The 10 Quietest Places in the World

Quiet Parks International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving quiet for the benefit of all life and respecting the quiet of nature. For Quiet Parks International to rank a place as a Quiet Park it must be free of human-made sounds for extended periods of time.

According to the Quiet Parks International website and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 97% of the US population is exposed to noise from aviation and highways. In addition, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control agree that noise pollution takes a negative toll on quality of life, wellbeing and mental health. Want to find out how you can experience the myriad benefits of quiet outdoors? Quiet Parks International has identified 10 places you can go in pursuit of peace and has even curated experiences that allow you to visit and experience these quiet places.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northeastern Minnesota is one of the quiet parks identified by Quiet Parks International. This 1-million acre park has outlawed noisy boats and cars and maintained its pristine sense of solitude by also keeping electricity and telephone lines out of this tranquil wild escape.

Located in Namibia, Africa, the NamibRand Nature Reserve is a private reserve. Located in southern Namibia, the reserve was created to help protect and conserve the ecology and wildlife of the Namib Desert. Testifying to the solitude and sense of distance from human presence, in addition, the NamibRand Nature Reserve has also been deemed a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Darks Sky Association.

This park is situated on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The Haleakalā Crater sits at 10,000 feet above sea level. Translated to mean "House of the Sun," Haleakalā Crater at Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii has great spiritual significance to native Hawaiians. A popular spot for watching the sun rise above the clouds from the rim — so popular you now need to make a reservation up to two months in advance at Recreation.gov — many Hawaiians worship the rising sun here to give thanks for the revitalizing power of the sun.