Where are the quietest places on Earth?

In an increasingly noisy world, silence is a rare treasure. Fortunately, a growing number of organizations and individuals are dedicated to discovering and preserving quiet spaces. From Quiet Parks International, which identifies areas with minimal noise pollution, to acoustic engineer Gordon Hempton, who has devoted much of his life to locating the world’s quietest spots, efforts to find tranquility are on the rise. Many regions on our planet remain remote enough to offer an escape from the clamor of human civilization.

Sound levels explained

Sound is measured in decibels, and our environment contains a range of sounds, from rustling leaves (20-30 decibels) to thunderclaps (120 decibels), and sirens (120-140 decibels). Sounds at 85 decibels or higher, such as power lawnmowers (90 decibels) and loud rock concerts (110-120 decibels), can harm the ears.

Understanding noise pollution

Noise pollution is an invisible threat that deserves more attention, and though it cannot be seen, it is ever-present on both land and at sea. Defined as any unwanted or disruptive sound, noise pollution impacts the health and well-being of humans and other organisms.

The health toll of noise pollution

Noise pollution affects millions daily. The most common health issue it causes is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Loud noise exposure can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. These health problems affect all age groups, especially children.

The impact of noise pollution on wildlife

Studies have shown that loud noises can cause caterpillars' dorsal vessels, the insect equivalent of a heart, to beat faster, and also result in fewer chicks for bluebirds. Animals also rely on sound to navigate, find food, attract mates, and avoid predators, which is why noise pollution threatens their survival.

How noise pollution affects marine mammals

Whales and dolphins are especially impacted by noise pollution, with some of the loudest underwater noise coming from naval sonar devices. These marine mammals depend on echolocation to communicate, navigate, feed, and find mates. Excess noise disrupts their ability to echolocate effectively, posing significant challenges to their survival.

Preserving our silent sanctuaries

Humans may be better at coping with the noise we create, but losing the natural quiet would be a disaster for our spirits. Peaceful, undisturbed places are treasures worth finding and safeguarding. If more people were calmed by the beauty of nature’s sounds, perhaps we’d all decide to lower the volume a bit.

Zabalo River, Ecuador

In 2019, Ecuador’s Zabalo River area was designated the first Wilderness Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International. Spanning over 1 million acres (404,680 hectares), this serene environment remains free of noise pollution, thanks largely to the Indigenous Cofán people who have safeguarded this protected area for thousands of years.

Tak Be Ha Cenote, Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula's cathedral-like underwater caves are some of the last pristine spots on Earth. With nearly 7,000 caves, the Tak Be Ha Cenote stands out as one of the quietest, where the only sound you might hear is the gentle drip of water.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich isn't just famous for its chocolate tours and scenic day trips; it also boasts the lowest noise levels of any city, according to tests by the World Hearing Index and the World Health Organization. These rankings emerged from over 200,000 audio tests conducted in more than 50 of the world’s largest cities.

Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Covering 1,506 square miles (3,900 square kilometers), the Makgadikgadi Pan in northeast Botswana is one of the world's largest salt flats. Once the bed of the now-vanished Makgadikgadi Lake, its wildlife is scarce during the dry season, making it a perfectly quiet spot surrounded by desert. 

Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Landmannalaugar, named after a hot pool beneath the Laugahraun lava field, offers travelers miles of solitude in Iceland. Not only can you wander without seeing another soul, but you'll also encounter incredibly silent volcanic patches scattered throughout the region.

Kelso Dunes, Mojave Desert, US

Famed for its vast vistas and challenging environment, the Mojave Desert is a quiet haven due to its lack of wildlife, planes, or cars. The scorching summer heat keeps casual visitors at bay, leaving only the intrepid travelers to bask in the sound of silence.

Microsoft's Building 87, US

Inside Microsoft's Building 87, you'll find three echo-free sound chambers that have a noise level of -20.3 decibels and are used by audio engineers to test microphones and speakers. Unfortunately, they aren't open to the public, but you can still take virtual tours to experience the surreal silence.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Located in southwest Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. Over 60% of its trees are endemic, with many considered rare. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers the most peaceful night sounds imaginable, as a myriad of insects and frogs weave a sonic tapestry that dreams are made of.

Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, Australia

This site is home to one of the world's largest radio telescopes, which listens to radio waves from outer space—only possible in truly isolated areas. The surrounding expanse in the Western Australia outback is a designated Radio Quiet Zone, where electronic devices like mobile phones, radios, and televisions must be turned off.