14 Most Dangerous Houses in the World

We are going to explore some of the riskiest houses in the world. These are houses that are either located in dangerous places, built with unconventional materials, or designed with extreme features. Some of these Dangerous Houses are so risky that you might wonder why anyone would want to live there. But for some people, living on the edge is a way of life. it’s also terrifying thinking about the people who built the houses in these forsaken areas all around the world. Are you ready to join us on this thrilling adventure? Let’s get started!

1. Solvay Hut, Switzerland:

A mountain hut located on the northeastern ridge of the Matterhorn, near Zermatt in Switzerland. It is the highest mountain hut owned by the Swiss Alpine Club, at an elevation of 4,003 meters. It was built in 1917 with a donation from Ernest Solvay, a Belgian chemist and industrialist. It can be used only in case of emergency by climbers who face storms, avalanches, or other dangers on the mountain. It has 10 beds and a radiotelephone for communication. It offers a stunning view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks, but also a reminder of the risks and challenges of mountaineering.

2. Elliðaey Island:

The fourth house on our list is the Island House, a tiny wooden hut on Elliðaey Island in Iceland. This house is the only structure on the island, which is uninhabited and has no vegetation or fresh water. It was built in the 1950s by members of a hunting club who use it as a base for hunting puffins. The house has no electricity or plumbing, and can only be reached by boat or helicopter. The house has become a popular subject of urban legends and internet memes, with some people claiming that it belongs to a billionaire or a singer.

3. Phoenix House, Hawaii, USA:

Phoenix House is a tiny home that sits on a lava field on Hawaii’s Big Island, near the base of the Kīlauea volcano. It is a unique and adventurous vacation rental that offers stunning views of the steam produced by the lava flowing into the sea. It is named Phoenix House because it is “literally rising from the ashes” of volcanic activity in the area. It was designed by Will Beilharz, founder of ArtisTree, a sustainable tourism company. The house is off-grid and powered by solar panels and propane.

It has a minimalist design and a light footprint, blending with the dark landscape with its blackened wood and rusted metal exterior. The house has three tiered sections, with a bedroom on the top level, a living area on the ground level, and a bathroom on the lower level. It can accommodate up to two guests and costs between $100 and $150 per night. Phoenix House is a place where guests can experience the beauty and power of nature and also reflect on their own transitions and rebirths.

Read also:

• How Did Flight 236 Survive the Atlantic Ocean?
• 10 Best Things To Do in Phuket, Thailand – Phuket Nightlife
• Top 5 Unsolved Mysteries of all Times in Hindi

4. Meteora Monasteries, Greece:

Imagine you are standing on the edge of a cliff, looking at a breathtaking view of towering rocks and ancient monasteries. You are in Meteora, Greece, one of the most thrilling and awe-inspiring places on Earth. Meteora means “suspended in the air” and that’s exactly how the monasteries look like: they seem to defy gravity and cling to the sheer cliffs with no visible support. Meteora is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox monasteries, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

They were built by monks who sought spiritual isolation and closeness to God, away from the turmoil and invasions of the Ottoman Turks. The monks used ropes, ladders, and baskets to reach the top of the rocks and to transport materials and supplies. They carved out caves and chambers on the rocks and decorated them with frescoes and icons. They also built churches, libraries, refectories, and cells for their daily life and worship. The last one is now a nunnery and was featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.

5. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia:

Danakil Depression is a geological depression located in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, near the border with Eritrea12. It is one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth, with an average annual temperature of 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) and a record high of 55 °C (131 °F). It is also one of the driest places on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of less than 200 mm (7.9 in). Danakil Depression was formed by the divergence of three tectonic plates: the African, Arabian, and Somali plates.

No products found.

This process created a rift valley that is still active and widening at a rate of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) per year. The depression is filled with volcanic features, such as lava lakes, hot springs, geysers, salt domes, and sulfur fields. The most active volcano in the area is Erta Ale, which has a permanent lava lake in its crater. Another notable volcano is Dallol, which has colorful hydrothermal deposits and acidic pools. Danakil Depression is also rich in minerals, especially salt, potash, and sulfur.

The salt deposits are mined by local people, who use camels to transport them to the markets. The potash deposits are exploited by foreign companies, who use trucks and pipelines to transport them to the ports. Danakil Depression is not only a harsh and hostile environment but also a fascinating and diverse one.

It is home to some extremophile microbes that can survive in high temperatures and salinity. It is also a place of great cultural and historical significance, as it is where some of the oldest human fossils have been found, such as Lucy and Ardi. It is also where some of the earliest civilizations emerged, such as the Aksumite Empire and the Afar Sultanate

6. Lichtenstein Castle, Germany:

Have you ever dreamed of living in a fairy-tale castle, surrounded by beauty and romance? Well, you might want to think twice before you pack your bags and move to Lichtenstein Castle in Germany. This stunning Gothic structure was built in 1842 on an escarpment overlooking the Chaz River. It was inspired by the novel Lichtenstein by Wilhelm Hauff and features a drawbridge, a dungeon, and a chapel. It was built in a pseudo-medieval style which was very unfocused.

The most striking feature of the property is that the castle’s outer wall is built right on the edge of a cliff. The vertiginous view is enough to unsettle even the boldest of tourists. Architects claim that the castle is structurally sound but any shift in the foundation could cause the building to collapse, It sounds like a perfect place for a prince or a princess, right? Wrong.

The castle is perched on a cliff that is 820 feet above the river and 2,680 feet above sea level. A strong wind or an earthquake could cause it to collapse at any moment. Not to mention the hassle of carrying groceries up those steep stairs. The castle may look like a fairy tale, but living here would be more like a nightmare.

No products found.

7. Dangerous Houses Takasugi-an, Japan:

If you are looking for a peaceful place to enjoy a cup of tea, you might want to visit Takasugi-an in Japan. This unique tea house was built by architect Terunobu Fujimori on top of two extended tree trunks in Chino, Nagano Prefecture. The tea house is only 29 square feet and can fit four people on tatami mats. It has a circular window that offers a panoramic view of the forest. It sounds like a cozy and relaxing place, right? Wrong.

The tea house is so high that it means “a tea house too high” and it certainly lives up to its name. The tea house sways with the wind and the trees could fall down if the trees are damaged or cut down. To access it, you have to climb a ladder that is attached to one of the trunks. And don’t even think about going to the bathroom, because there isn’t one. The tea house may look like a zen retreat, but living here would be more like a daredevil stunt.

8. Sutyagin House, Russia:

The Sutyagin House in Russia was once considered the tallest wooden house in the world. It was built by local entrepreneur Nikolai Petrovich Sutyagin over 15 years without any permits or plans. He wanted to create his own version of an American skyscraper using scrap wood and metal. Dominating the skyline of Arkhangelsk a city in Russia’s Far Northwest, it’s believed to be the world’s tallest wooden house soaring to reach a hundred and forty-four feet about half the size of the Tower of Big Ben Soufiane begin building in 1992 and in the original plans.

It was only going to reach two floors high like a normal house yet he was inspired by the vernacular architecture and wooden houses of Japan in Norway to keep going, first I added three floors but then the house looked ungainly like a mushroom he told The Daily Telegraph in a 2007 interview so I added another and it still didn’t look right so I kept going. He kept adding floors and extensions until the house had 13 floors. It sounds like an impressive feat of engineering, right? Wrong.

The house was made of poor-quality materials and had no plumbing or electricity. The house was condemned by authorities several times, but Sutyagin refused to demolish it until he was arrested for racketeering. It was also very unstable and prone to fire hazards. In 2008, it was partially demolished by the authorities, and in 2012, it burned down completely. The house may have looked like a towering achievement, but living here would be more like a death trap.

No products found.

9. Katskhi Pillar, Georgia:

If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, you might want to visit the Katskhi Pillar in Georgia. This is a natural limestone monolith that rises 40 meters (130 feet) above the ground and has a tiny church on its top. The church is one of the most isolated and sacred places in the world, and only a few brave monks have dared to live there for centuries.

The Katskhi pillar is located in the village of Katskhi, near the town of Chiatura in western Georgia. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and has a rich history and legend. The locals believe that the pillar is a symbol of the True Cross and a gateway to heaven.

The pillar was first used as a Christian hermitage in the 9th or 10th century by the Stylites, a sect of ascetics who lived on pillars to be closer to God. The church on top of the pillar was built in the 13th century and dedicated to St. Maximus the Confessor. The hermitage was abandoned in the 15th or 16th century due to wars and natural disasters. The pillar remained unexplored and unclimbed until 1944 when a group of mountaineers reached its summit and discovered the ruins of the medieval hermitage. They also found an inscription in Georgian that mentioned a certain “Giorgi”, who dedicated his life to God on the pillar.

The religious activity on the pillar was revived in the 1990s when a local monk named Maxim Qavtaradze decided to restore the hermitage and to live there as a modern Stylite. He climbed the pillar with a ladder and rebuilt the church and the cells with the help of volunteers and donations. He also installed solar panels, a bathroom, and a TV on the rock.

He lived there for 20 years, only descending once or twice a week to pray at the church at the base of the pillar and to interact with visitors. To visit the Katskhi pillar, you need to dress modestly and pay an entrance fee. You can reach it by bus or car, followed by a 20-minute hike and a steep climb.

You can also join a guided tour that will explain the history and significance of the site. You can only see the church from below, as only monks are allowed to climb to the top. But you can still admire the amazing view of the pillar and its surroundings. You can also visit the church of Simeon Stylites at the base of the rock, which has beautiful frescoes and a tiny altar.

The Katskhi Pillar is not just a tourist attraction; it is a place of wonder and inspiration. It is a place where you can witness the courage and devotion of the monks who chose to live on this rock for God. It is a place where you can feel the thrill and mystery of nature and spirituality.

10. Refuge Jean-Antoine Carrel, Mount Matterhorn:

Do you have a head for heights and a passion for mountaineering? If so, you might want to visit the Refuge Jean-Antoine Carrel, a mountain hut located on the southwest ridge of the Matterhorn, near the Swiss border. The refuge is named after Jean-Antoine Carrel, a local guide who made the first ascent of the Matterhorn via this ridge in 1865. The refuge is situated at an altitude of 3,830 meters (12,566 feet) and offers a spectacular view of the Matterhorn and its surroundings.

The refuge is also a base for climbers who want to tackle the southwest ridge, also known as the Lion Ridge, one of the most challenging and dangerous routes to the summit of the Matterhorn. The refuge has 50 beds and is always open. It was inaugurated in 1969 and partially renovated after a major landslide that affected this side of the mountain in 2002-2003.

No products found.

Near the refuge, there is a platform that serves as a landing point for helicopters. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of mountaineering on the Matterhorn, housed in a former bivouac that was moved from its original location due to the landslide.

To reach the refuge, you need to start from Breuil-Cervinia, a ski resort in Aosta Valley, Italy. You can take a cable car to Plan Maison and then hike to the Duca degli Abruzzi refuge at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). From there, you need to follow a steep and exposed trail that leads to the refuge in about four hours.

The last part of the trail, despite the presence of fixed ropes, is reserved for experienced mountaineers. You need to be well-equipped and prepared for sudden changes in weather and terrain conditions. The refuge is not only a thrilling destination but also a tribute to Jean-Antoine Carrel and his companions who conquered the Matterhorn with courage and skill. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and challenge of one of the most iconic mountains in the world.

11. Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain:

Castellfollit de la Roca is a charming village in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It is located in the Garrotxa volcanic area, near the Pyrenees mountains. The village is famous for its dramatic location on a narrow basalt cliff that rises 50 meters (160 feet) above the confluence of the Fluvià and Toronell rivers. The cliff was formed by the overlaying of two lava flows and has a length of almost one kilometer (0.6 miles). The village has a population of about 1,000 inhabitants and a history that dates back to the Middle Ages.

The name Castellfollit de la Roca means “castle of the fullers on the rock” and refers to the ancient occupation of wool processing that was practiced in the area. The village has a picturesque old town with stone houses, narrow streets, and a Gothic church dedicated to St. Salvador. The church has a bell tower that offers a panoramic view of the village and its surroundings. The village also has a museum that displays the history and culture of Castellfollit de la Roca and the Garrotxa region.

Castellfollit de la Roca is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village is surrounded by lush vegetation and volcanic landscapes that offer many opportunities for hiking, biking, horse riding, and bird watching. Some of the attractions nearby include the Fageda d’en Jordà, a beech forest that grows on a lava flow; the Croscat volcano, the youngest and largest volcano in the Iberian Peninsula; and the Santa Margarida volcano, which has a Romanesque chapel inside its crater.

Castellfollit de la Roca is also a good base to explore other beautiful towns and villages in the Garrotxa region, such as Besalú, Olot, Santa Pau, and Rupit. Castellfollit de la Roca is not only a stunning sight but also a cozy and welcoming place. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, as well as the history and culture of Catalonia.

12. Island House, Serbia:

The Island House in Serbia is one of the most isolated and romantic houses in the world. It was built by a local couple in 1968 on a rock in the middle of the Drina River near the town of Bajina Basta. The house has a simple wooden structure with a roof and windows. It has no electricity or water supply and can only be accessed by boat or helicopter. The house offers a stunning view of the river and the surrounding mountains, but it also faces some challenges such as storms, floods, and isolation.

It sounds like a perfect place for some quality time with your partner, right? Wrong. The house has survived many floods, storms, and vandalism over the years and has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of resilience. But it could also be washed away or damaged by any natural or human-made disaster at any time. And don’t expect any privacy or comfort here, as the house is small, cramped, and cold. The house may look like a love nest, but living here would be more like a survival test.

13. Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Taktsang:

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Palphug Monastery, is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site located on the cliffside of the upper Paro Valley in Bhutan. It is one of thirteen Tiger’s Nest caves in historical Tibet where Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan, meditated and taught in the 9th century. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this site on the back of a tigress to subdue a local demon and then stayed in a cave for three months.

The cave is now part of a monastery complex that was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, a reincarnated lama. The monastery has four main temples and eight caves, each with a shrine dedicated to different aspects of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge at an elevation of 3,120 meters (10,240 feet), about 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the valley floor. It offers a spectacular view of the Paro Valley and the surrounding mountains.

These are just some of the riskiest houses in the world. There are many more examples of houses that defy gravity, logic, or common sense. Would you ever live in one of these houses? Let me know in the comments below.

Last update on 2025-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API