The most mysterious forests in the world

1. Germany - Black Forest

The Black Forest is considered to be a rather unfavorable area, having a short vegetation period, low mean annual temperatures, high precipitation, and a pronounced relief. These conditions do not favor agricultural land use and thus it is widely accepted that people only began using the land intensively during the Middle Ages.

2. Belgium - Hallerbos

The forest of Halle (560 ha) is situated 20 Ian south of Brussels on a plateau about 100 m above sea level and has a well drained loamy soil. The forest is known in the region for its bluebell carpet which covers the forest floor for a few weeks each spring, attracting many visitors.

3. Japan - Kyoto

In Japan's Sagano Bamboo Forest, on the outskirts of Kyoto, towering green stalks of the famously versatile plant sway in the wind, creaking eerily they collide and twist, leaves rustling. The rustling sounds caused by the wind blowing through the grove and causing the bamboo plants to sway against each other have become a part of the attraction people come to the grove to experience.

4. New Zealand - Goblin Forest

This forest looks like something from a fantasy movie. It is primarily kamahi trees which began life perched on the trunks of other trees. Their trunks and branches have grown through and around the existing trees, creating the distinctive gnarled, twisted forest. Hanging mosses, liverworts and ferns have added to the strange effect.

5. Poland - Crooked Forest

In a small corner of western Poland, near the town of Gryfino, a strange and eerie woodland exists. This bizarre collection of curved trees, named the “Crooked Forest,” is shrouded in mystery and despite the numerous different theories that have been proposed over the years, no one truly knows what caused the trees to adopt this conformation.

6. UK - Halnaker tunnel

From Warehead Farm (¾ mile) head north-east up Mill Lane, a public footpath. This ancient track follows the route of Stane Street, the London to Chichester Roman road. There’s a feeling of stepping back in time as you pass through a wonderful tunnel of trees. A path then turns off north up to the hill top.

7. Romania - Moss Swamp

This image appears to be of a mossy forest area in Romania, though its location isn’t entirely known. Romania is full of gorgeous mountains and forests, so it’s worth a visit, though you might have to do some searching for this mysterious moss swamp.

9. Madagascar - Tsingy Forest

Madagascar’s Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, situated in the Melaky region on the country’s west coast, is home to some of the world’s most diverse wildlife. On an African island famous for its biodiversity (90% of the species in Madagascar are found nowhere else on Earth), the largely unexplored park is an island unto itself, a kind of bio-fortress that is nearly impenetrable thanks to the massive limestone formation that runs through it.

10. Taiwan - Chinese Hemlock Trail

Chinese Hemlock Trail is a short trail through old growth forest that just gives you an idea of what you will find at Taipingshan. Despite being short it is quite difficult due to the steepness and being at altitude.

11. USA, Oregon - Oregon's Forests

Oregon's forests define the rugged character of state. From the unspoiled roadless wildlands of the Siskiyous, the Blue Mountains and Hells Canyon, to the towering old-growth conifer trees of the Cascade Range, our forests are an important part of what makes our state a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

12. Czech Republic - White carpathians forest

For centuries, this magical landscape on the Moravian/Slovak border, known as Moravian Slovakia, has been sensitively cultivated through the harmonic coexistence of Man and Nature. Thanks to their vast meadowlands, the White Carpathians are amongst the most valuable meadow biotopes in Europe and are registered a UNESCO biosphere reservation.

13. UK - Stanton Moor

This beautiful forest is located in Stanton Moor in northern England, which is also home to a moor with mysterious Bronze Age stone circles and stones.

14. Spain - Moss forest

Otzarreta Forest is part of Gorbea Natural Park. This is a protected area that is located between the provinces of Alava and Vizcaya in the Basque Country (Spain), the highest Basque natural park with an area of 20,008 hectares (49,440 acres). It takes its name from its highest peak, the Gorbea (Gorbeia or Gorbeiagane in Euskera).

15. Japan - Aokigahara

The forest has a historical reputation as a home to yūrei: ghosts of the dead in Japanese mythology. In recent years, Aokigahara has become internationally known as one of the world's most prevalent suicide sites, and signs at the head of some trails urge suicidal visitors to think of their families and contact a suicide prevention association.