Cities That Shouldn’t Exist but Somehow Do

Iquitos, Peru – The World’s Largest City Without Roads

Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest lies Iquitos, a mysterious urban center that challenges traditional city layouts by having no road access. Instead, visitors and locals alike must travel by boat or plane, lending the city an air of seclusion. Located along the banks of the Amazon River and surrounded by rich, vibrant nature, Iquitos enchants with its lively markets and friendly community. Despite its remote setting, it remains a bustling center of culture and commerce in the Amazon.

Norilsk, Russia – The Freezing, Polluted City of Nickel

Positioned above the Arctic Circle, Norilsk endures some of the harshest conditions on Earth, with bitterly cold temperatures making it one of the coldest inhabited places worldwide. Its economy is predominantly driven by nickel mining, a key factor behind the city’s severe pollution levels. Yet, over 170,000 residents live here, braving long, dark winters. The daily life of Norilsk’s inhabitants is a powerful example of human endurance and adaptability in an extreme industrial and climatic environment.

La Rinconada, Peru – The Highest City on Earth

Perched at an altitude of 5,100 meters in the Andes, La Rinconada claims the title of the highest city on the planet. This isolated mining settlement is defined by its thin air and challenging living conditions. Despite the hardships, thousands are drawn to La Rinconada in search of gold. The town’s minimal infrastructure—with scarce access to clean water and sanitation—does little to deter its residents, who persist in the hope of a prosperous future, showcasing the extreme measures people take in pursuit of wealth.

Coober Pedy, Australia – The Underground Town

In the arid heart of South Australia’s outback, Coober Pedy stands out as a unique settlement known as the “Opal Capital of the World.” The intense desert heat has led many residents to carve their homes into the earth, creating natural shelters that protect them from the extreme temperatures above. This underground lifestyle, combined with the area’s striking geological features and rich mining history, makes Coober Pedy a fascinating destination for tourists eager to explore its otherworldly environment.

Auroville, India – The Experimental Utopian City

Auroville is built on an inspiring vision: a harmonious community where people from around the globe can live together in peace and unity. Founded in 1968, this experimental township was designed to overcome national and political boundaries. Its layout centers on the Matrimandir, a symbol of collective and spiritual aspiration. The community emphasizes sustainability through renewable energy, organic agriculture, and collaborative projects, making Auroville a beacon of innovative, alternative living despite the challenges it faces.

Yakutsk, Russia – The Coldest City on Earth

Nestled in Siberia, Yakutsk is known as the coldest city in the world, with winters that plunge temperatures below -40°C. Despite the relentless cold, over 300,000 people call this vibrant city home. The local economy is powered by mining—especially diamonds—and Yakutsk also serves as a regional hub for culture and education. Its residents have ingeniously adapted to the severe climate, developing unique building and heating methods that underscore the city’s remarkable resilience.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard – No One Can Be Born or Buried Here

Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in the Svalbard archipelago, presents an unusual situation: due to permafrost that prevents proper decomposition, the local cemetery has been closed for decades, and expectant mothers must travel to mainland Norway to give birth. Still, this community of scientists, researchers, and adventurers thrives amid its pristine Arctic surroundings. With breathtaking scenery, encounters with polar bears, and the spectacle of the Northern Lights, Longyearbyen’s life is defined by both the extremities of nature and a strong, supportive community spirit.

Manshiyat Naser, Egypt – The “Garbage City”

Located in Cairo, Manshiyat Naser is commonly known as “Garbage City” because of its pivotal role in managing the city’s waste. Home primarily to the Zabaleen—informal garbage collectors who recycle much of Cairo’s refuse—the district is a hive of activity where sorting, recycling, and repurposing waste are everyday tasks. Despite the difficult living conditions, the innovative and efficient recycling system developed by its residents stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience.

Nuuk, Greenland – The Isolated Arctic Capital

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is marked by its remote location and stunning Arctic backdrop. With just over 18,000 inhabitants, it is among the world’s smallest capitals. Surrounded by majestic fjords and towering mountains, Nuuk offers a rare blend of natural beauty and modern urban amenities. Serving as both a cultural and economic center, it is a gateway to the Arctic wilderness and a striking example of how traditional Inuit culture can harmoniously coexist with contemporary life.

Miyake-jima, Japan – The Island Where Everyone Wears Gas Masks

Miyake-jima, a volcanic island in Japan, is renowned for its residents’ constant use of gas masks. Following a volcanic eruption in 2000 that released toxic sulfur dioxide, carrying gas masks has become a daily necessity, with alarms alerting inhabitants to dangerous gas levels. Despite these challenging conditions, the community remains resilient, cherishing the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Tourists are drawn to Miyake-jima not only for its unique environment and diving opportunities but also for the chance to experience life in a landscape profoundly shaped by nature.