6 Forbidden But Fascinating Locations That You’re Not Allowed To Visit

#1 North Sentinel Island, India

The North Sentinel Island is one of the Andaman Islands that politically belong to India. The island is known for picturesque pristine beaches and stunning nature. However, the native tribes are extremely hostile and violent toward any outsiders. They reject any contact with other people and have been even known to kill several intruders. No wonder the access to the island is strictly forbidden.

#2 Lascaux Caves, France

Located in Southwestern France, the Lascaux Caves contain 900 of the best preserved examples of prehistoric art. The caves have been banned to the public since 1963 as they have been menaced by a series of unexplained fungal invasions. Any human presence in the caves is regarded as potentially destructive. Normally, the caves are entered only once a week by a security guard for a few minutes at a time.

#3 Area 51, Nevada, US

Hidden in the middle of the barren Nevada desert, Area 51 is a secret American military base whose purpose has always been unknown to the public. What goes on inside the base has led to decades of wild speculations, including the famous alien conspiracies. However, it likely serves as a site for development and testing of experimental aircrafts and weapons. One thing is for sure though – whatever happens in Area 51 is not meant to be seen by the public as the access is strictly forbidden.

#4 Surtsey, Iceland

A small volcanic island located in the Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago off the southern coast of Iceland, Surtsey is one of the youngest islands in the world – it was formed in a volcanic eruption that lasted from 1963 to 1967. The island cannot be accessed by anyone except for a small group of scientists. This serves to allow for natural ecological succession to take place without outside interference.

#5 Snake Island, Brazil

Officially known as Ilha de Queimada Grande, the Island of Snakes is located off the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Notorious for an extremely high occurrence of snakes, the island is the only place on Earth where the feared Golden Lancehead Viper lives. The snake’s venom is so powerful that it actually melts human flesh. It comes as no surprise that the Brazilian government decided to ban visitors from here.

#6 North Brother Island, New York, US

Situated in New York City’s East River, the North Brother Island is one of the most famous forbidden abandoned places in New York. The island has a gloomy history. Originally established as quarantine hospital, it was home to the infamous Typhoid Mary (the first American identified as a carrier of typhoid fever) before it became a rehab center for teenage drug addicts. Now, the abandoned island serves as a bird sanctuary, and people are not allowed to visit it