Despite the deforestation that takes place around the world, there are still plenty of incredible forests to enjoy. From Canada to Poland, some of the best sights to check out are the local trees. It doesn’t matter whether the forest is large or small. Amazing beauty can be contained in just a few special trees. Take a look at the list of the most beautiful forests in the world.
1. Crooked Forest, Poland
Poland has a very interesting forest made up entirely of crooked pine trees. While a few trees growing in an odd fashion might have a reasonable explanation, all of the pine trees in the Crooked Forest are crooked in the same way. The entire forest is made up of only 400 or so trees, but it has been around since the 1930’s.
These trees grow in a strange way. At first, the trunk grows directly to the Sun, like other respectable plants, but at a distance of about 30 centimeters, the trunk changes direction sharply and almost at 90 degrees and continues to grow sideways parallel to the ground. Then, gently curving, it again reaches for the sky. Moreover, the bend is turned in one direction, or rather to the north, which is interesting. And the height of these trees does not exceed 15 meters, which is quite small for a pine.
In fact, why so many bent trees were required remains a mystery. Some say that the trunks were used for furniture, building structures, and art/sculpture. But all these assumptions remain debatable. But one theory suggests that tanks rolled over the trees during the war.
2. Amazon Rainforest, South America
No one can hear the word ‘rainforest’ without thinking of the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest is a vast region of pristine wildlife habitats. The jungle is so massive that it spreads over nine different countries and covers a total of 5,500,000 square kilometers.
Despite deforestation problems throughout its history, the Amazon rainforest still makes up more than half of the world’s rainforests. Millions of different animals and plants live here, and the forest plays a vital role in the Earth’s ecosystem.
However, due to ongoing climate change and deforestation, vast tracts of the Amazonian rainforest could turn into cerrado, the predominant type of arid savannah in present-day Brazil. Based on satellite observations of the Amazon floodplain over the past few decades, scientists have noted a 70% reduction in forests.
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3. Juizhaigou Valley, China
Jiuzhaigou Valley is known as the valley of nine villages and is a popular destination thanks to its brightly colored lakes and impressive waterfalls. The land around the unique lakes and falls is covered in thick forest. The trees grow over a wide range of altitudes, from around 2,000 meters above sea level to about 4,500 meters above sea level. The area was declared a World Heritage Site in 1992, which will help preserve the forest in the future.
It is impossible not to admire the diversity of nature that can be found in this fantastic and, without exaggeration, fabulous national park: transparent multi-colored lakes, multi-level rapid waterfalls, forests untouched by human hand, and numerous rare species of animals and birds.
It is no coincidence that the Jiuzhaigou National Park enchants every traveler who has come here at least once and beckons again and again. After all, everyone wants to return to a fairy tale or a beautiful dream, even if not for long.
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4. Coconino National Forest, the United States
Located in Arizona, the Coconino National Forest is a high elevation forest, with trees growing along mountains at up to 12,000 feet. The majority of the trees are either aspen or Ponderosa pines, making a beautiful mix of foliage. The Coconino is so named because it runs over the Mogollon and Coconino plateaus. For anyone who enjoys hiking, there are plenty of interesting trails to explore in this breathtaking forest.
Today, this one of the most beautiful forests contains diverse landscapes, including deserts, ponderosa pine forests, plains, canals, alpine tundra, and ancient volcanic peaks. The forest surrounds the cities of Sedona and Flagstaff and borders four other national forests; then Kaibab National Forest to the west and northwest, Prescott National Forest to the southwest, Tonto National Forest to the south, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to the southeast.
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5. The Great Bear Rainforest, Canada and the United States
When you think of rainforests, you probably think south of the border rather than north. The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest intact temperate rainforests, stretching from British Columbia to Alaska. It is a land of mist-shrouded valleys and glacier-carved fjords, ancient forests, wildlife such as the rare ghost bear, and abundant salmon streams.
The forest is home to many species, including grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, salmon, and wolves. Moreover, flora includes a 1,000-year-old Western Red Cedar and a Sitka Spruce that has grown to 90 meters in height.
In addition, among the most exciting sights of this forest, it makes sense to single out a vast land of ancient cedars and mossy waterfalls. Temperate rainforests differ from traditional rainforests in their abundance of rainfall and close proximity to mountains and oceans. It is these factors that determine such an impressive biological diversity of the Ursa Major rainforest!
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6. The Black Forest, Germany
You’ve probably eaten Black Forest cake before, but did you know it’s an actual forest in southwest Germany? Also known as Schwarzwald, the Black Forest was named by Romans who found the trees were so thick that they blocked out all but the most stubborn rays of sunlight. The Rhine Valley runs along the west and the south edges of Schwarzwald, marking the borders rather definitely.
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) got its name from the dark and deep color of the evergreen trees that grow here in abundance. However, despite its gloomy name, this region, located in Baden-Württemberg, is no less dotted with open sunny slopes and colorful ribbons of farmland.
Just a 20-minute walk, even from a large, crowded village, will take you to a quiet countryside that charming dairy cows constantly patrol. The nature of the Black Forest is not wild and not frightening but cozy, picturesque, and pastoral.
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7. Tongass National Forest, the United States
Alaska is home to more than one of the beautiful woods on this list. The Tongass National Forest is located on the southeast side of Alaska. Forests grow in the protected area, the most extensive in the USA, with a total area of 69 thousand km2, Tongass National Forest, USA, forming the largest rainforest in the Pacific region.
This natural landmark of the United States is divided into several conditional zones: forests, glaciers, mountains, and tundra – this is the northern region of the Pacific coast; Tongass forest reserve, Alaska forests, where a large number of red cedar, hemlock, Sitka spruce, and other rare species grow.
More than one Native Alaskan tribe lives in the trees that form the Tongass. In fact, more than 75,000 people depend on it to make a living.
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8. Hallerbos, Belgium
The ancient Belgian forest of Hallerbos, or the Blue Forest, is beautiful all year round but truly reveals its beauty in April, when countless bluebells break through the ground and cover it with the softest living carpet.
A special hiking trail runs right through the heart of the forest, so the delicate flowers will not be trampled. In addition to the elegant beeches, giant sequoias grow in the magical forest.
The Hallerbos forest is a real paradise for those who want to be alone with enchanting nature. Aromas of flowers hover in the air, and the silence is broken only by the singing of many birds. The main types of trees growing here are mighty sequoias, oaks, pines, and beeches with delicate foliage. In addition to bluebells, flowers such as orchids and daffodils come across. Animals also live here: squirrels, foxes, hares, ferrets, and deer. Animals are located toward people and often fall into the lenses of photographers.
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9. Sherwood Forest, England
Near the small village of Edwinstowe, in the county of Nottinghamshire, is Sherwood Forest – the most famous on Earth. Modern Sherwood Forest is a park area. It’s a relatively small forest, covering just over 1.5 square miles. At one point, there were more trees, back when the forest was used as a hunting ground for royals. The national reserve was opened half a century ago, and this place soon gained immense popularity among tourists.
Best known for hiding Robin Hood and his Merry Men, Sherwood is a very popular tourist attraction. Thanks to the folk tale of Robin Hood, half a million people show up to see the trees in person every year. However, it is visited not only by tourists but also by the British, who come here from all over the country. So everyone who comes to these parts can feel like a robber for a short time.
In summer, the Robin Hood Festival takes place in the mystical forest, during which a falconry and circus show and theatrical performances are held. The holiday is held following the story of the noble thief: the Sheriff of Nottingham and his entourage are trying to catch the criminal. Exciting archery takes place near Major Oak. Costumed archers in uniform compete against each other to demonstrate their skills.
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10. Sagano Bamboo Forest, Japan
Bamboo is such a beautiful plant; it has entire gardens dedicated to it. In the Arashiyama district of Japan, an entire bamboo forest has been planted. The Sagano Bamboo Forest, located in Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture, is a picturesque grove of thousands of soaring evergreen trees sandwiched amid urban landscapes.
More than a dozen varieties of bamboo thrive in this unique forest west of Kyoto. Don’t think this is a little grove, however. Some of the bamboo plants tower over visitors by up to 100 feet.
Bamboo stems, swaying from a light breeze, make melodic sounds reminiscent of wind chimes famous in the East. The soothing ringing, enveloping with a sense of harmony, is the main symbol of the Sagano bamboo grove, included in the hundred protected attractions of the country. Therefore, it is not surprising that this is one of the best places where you can take a break from the bustle of the city, relax and meditate.
People have traveled to see forests for decades. While leaves changing colors might fascinate some, others will find that bamboo and rainforests attract their attention. There is so much beauty in the world and much of it is found beneath the shaded boughs of a tree. Have you ever been to one of these breathtakingly beautiful forests?
Which is the most beautiful forest in the world?
Hallerbos is the most beautiful forest in the world. The definition of “magic forest” does not seem to be an exaggeration when applied to Hallerbos. When myriads of hyacinths bloom in reserve, anyone who has been there in the spring will not forget this sight. Bright blue flowers combined with dark shades of beech trunks and pale green foliage form an almost perfect color scheme, and the scent of wild hyacinths diffused in the air is dizzying.
What country has the best forests?
Finland has the best forests. Finland’s forests occupy about 76% of the country’s territory. It makes Finland the wealthiest country in Europe with forest resources. This country is the best place for nature lovers, as a huge territory is forested. Oulanka National Park is one of the most famous forests in Finland.
What is the most famous forest in the world?
Undoubtedly, Jiuzhaigou Valley is the most famous forest in the world. The subtropical forest, deep gorges, and high hills of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are like a lost world. Unsurprisingly, this is where the landscape of another planet was filmed for the movie Avatar. The park offers several exciting ways to explore the landscape, including glass walkways and cable cars that provide a bird’s eye view of the dense forest.
