Worldbuilding is about creating immersive, captivating settings that draw readers or players into a new reality. Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from the wonders of our own world. Here are nine real-world marvels that can spark your imagination and help you craft awe-inspiring worlds.
1. Pink Lakes
Where to Find It: Lake Hillier (Australia), Lake Retba (Senegal), and more.
Why It’s Inspiring: Pink lakes, with their surreal, bubblegum-colored waters, are a natural wonder that looks straight out of a fantasy novel. The striking color comes from the presence of certain algae, bacteria, or high salinity levels. Imagine a world where pink lakes are revered as sacred sites, or perhaps they hold magical properties tied to the unique organisms within them.
Worldbuilding Idea:
In your world, these lakes could be the source of a rare potion ingredient, guarded by a secretive order that protects the waters from outsiders. The pink hue might change with the seasons, reflecting the balance of magical forces.
2. Temple in a Cave
Where to Find It: Batu Caves (Malaysia), Phraya Nakhon Cave (Thailand).
Why It’s Inspiring: Temples hidden within caves evoke a sense of mystery and ancient reverence. The contrast between the rugged, natural environment and the intricate, human-made structures creates a powerful image. These sites often feel otherworldly, as if they are places where the divine meets the earthly.
Worldbuilding Idea:
A temple within a cave could be the site of an ancient prophecy, with walls adorned with glowing inscriptions that reveal themselves only under the light of a rare moon. Pilgrims might journey here to seek wisdom from the cave’s eternal guardians.
3. Cave of Crystals
Where to Find It: Naica Mine (Mexico).
Why It’s Inspiring: The Cave of Crystals in Mexico is home to some of the largest natural crystals ever found, with some reaching up to 36 feet in length. Walking through these giant, translucent formations feels like stepping into a giant’s crystal palace.
Worldbuilding Idea:
Imagine a subterranean city where the inhabitants have learned to harness the power of these enormous crystals, using them as both a source of energy and a way to communicate across vast distances. The crystals might also be sentient, slowly growing in response to the emotions of the city’s people.
4. Neft Daşları (Oil Rocks)
Where to Find It: Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan.
Why It’s Inspiring: Neft Daşları is a fully functional city built on the open sea, atop a vast network of oil rigs connected by bridges. This feat of engineering turns the concept of a floating city into a reality, showing how human ingenuity can create livable spaces in the most unlikely places.
Worldbuilding Idea:
In your world, a similar floating city could be a haven for exiles or pirates, constantly on the move to avoid detection. The city’s survival might depend on harvesting a rare resource found only in the deep ocean trenches below.
5. Underground Cities: Coober Pedy & Cappadocia
Where to Find It: Coober Pedy (Australia), Cappadocia (Turkey).
Why It’s Inspiring: Both Coober Pedy and Cappadocia are known for their extensive underground dwellings. Coober Pedy’s residents live below ground to escape the harsh desert heat, while Cappadocia’s ancient underground cities provided refuge from invaders. These subterranean homes are a testament to human resilience and adaptability.
Worldbuilding Idea:
An underground city in your world could be built as a refuge from a hostile surface, whether it’s due to extreme weather, monsters, or a toxic atmosphere. The inhabitants might have developed unique ways of living, farming, and even worshiping in their dark, enclosed world.
6. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Where to Find It: Overijssel province, Netherlands.
Why It’s Inspiring: Giethoorn is a picturesque village where canals replace roads, and boats are the primary mode of transport. The village’s charming, water-bound architecture gives it a fairy-tale-like quality that feels almost too perfect to be real.
Worldbuilding Idea:
In a fantasy world, a village like Giethoorn could be home to a community of water-dwellers or serve as a neutral meeting place for different species. The canals might be connected to an underground river system that leads to hidden cities or treasure troves.
7. Pamukkale, Turkey
Where to Find It: Denizli Province, Turkey.
Why It’s Inspiring: Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle,” is famous for its terraces of white mineral-rich pools cascading down a mountainside. The striking contrast of the bright white terraces against the blue pools creates a dreamlike landscape.
Worldbuilding Idea:
Pamukkale-like formations could be the site of a sacred pilgrimage in your world, where the waters are believed to have healing or transformative properties. The terraces might also be part of a larger ecosystem that supports rare, magical creatures.
8. Redwood National Park
Where to Find It: California, USA.
Why It’s Inspiring: Home to the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National Park’s ancient forests evoke a sense of timelessness and majesty. Walking among these giants is like stepping into another era, where nature reigns supreme.
Worldbuilding Idea:
In your world, a forest of colossal trees could be home to a secretive, ancient race of beings who have lived in harmony with the forest for millennia. The trees themselves might be sentient, with the ability to communicate with the forest’s inhabitants through subtle vibrations or whispers in the wind.
9. Antelope Canyon
Where to Find It: Arizona, USA.
Why It’s Inspiring: Antelope Canyon is known for its stunning, wave-like rock formations and the mesmerizing play of light that filters through its narrow passages. The canyon’s natural beauty is both haunting and serene, making it a perfect setting for exploration and discovery.
Worldbuilding Idea:
A canyon like Antelope could be a sacred site where only the bravest dare to venture. The shifting light and shadows might be the result of an ancient magic that protects the canyon’s hidden secrets. Perhaps it is home to a long-lost civilization, with remnants of their culture etched into the canyon walls.
Drawing inspiration from real-world wonders can breathe new life into your worldbuilding, adding layers of authenticity and wonder to your settings. Whether you're crafting a new fantasy realm or expanding a science fiction universe, these incredible places from our own planet can help spark your creativity and lead to the creation of truly unforgettable worlds.
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