Under the ocean, inside glaciers or deep underground, tunnels have long been a fascinating destination for tourists. Here are some of the world's most amazing tunnels.
Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
This famous network of tunnels located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City has long been a tourist attraction for those interested in learning about the war that devastated Vietnam.
The tunnels were used as bases for revolutionary attacks on American and South Vietnamese positions, and also as living quarters and weapons storage.
Despite repeated attempts by American forces to destroy the extensive tunnel network, the tunnels survived and are now preserved as memorials and for visitors.
Visitors can feel the claustrophobic atmosphere when descending into the tunnels and can even see where the 1968 Tet Offensive was held.
Lærdal Tunnel, Norway
Tunnels play an important role in Norway, connecting many of the country's coastal and island cities. The Lærdal - or Lærdalstunnelen - is the longest tunnel in the world, at 24.5 km, and since 2000 has been the fastest route between Oslo and Bergen.
Tokyo Bay Tunnel, Japan
The Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, also known as the Tokyo Bay Expressway, connects Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures without having to drive around the coast.
What makes this place stand out, however, is that it starts as a tunnel on the Kanagawa side, before emerging from the water at Umihotaru, an artificial island with a rest stop and an observation deck for panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.
The final stretch to Chiba is the bridge that people arriving at Haneda Airport can spot as their planes prepare to land.
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, Shanghai, China
There are cheaper ways to get between the historic Bund and the skyscrapers of Pudong. However, a short trip under the Huangpu River on a Maglev train offers a unique and exciting experience. The flashing lights and sound effects inside make you feel like you’re gliding through space.
Glow Worm Tunnel, Australia
A remote, former railway tunnel in New South Wales' Wollemi National Park, the Glow Worm Tunnel is named after the glow worms that live in its roof and walls.
Trains have not passed this way since the 1940s, causing the peaceful fireflies to glow.
Guoliang Tunnel, China
Some tunnels are dug deep into mountains to help people get from one place to another. But in China’s Henan province, the Guoliang Tunnel is simply a road cut right into the steep cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, with 30 openings that lead to the valley below. Just 13 Guoliang locals built this stunning tunnel to make their village more accessible to the outside world.
Today, this place has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in China.
The remaining tunnels on the list include: Gotthard Base, Switzerland; Channell, UK/France; Seikan, Japan; Eisenhower, Colorado and Burro Schmidt, California, US; Large Hadron Collider, France/Switzerland; Jungfrau Railway, Switzerland; Natural, Virginia, US; SMART, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Langjokull Glacier, Iceland; Paris Catacombs, France; Drammen Spiral, Norway; Leake St and Greenwich Foot, UK; Road of 52, Italy.
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