10 places in the world that nobody is allowed to visit 1/2

They are so secretive that most people do not even suspect anything of their existence: In the world there are some places that you will never see as a mortal. A selection of the top secret places of the planet.

One could almost think that all corners of this earth have long been developed touristically. But there are also places that no normal human being will ever be allowed to enter - many of whom did not even know they existed. These are places that are secret because they are supposed to hold secrets. And with so much secrecy, it's no wonder that legends form and conspiracy theorists sometimes find bizarre answers to the unanswered questions.

1. Vatican-Library, Rome, Italy

The vaults of the Vatican Library contain invaluable documents that date back to the dawn of Christianity. Its treasures include: the correspondence of the artist Michelangelo with the then popes, the papal appeal to the Fourth Crusade or the decree ordering the excommunication of the reformer Martin Luther. In total, it should be about 35,000 volumes of books, filling a total of incredible 85 linear kilometers. Only those who pre-submit a written request with personal information and a letter of recommendation from a historical authority may have a chance to enter the Vatican Library.

2. Royal Air Force Menwith Hill, North Yorkshire, England

Is this the world headquarters of espionage? The details are not known, of course, but the military base is said to house ECHELON, the espionage network of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As early as 1954, the base was built to be aware of Soviet communication in the Cold War - until today, the world is probably being tapped here. Only the employees of ECHELON and the US authority NSA have access.

3. Ni’ihau, Hawaii, USA

Ni'ihau is a Hawaii-owned 180 square kilometer quasi-private island. 160 and 200 people live like their ancestors on the island. They gather and hunt. There are no roads or water pipes, solar power is only available at school, where islanders can send their children.

Sold to wealthy plantation owners in 1863, since 1915 practically no one is allowed to enter Ni'ihau any more. Only those who receive an invitation from an islander, may visit the island - the local Coast Guard patrolled in the offshore waters and ensures that it stays that way. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the foreclosure is somewhat relaxed: For several thousand euros you can do a hunting tour of Ni'ihau. Nevertheless, the contact with the locals should be avoided as far as possible.

Officially it is said that one wants to preserve the language - here a Hawaiian dialect is still spoken -, culture and the unique flora and fauna. But there are also critics who see in the foreclosure a kind of human reservation.

4. Area 51, Nevada, USA

The mother of all the secret places in the world has been the focus of worldwide attention for decades - mainly because nobody knows exactly what is really happening here in this restricted military area. Rumors say that a UFO allegedly crashed in 1947 would be kept here and extraterrestrials would be investigated. The existence of the restricted area was officially confirmed only in 2013. According to the CIA, the area is used for testing novel aircraft. Of course, natural mortals are still strictly prohibited from entering, and many questions, such as the strange appearance of light over the area, are still unanswered - which is why Area 51 continues to call in conspiracy theorists.

5. Global Seed Vault, Spitsbergen, Norway

Here, in a bunker 120 feet deep in a mountain, lies the future of humanity, preserved for eternity - or at least several centuries. Frozen and watertight welded here are stored crop seeds, unbelievable 250 million specimens of 850,000 seed varieties from around the world. In the event of catastrophes that destroy natural resources and plant species, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault provides you with backup copies. Access is only allowed to researchers and project staff who are supposed to be a kind of "Noah's Ark" for plants.