When the New7Wonders poll wrapped up, the world got a fresh set of natural marvels, but many spectacular sites didn’t earn a place on the official roster. Below we dive into the 20 natural wonders that captivated voters yet slipped through the cracks. From soaring waterfalls to mysterious mud volcanoes, each entry is a reminder that beauty isn’t limited to the headline‑making seven.
20 Natural Wonders That Missed the Cut
1 Angel Falls
At a staggering 979 meters, Angel Falls claims the title of the planet’s highest waterfall. Nestled within Venezuela’s Canaima National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994—the cascade tumbles off the sheer cliff of Mt Auyantepui into the Kerep River below. Named after aviator Jimmie Angel, who first flew over the falls, this dramatic drop draws adventurous travelers despite its remote location. Reaching the falls demands a flight to a jungle‑side camp, a trek through dense forest, and river boats that only run during the rainy season when water levels are sufficient.
2 Black Forest
The Black Forest stretches across southwestern Germany. Romans dubbed it “Silva Nigra” because the dense canopy of firs and pines blocks out most sunlight. Historically a source of timber, the forest suffered extensive logging in 1999, shrinking its area dramatically. It is also the exclusive home of the giant earthworm Lumbricus badensis. The region is famed for Black Forest ham and the iconic Black Forest cake, both culinary gifts from its many quaint villages.
3 Bu Tinah Islands
Bu Tinah lies off Abu Dhabi’s coast in the United Arab Emirates, protected as a private game reserve. This tiny archipelago sits amid vibrant coral reefs and sea‑weed beds, earning UNESCO marine biosphere reserve status. Visitor access is prohibited, preserving a habitat that hosts at least 16 coral species thriving in waters that can reach 35 °C—well above the typical 23‑28 °C range. The islands shelter rare hawksbill turtles and dugongs, making them a key site for climate‑change research.
4 Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher dominate County Clare, Ireland, soaring between 120 m and 214 m above the Atlantic. Over a million tourists each year marvel at the vertiginous views and the bustling birdlife—some 30,000 birds nest on the cliffs. Their dramatic scenery has featured in films such as *Leap Year*, *The Princess Bride*, and *Harry Potter and the Half‑Blood Prince*, as well as numerous TV episodes of *Father Ted*.
5 Dead Sea
The Dead Sea spans roughly 67 km long and 18 km wide, ranking as the world’s most saline lake—33.7 % salt, about 8.6 times saltier than the oceans. Its surface sits 423 m below sea level, the Earth’s lowest land elevation, and plunges to a depth of 377 m. The hyper‑saline water’s density (2.24 kg/L) lets swimmers effortlessly float. Rich mineral mud from the lake’s floor fuels spa treatments for eczema and psoriasis, while the lake’s extreme conditions render it lifeless—hence the name.
6 El Yunque
El Yunque National Forest crowns the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, the sole tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System. Covering 113.3 km² on the Sierra de Luquillo slopes, the forest boasts 23 endemic plant species. Positioned just below the Tropic of Cancer, it receives year‑round rainfall exceeding 6 m (240 in), creating a lush, evergreen environment.
7 Galapagos
The Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago 972 km west of Ecuador, form a national park and marine reserve. Eighteen principal islands host a dazzling array of wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978 (land) and 1986 (marine), the islands protect unique species and ecosystems, drawing scientists and tourists alike.
8 Grand Canyon
Arizona’s Grand Canyon stretches 446 km long, up to 29 km wide, and plunges 1.8 km deep. Carved by the Colorado River over 17 million years, its exposed rock layers reveal nearly two billion years of Earth’s history. Human presence dates back 3,000 years, with Pueblo peoples still inhabiting the area. The canyon welcomes roughly five million visitors annually, cementing its status as a premier natural attraction.
9 Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, spanning 344,400 km² off Australia’s northeast coast, comprises nearly 3,000 reefs and 900 islands. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the planet’s largest living structure, visible from space. Home to over 30 species of cetaceans, six sea‑turtle species, and roughly 1,500 fish species, the reef stands as a beacon of marine biodiversity.
10 Jeita Grotto
Lebanon’s Jeita Grotto consists of two interconnected cave systems extending over 9 km. The lower cavern is accessed by boat navigating an underground river that supplies fresh water to more than a million people. The upper cavern boasts massive chambers and the world’s largest stalactite. Archaeological finds—pot shards, spearheads, and bone fragments—indicate human use dating back to the Late Palaeolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic periods.
11 Mt Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s towering volcano, rises to 5,895 m, making it Africa’s highest peak. Its three cones—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira—form a striking silhouette. Despite its equatorial location, the summit retains a permanent snow cap, though the ice cover has shrunk by 80 % since 1912 and may vanish by 2030. The mountain’s lower slopes support tropical forests, savannahs, and grasslands, receiving up to 2,000 mm of rainfall annually.
12 Islands of Maldives
The Maldives comprise 26 natural atolls, forming about 1,130 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, roughly 400 km southwest of India. Only around 200 islands are inhabited. Renowned for vivid coral reefs and over 300 tropical fish species, the archipelago suffered massive coral loss in 1998 due to El Niño‑driven warming. By 2004, innovative techniques—electrified coral‑larva attractors—began reviving the reefs.
13 Masurian Lake District
Poland’s Masurian Lake District, in the northeast, boasts over 2,000 lakes across 52,000 km². Interconnected by rivers, the waterway network offers boating, angling, cycling, and canoeing. Shaped by the Pleistocene Ice Age, the area includes 11 nature reserves teeming with diverse wildlife, while its temperate climate yields warm summers and cold, lake‑frozen winters.
14 The Matterhorn
The Matterhorn straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland, rising to 4,478 m. Its four steep faces form a perfect pyramid, dominating the villages of Zermatt (Swiss side) and Breuil‑Cervinia (Italian side). First ascended in July 1865 by a Swiss team, the mountain claimed two lives on descent; a second successful climb occurred three days later via the Italian route.
15 Milford Sound
Milford Sound, a fjord on New Zealand’s South Island, extends 15 km inland from Dale Point, surrounded by sheer cliffs. The marine reserve hosts dolphins, penguins, seals, and occasional whales. Its waterfalls—two permanent cascades plus countless temporary ones during rain—drain into the fjord, while peaks like “The Elephant” (1,517 m) add dramatic visual flair.
16 Mud Volcanoes
Azerbaijan holds over 400 of the world’s 700 known mud volcanoes, primarily along the Caspian shoreline. These features erupt mud and gases—86 % methane—when underground mud chambers are forced upward. In 2001, one vent spouted flames 15 m high. Eruptions typically recur every 20 years, while the resulting mud pools serve as therapeutic baths for visitors.
17 Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, spanning Bangladesh and India, represent the planet’s largest saline mangrove forest, covering roughly 10,000 km². Fed by the Padma, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, the region mixes freshwater inland forests with salt‑tolerant coastal mangroves. Accessible only by boat, it shelters Bengal tigers, Ganges river dolphins, olive‑ridley turtles, hawksbill turtles, and the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros.
18 Uluru
Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith in central Australia, rises 348 m above the desert floor and stretches 9.4 km around. Sacred to Aboriginal peoples, its cliffs contain ancient rock art. Though a smaller portion lies buried, the visible summit remains a popular tourist draw, offering streams, springs, and waterholes, and can be circumnavigated in about an hour.
19 Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius, perched 9 km from Naples, Italy, is a classic stratovolcano with a single cone surrounded by the collapsed rim of the larger Mont Somma. Since 79 AD—when the infamous eruption buried Pompeii under 4‑6 m of ash—Vesuvius has erupted roughly 30 times in 2,000 years, most recently in 1944. The surrounding national park attracts millions seeking views of its crater and historic legacy.
20 Yushan
Yushan, or Jade Mountain, crowns Taiwan at 3,952 m, the highest point in Southeast Asia. Its summit glistens like uncut jade in winter, while summer cloaks the slopes in lush conifers. The mountain’s varied climate supports around 140 bird species, 28 mammals, 17 reptiles, and over 186 butterfly types within the Yushan National Park.