Geyser Lake

Deep in the Altai Republic of Russia lies a brilliantly blue lake, remaining unfrozen year-round, thanks to its thermal springs. Nearly 100 feet wide, but just over six feet deep, it is erroneously called "Geyser Lake," even though the springs don't shoot up into the air. While they may not put on a show above water, under the surface, the springs form unique concentric circles of clay and silt, reminiscent of the patterns formed by geysers. The designs are actually grey, but are colored blue by the refraction of light. Surrounding them are fallen trees and moss in the shallower portions of the lake. How and when the pools formed is still a mystery. One theory is that it was created due to the 2003 Chuya Earthquake.

Geyser Lake was largely unknown before the secret spot was leaked and tourists began flocking to the waters around 2010. The lake is now popular among Russians. Entrepreneurs have built a wooden plank path leading to it. Along the path lies a "fairy-tale forest" with mock attractions connected to Russian legends.