Forbidden Places in the World That You Aren’t Allowed to Visit

Chapel of the Ark of the Covenant, Ethiopia

Legend has it that the Ark of the Covenant – which supposedly holds the written Ten Commandments – lies inside of an Ethiopian church called The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. Unfortunately none of us laypeople are allowed into the chapel – not even historians or researchers – so no one knows whether this is true or not. That privilege is reserved for the “guardian” of the ark.

Robins Island, New York

Robins Island in Long Island, New York, was originally purchased by Louis Moore Bacon with the intent of becoming a private escape of vacation homes for his family. While it does operate as that, it also turned into a nature preserve to protect the endangered species of the region.

Doomsday Vault, Norway

Svalbard Global Seed (or “Doomsday”) Vault is scientists’ answer to a potential future apocalypse. The purpose of the vault, which is located in Norway, is to store millions of seeds in case the human race ever needs to restore any vegetation. The vault is ready for practically any kind of apocalypse: it’s tucked away in the mountains above sea level, can withstand earthquakes and explosions, and is built to last about 200 years. It’s pretty clear why no one beside authorized people are allowed in the vault.

Lascaux Caves, France

Lascaux Caves in Montignac, France contain a stunning collection of cave paintings that were created over generations of early humans. Unfortunately everyone but researchers are forbidden from entering the cave, but you can visit Lascaux II, which is an exact replica located about 600 feet away from the original. Surely not quite as exhilarating as visiting the real thing, but it’s a very close second!

North Sentinel Island

Situated in the Bay of Bengal is North Sentinel Island, home to the Sentinelese indigenous people. They are one of the last populations on earth who have yet to come into contact with the modern world and have been known to meet outsiders with violence. For this reason, it is strongly suggested that no one visits there.

Snake Island, Brazil

Ilha da Queimada Grande, otherwise known as “Snake Island,” would be Indiana Jones’ worst nightmare. The island, which is located off the coast of Brazil, is positively crawling (or should we say, slithering) with endangered snakes. It’s closed to the public to protect both people and the snakes that inhabit it