From the gorgeous Bavarian palaces of Germany to the wildlife-rich ecological regions of Sierra Leone, a new heritage site was named in 2025.
Every summer, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (known as UNESCO) World Heritage Committee meets to assess nominations from countries around the world and to designate sites that meet the criteria of “exceptional and universal values” through cultural, historical or natural meanings. The program began in 1972 as a way to identify and protect the most irreplaceable locations in the world. Today, it covers over 1,200 sites worldwide, including notable destinations such as China’s Great Wall, Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza and Angkor Wat.
It’s not easy to get on the list. It requires a rigorous assessment and evidence that the site is both unique and of enduring importance to humanity. But the rewards are amazing. Recognition, conservation support, and an informal, open invitation to travelers around the world, lists often serve as travel inspiration. UNESCO has listed these notable landmarks on its World Tourism Map.
This year’s new engraved site class is a collection that spans 26 incredible landscapes, spiritual sanctuaries and continents of historic wonders. Whether you’re a culture lover, nature lover or looking for incredible views, there are eight of the 2025 enrollees worth planning a trip here.
Gora Rainforest National Park and Tiwai Island Wildlife Sunterry
Location: Sierra Leone
The newly engraved Golatiwai complex, which is listed as Sierra Leone’s first World Heritage Site, is a natural and cultural character that includes both Gola Rainforest National Park and the wildlife sanctuary on Tiwai Island. It protects over 1,000 plant species, 55 mammals (19 of which are threatened worldwide), and around 450 species of birds, making it a key biodiversity hotspot. The inscription of the complex as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizes its global importance to conservation and its potential to promote sustainable development through ecotourism. Already, Tiwai Island offers guided hikes under thick rainforest canopies for rustic lodges, river safaris and ecoadventures.
Karnac’s Megalis
Location: Brittany, northwest France
Carnac’s Megalis is a French version of the steroid Stonehenge. Along the incredible Atlantic Coast, more than 3,000 weathered menhills have been standing here since 450,000 BC, serving as an unusual window into Neolithic culture. Their pure scale and accuracy – they stretch into the queue for miles, but archaeologists have been bewildered for centuries. Visitors are free to explore the stone alignment from October to March. However, it must be accompanied by a guided tour to protect the site from April to September.
Minoan Palace Complex
Location: Crete, Greece
Long before the Parthenon in Athens, the Minoans had built the Labyrinthin Palace complex all over Crete (the Parthenon was built by around 432 BC, but the Minoan Palace complex dates back to 1900 BC). These spectacular multi-stage structures such as Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and others served as political hubs, religious sanctuaries and economic centres. These were not ruins of royal residences. They buzzed the administrative city with lively frescoes, olive oil and wine storage rooms, and courtyards where bull rituals once thrilled crowds.
MønsKlint
Location: Mont Isle, southeastern Denmark
It stretches along the eastern edge of Mong Island in Denmark, MønsKlint A dramatic four-mile sparkling white cliff rising 420 feet above the Turquoise Britic Sea. Formation more than 70 million years ago, these cliffs are not only visual sights, but also fossil hunters’ paradise and geological time capsules. Visitors can hike or cycle along the Cliff Foottop Trail, descend scenic wooden stairs to arrive at hidden beaches; GeocenterMønsKlint To know how these cliffs formed during the Cretaceous period. This area is also recognized Denmark’s first dark sky parkprovides the untouched night sky of Stargazers.
Murjuga cultural landscape
Location: Balp Peninsula, Western Australia
On Western Australia’s rugged Barup Peninsula, over 40,000 years ago, more than a million petroglyphs etch the ongoing narratives of Aboriginal culture and spirituality. These intricate sculptures, such as animals, humans, and ancient rituals, make Murjuga one of the oldest and most sacred art galleries in the world. Visitors can explore the interpretation center and take a guided walk with traditional owners who share the spiritual and ecological meanings behind the art.
King Ludwig II’s Palace
Location: Bavaria, Germany
Between 1864 and 1886, King Ludwig II of Bavaria built four fairytale castles, each reflecting the “romantic and eclectic spirit of the era,” according to the UNESCO committee. Neuschwanstein Castle, which sits high in the Alps, is undoubtedly the most famous of the four. sleeping beauty castle. The only one Linderhof palace, Ludwig, is completed, reflects the monarch’s charm for French luxury with its ornate interiors and landscaping gardens. Lesser known but equally charming, the Shauchen House blends the charm of a Swiss chalet with an unexpected Moorish style hall. And on the island of Lake Chiemsie, Helen Kiemsie, although unfinished respect for Versailles, built to honor Ludwig’s idol Louis XIV, Helen Kiemsie Palace is bold, but bold. Together, all of these palaces are open to the public, offering a captivating glimpse into the king’s quirky vision and some of Germany’s most breathtaking architecture and scenery.
Peruchu River Canyon
Location: Minas Gere, eastern Brazil
The Perusch River Valley, which is deeply hidden in the state of Minas Gere in Brazil, is an ecological and archaeological treasure trove. Towering limestone cliffs, lush forest corridors, and cathedral-sized caves create a highly diverse landscape. What sets this apart is the paintings of prehistoric rocks. The vibrant red and black figures have been decorated with canyon walls and cave interiors for over 10,000 years.
Adventurers can hike the scenic trails with dramatic views of the canyon, explore guided caves, or take a boat trip along the Peruachu River to explore its winding canyons and secret swimming spots. Gruta DoJanelão is the largest cave, featuring ancient art on large scale titro and chamber floors.
Petroglyphs along the Bangachon Stream
Location: Southeast Coast of Korea
Rock sculptures along these rivers, winding through the gentle valleys of Ursan, date back to about 5,000 BC and showcase a variety of subjects, including whales and shamanic rituals. Bangchong’s petroglyphs are very well preserved and accessible. Visitors can sway along a simple walk, from which they can inspect the sculptures nearby.