Shhh! Discover Some of the Most Tranquil Places on Earth

For many travelers, the ultimate indulgence isn’t luxurious amenities like butler service or gourmet meals, but rather something far simpler: a moment of peace and quiet. As the world grapples with the growing threat of noise pollution, which can adversely affect health and well-being, a nonprofit organization called Quiet Parks International (QPI), established in 2018, is working to counteract this by highlighting some of the quietest locations on the planet. Consider it a sonic counterpart to the International Dark Sky Places initiative, where escaping human-made noise allows you to fully appreciate the sounds of nature.

To determine which sites to recognize, QPI dispatches researchers equipped with GPS devices, omnidirectional microphones, digital recorders, and sound level meters to gather acoustic data over extended periods. They then engage in discussions with land managers to conduct a qualitative assessment of the land’s history and use. Subsequently, QPI awards public spaces such as wilderness parks, urban parks, trails, and conservation areas, with plans to include marine parks, along with QPI Certifications for private spaces like hotels, residences, and communities.

Seeking an escape from the hustle of modern life? Explore QPI’s map of recognized quiet locations, along with others that have been nominated. If you need some inspiration, we’ve selected a few to help you start planning your next serene getaway.

Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

Designated as the world’s first urban quiet park in 2020, Yangmingshan National Park features a volcanically formed landscape filled with hot springs, fumaroles, cliffs, meadows, lakes, and mountains. Despite its geological wonders, this park offers a serene escape, which is particularly remarkable given its proximity—about 10 miles north of Taipei, a bustling city with over 7 million residents (accessible via city bus). To truly connect with the park’s tranquil atmosphere, immerse yourself in nature by following the seasonal blooms, which include cherry blossoms, azaleas, calla lilies, hydrangeas, and flowering silvergrass throughout the year.

Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska

America’s first quiet trail, the Niobrara National Scenic River, received its designation in October 2023 and spans 76 miles of serene river winding roughly along Nebraska’s northern border, traversing valleys, prairies, and forests. Located about 300 miles from Omaha and 400 miles from Denver, this area is quite distant from major population hubs, which contributes to its peacefulness. The ideal way to explore is by water, whether kayaking, canoeing, or simply floating on a tube, followed by a stay at one of the nearby private campgrounds. For a bit more adventure, a 15-minute drive from the visitor center takes you to the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, where you might hear the lowing and grunting of the 350 buffalo that roam the area.

Zabalo River, Ecuador

In 2019, QPI designated this winding waterway in the Ecuadorian Amazon as the world’s first wilderness quiet park, largely thanks to the efforts of the Indigenous Cofán community, who have been spearheading ecotourism initiatives in the area since 1978. A visit here focuses on their leave-no-trace philosophy and the simplicity of village life in a community of just 206 residents. During a typical five- to six-day journey (starting at $135 per person per day), you’ll stay in thatched-roof huts, fish for piranhas using handmade nets, navigate the waters in traditional canoes, and trek through the rainforest to spot wildlife such as tapirs, otters, turtles, and even river dolphins.

Mt. Tabor Park, Portland, Oregon

This tranquil oasis within Oregon’s largest city boasts forests, open reservoirs, an outdoor amphitheater, and an off-leash dog park. However, its serene atmosphere belies a dynamic past: covering 191 acres, this park—America’s first to earn urban quiet park status—is situated atop a 636-foot extinct volcano. Portland is one of only six U.S. cities with an extinct volcano within its limits, and volcanic cinders were used to create the park’s hiking and biking paths. Locals fully utilize this park, playing basketball and tennis, enjoying the playground, and even cheering at the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby, which might surprise you to find on a list of quiet spots. Yet, venture a little deeper into a Douglas fir forest or a fern grove, and you may feel as though you’ve escaped to a serene Pacific Northwest paradise, miles away from civilization.

Various parks, Stockholm, Sweden

If there’s one city that truly deserves the title of quiet capital, it’s Stockholm, which boasts five urban quiet parks, each offering its own charm: Judarskogen Nature Reserve, centered around a serene lake teeming with frogs and newts; Hansta Nature Reserve, known for its autumn mushroom foraging and vibrant spring wildflowers carpeting the forest floor; Älvsjöskogen Nature Reserve, a biodiverse haven cherished by birdwatchers; Sätraskogen Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy a swim at the beach while soaring sea eagles and ospreys circle above; and Kyrkhamn Nature Reserve, a newly established area featuring woodland trails that lead to stunning water views.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Known as “The Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park welcomed 2.93 million visitors last year, placing it among the top 15 most-visited national parks in the U.S. Despite its popularity, this park offers plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds and discover a tranquil oasis—perhaps why it was designated as the country’s first wilderness quiet park in 2022. Spanning 1,583 square miles, it surpasses the size of Rhode Island and boasts 762 lakes, 563 streams, 175 mountains, and 26 glaciers, providing ample space to venture away from the camera-carrying tourists ticking off Going-to-the-Sun Road from their national park lists. For a truly secluded experience, consider a trip to Goat Haunt, located at the southern tip of Upper Waterton Lake, accessible only by foot or boat from Canada’s Waterton Lake National Park (don’t forget your passport!). In March 2023, the park was joined by another U.S. wilderness quiet park along the Canadian border, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, located just a few states to the east in Minnesota.

Montañas Vacías Bikepacking Trail, Spain

A recent addition to the list is Spain’s first quiet trail, Montañas Vacías (or the Serranía Celtibérica), which gained recognition in May 2024. Covering about 13 percent of Spain’s total land area, this region remains largely undiscovered by most travelers. Its name translates to “empty mountains,” and the description holds true: it is one of Europe’s least populated regions, with some areas averaging fewer than one person per square kilometer. Dubbed “Spanish Lapland” for its wild and remote charm, this landscape features pine forests and high plateaus, with the 422-mile trail drawing cyclists eager to visit spots like the medieval village of Albarracín and refreshing swimming locations along the Tajo River. The only sounds breaking the silence? Your yells as you plunge into the icy waters.