts to recede and by winter, the lake is back to its original size and the park is returned once more to the hikers.

Where the Namib Desert meets the Sea

The Southern Namib desert is home to some of the tallest and most spectacular dunes of the world, ranging in color from pink to vivid orange. These dunes continue right to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The cold waters of the sea brushing against the dunes of the Namib desert is one of the most surreal sights. While the sea coast extends for hundreds of miles, one of the best places to see these dunes is at Swakopmund. Known as Swakop in Namibia, it is the country's biggest coastal town and a mecca for Namibians on holiday. The city's German origins are quite pronounced in beautiful old German Colonial buildings throughout the city, making an even starker contrast for this town sitting at the edge of the Namib Desert. From here, helicopter ride is available that flies you around the Skeleton Coast and the Namib desert in general.