For most people, Hell is not high on their list of places to go—something about the eternal fiery torment that awaits there makes it a little off-putting. Yet going to Hell can actually be a fun vacation, so long as you’re visiting the right one.
Hundreds go to Hell and back again every day touring one of these several devilishly-named locations around the world. Whether you’re traveling in a handbasket or taking the highway, take the next opportunity to visit the Hell nearest you!
Hell, Michigan
In the United States is a small town dedicated to upholding the name Hell. Locals say the name originated when the first owner of the land paid farmers with whiskey, causing the farmers’ wives to refer to his land as Hell. Although there is a Hell Saloon, the town now offers much more than just alcohol. Visitors can get a bite to eat from the Hellhole Diner before going for some ice cream at the Creamatory. Families can play putt-putt (the game of the damned?) and finish off the day by visiting Screams Souvenirs, which is filled with punny merchandise. Other attractions include becoming Mayor of Hell for the day and getting a diploma from Damnation University (Dam U).
Hell, Cayman Islands
Hell, Cayman Islands. Photo by Paul Huber (License: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Further south is a fun stop for any guests of the Cayman Islands. Along with the hellish heat, this Hell offers a neat view of ancient black limestone formations. Visitors aren’t allowed to touch the formations, but Hell has a great platform from which guests can take beautiful photos. There is also a post office for anyone interested in sending a postcard from Hell and a small gift shop. For extra fun, the owners of the gift shop roam the area dressed in devil costumes. No one quite knows how this area got its name; some say the limestone formations look like the landscape of Hell, while others say a British general was hunting in the area and was loudly cursing it.
Hell, Norway
Hell in Norway is more toned-down than the Hells across the ocean—after all, in Norway, Hell is always frozen over. The town is largely just a quiet, off-the-beaten-path location. Its main attraction is the old railway sign that says, “Hell Gods-Expedition.” Interestingly, this name is simply a giant coincidence for English speakers. In Norwegian,Hell means “cave” or “overhang.”Gods-Expedition is an archaic spelling of “cargo-handling.” The origin of the name doesn’t make it any less funny, and the town still sees plenty of tourists getting a picture with the sign. If the sign isn’t exciting enough, during the first weekend in September there is also an annual Blues in Hell festival for music lovers.
Hell Cave, Slovenia
Hell Cave, Slovenia (Public Domain)
This last location is an actual cave near Šempeter v Savinjski Dolini. No one is quite sure how it got its name, but various stories attribute it to the devil-shaped rock that sits outside, to the eerie effect of the warm water vapor that seeps from the cave during winter, or to the vast darkness inside, menacing enough to be the home of Satan himself. Visitors can get guided tours and visit the 4m waterfall within the cave. The cave is well-outfitted with boardwalks and ladders, so even novice cavers can safely pass through Hell.
—Aubrey Bourret
Featured photo by Rebecca Chatfield. (License: CC BY-ND 2.0)