Our planet is adorned with breathtaking geological wonders, but some landscapes evoke more than just admiration—they stir a deep sense of dread and foreboding. Throughout history, numerous natural sites have been ominously referred to as gateways to the underworld. Names like “Hell’s Gate,” “Mouth of Hell,” and “Dry Riverbed of the Netherworld” echo across cultures, capturing the eerie allure of these mysterious locations.
But what’s in a name? According to Francesco Perono Cacciafoco, a linguistics professor at Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University in China, names carry profound significance. Perono Cacciafoco specializes in toponyms—the study of place names—and examines how these names reflect the cultural, spiritual, and mythological context of the people who coined them. While many geological formations are named for their physical characteristics, they also often embody the local culture's interpretation of the land. These names can also reveal the layers of history as different civilizations imposed their views on new territories.
Perono Cacciafoco explains that associations with the underworld are frequently inspired by a place’s appearance. A landscape featuring sinister rock formations, dense fog, natural chasms, or abrupt changes in terrain can easily provoke thoughts of otherworldly realms, particularly the underworld. But these names often go beyond mere aesthetics. “When we reconstruct and explain the names of places considered to be gateways to the underworld, we uncover a wealth of information about the culture and religion of a civilization, and ultimately, about humanity as a whole,” he tells Popular Science.
Stories of entrances to the land of the dead or other spirit realms are found in many ancient cultures, even those that predate Christianity. Perono Cacciafoco notes that while some locations are named after heavenly gates, it’s the “Gates of Hell” that seem to resonate universally across different geographies, cultures, religions, languages, and traditions. These names, often tied to mythic events, are integral to the cultural identity of a place. Below are a few of the world’s most infamous natural portals to the underworld.
Batagay Crater, Siberia – The “Gate” to the Underworld
The Batagay Crater, the world’s largest permafrost thaw slump, is a relatively recent formation, having emerged following forest clearing in the mid-20th century. Despite its recent origin, it has already gained a mythic status. Among the indigenous Yakut people of Siberia, the expanding crater is known as a “doorway” to the underworld due to the loud booms that echo from the pit as the earth shifts. This eerie phenomenon has led both locals and international space agencies to nickname it the “Gateway to Hell.” While scientists study the crater to monitor the melting permafrost and its implications for climate change, the site remains a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental crisis.
Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan – The “Door to Hell”
The origin of the Darvaza Gas Crater, located in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert, is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that Soviet prospectors in the 1960s to 1980s accidentally created the crater while drilling for fossil fuels. The rig collapse led to the discovery of a giant pit that continuously emits methane gas. Whether ignited on purpose or by accident, the pit has been burning for decades, earning it the ominous name “Door to Hell.” The crater’s fiery, noxious environment makes it one of the most inhospitable places on Earth—a fitting description for a gateway to the underworld.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia – “The Gates of Hell”
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is as treacherous as it is desolate. The San or Bushmen people have long referred to this stretch of desert as “The Land God Made in Anger,” while Portuguese sailors named it “The Gates of Hell” due to the numerous shipwrecks caused by the rocky coast and dense fog. Those who survived the shipwrecks faced the harsh realities of the unforgiving desert. The name “Skeleton Coast” comes from the whale bones and shipwreck remnants scattered along the shoreline, adding to its eerie reputation.
Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua – “Mouth of Hell”
Masaya Volcano, located in Nicaragua’s first and largest national park, has a long history of association with the underworld. Indigenous peoples revered the volcano as a god and offered sacrifices to it. Spanish colonizers, however, viewed the volcano with dread, naming it “Mouth of Hell” after witnessing its bubbling lava lake in the 16th century. Masaya remains an active volcano, with frequent eruptions and ongoing geothermal activity. The park was temporarily closed in March due to the risk of more explosive eruptions and landslides, reinforcing its reputation as a volatile and dangerous place.
Mount Hekla, Iceland – The “Gateway to Hell”
Mount Hekla, one of Iceland’s most infamous volcanoes, has been considered a gateway to the underworld for centuries. During the Middle Ages, monks and scholars frequently described the volcano as an entrance to Hell, with one 12th-century poem referring to it as “the prison of Judas.” Over time, Mount Hekla’s reputation has evolved, but its association with the underworld remains a potent part of Icelandic folklore.
Mount Osore, Japan – The Mountain of Fear
Mount Osore, or Osorezan, in Japan is another site steeped in spiritual significance. The name literally translates to “Horror” or “Fear Mountain,” and it is considered a sacred site in Buddhist tradition. Surrounded by eight other peaks and home to a river believed to be the “Sanzu River” (a crossing into the afterlife), Mount Osore is also known for its geothermal activity and the strong smell of sulfur that permeates the area. The mountain’s barren landscape and the lake’s acidic waters, which are largely devoid of life, further add to its eerie atmosphere. Many locations on Osorezan bear names related to hell or death, such as Sai no Kawara, meaning “the dry riverbed of the netherworld.”
These “Gates of Hell” are not just geological features; they are cultural touchstones that offer a glimpse into the beliefs, fears, and imaginations of the people who named them. Whether seen as literal entrances to the underworld or as metaphors for the unknown, these sites continue to captivate and terrify, reminding us of the thin line between the world we know and the mysteries that lie beyond.