Places jespernordlund Wants to Go

This small shrine is dedicated to the designer of the first Russian fighter jet and his brother, who became Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet.

This architecturally eclectic fortress witnessed centuries of bloody turmoil, including the massacre of its ruling clan.

Europe's highest peak is a key pillar of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.

The world's tallest statue of a woman wields the world's tallest sword and is at risk of toppling over.

An enormous Soviet aircraft, the only one of its kind, stands at the deserted shore of the Caspian Sea.

This retro, UFO-like structure is a remnant of the Soviet-era circus.

An outstanding piece of retro Sci-Fi architecture built into a sacred mountain.

These "50 Fortresses" have been unearthed in the ancient oasis of Khwarezm.

Former island in the Aral Sea used to be a top-secret Russian bio-weapons facility.

Final palace complex of the last of 29 Kokand rulers.

This "tower of death" has acted as an observatory, a religious hub, and an executioner's lair.

Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road.

Light still pours into the ruins of this ancient Islamic observatory.

Once a bustling fishing port, this semi-ghost town is now more than 90 miles away from the shore.

The Avenue of Mausolea is a series of grand palatial tombs.

This striking icon of the disputed Republic of Artsakh caused a stir at a Eurovision Song Contest.

Mysterious hillside with a continuously burning natural fire.

Propped high atop the peak of Mount Gamsutlmeer, this abandoned village is one of the oldest settlements in the region.