The real location of 10 iconic wallpapers that you've probably seen
Geography
From the world to your screen
The real location of 10 iconic wallpapers that you've probably seen
Some landscapes have adorned our desktops for so long that it almost feels like we’ve been there already. At some point or another, almost everyone has seen Windows XP's rolling green hill under a blue sky. These famous views are now ingrained in our memories, and they look so generic that we forget they are actual locations from around the world. Let’s set the record straight and find out where some of these iconic photographs were actually taken.
Sonoma County, U.S.
A classic star of Windows XP wallpapers, the photograph known as "Bliss" (originally "Bucolic Green Hills") was taken by Charles O’Rear in front of a green rolling hill in Sonoma County, California. It went on to become one of the best-known photographs on the internet.
This hill had originally been a vineyard, but an infestation forced the owners to clear it years earlier. In the end, the dreamy landscape reached more people than its crops ever could have.
Antelope Canyon, U.S.
It looks like the fabric of a flowing flag, but it’s the interior of Antelope Canyon, located on the Navajo land in northern Arizona. Flash floods carved and smoothed those narrow and deep walls over thousands of years. Its sun-painted curves look so peaceful that many people still choose this as the landscape they’ll see every day.
Yosemite National Park, U.S.
Many Apple computer users from around the world had never seen the beauty of El Capitan and Half Dome’s peaks until this was made the default background for the operating system OS X Yosemite.
This gorgeous landscape from the California Sierra Nevada Mountains is perfect because it features clean lines, gentle colors, and the sense of magnificence and quiet that only an adulterated nature can provide.
Stonehenge, UK
The Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, is home to one of the oldest constructions of our planet: Stonehenge. Those massive stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, were transported from miles away and have stood for roughly 5,000 years.
A captivating mystery, certainly, but also a striking landscape with contrasting colors and clean, simple lines; sounds perfect for a desktop background.
Mount Rainier, U.S.
A nocturnal blue sky featuring a large full moon was another popular choice for Windows XP wallpapers. Although many people believed the snowy peak belonged to the Japanese Mount Fuji, it was actually an image of Mount Rainier, the glorious stratovolcano located in Washington State.
The moon appears unusually prominent in the composition of that one famous photo. It led to claims that it had been digitally altered, but no definitive evidence ever confirmed the rumors.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain
One of the most epic and grandiose images featured in Microsoft Windows backgrounds showed what appeared to be a fortress wall seemingly sticking out of the clouds. It looked like something out of a movie, but it’s actually a photograph of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Spain.
This rocky islet is connected to the mainland by a narrow stone bridge and a staircase of roughly 240 steps. At its summit stands a hermitage from the 10th century. The landscape was also famous for appearing as "Dragonstone" in the TV series Game of Thrones.
Burlington, Canada
Many nostalgic users picked an aisle of autumn-colored trees. The famous crimson-and-gold wallpaper picture was taken in Burlington, Canada, a city on the shores of Lake Ontario. Who would have guessed that an unassuming scene of the city would become one of the stars of Windows wallpapers?
Sossusvlei, Namibia
Some people find the vibrant, arid sands of the Namib Desert to be their favorite landscape. Sossusvlei lies among some of the tallest dunes on Earth, a few of them rising over 1,000 feet, with iron pigments that have been oxidizing for millions of years.
Here, you get the pale blue of the sky, apricot-orange dunes, and sharp, ink-black shadows, an ideal composition for a striking desktop background.
Wharariki Beach, New Zealand
Those massive rock arches rising from the surf are the Archway Islands, right on Wharariki Beach, facing the Tasman Sea. This landscape from the north of New Zealand’s South Island became one of people’s favorite screensavers thanks to a glorious picture taken around sunset from inside one of the caves under the hills.
Valensole, France
The Valensole Plateau in Provence, France, transforms each summer into a grid of lavender fields that seem to stretch to the horizon. These neat, geometric rows of purple lit by a dry, bright sun are a mesmerizing sight.
Looking at those lush, straight lines makes you feel like your whole computer is just as orderly. Repetition is soothing.
Can you conquer the 12 most legendary attractions at Walt Disney World?
Landmarks
Can you conquer the 12 most legendary attractions at Walt Disney World?
Across its four main theme parks, Walt Disney World in Orlando features cutting-edge technology paired with whimsical magic to transport guests from the deepest reaches of the prehistoric past to the floating mountains of an alien moon. In this article, we have selected 12 attractions that, over time, have earned their legendary status. Are you up for the ride?
Spaceship Earth
Image: Brian McGowan
Have you ever experienced the smell of Rome burning? How about the Earth floating against a star-filled sky? This is your opportunity! Housed inside the iconic silver sphere at the entrance of EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is a slow-moving journey through human history.
The ride through the interior of the famous geodesic sphere culminates in a star-filled descent that offers a striking sense of scale and atmosphere. It’s a must-do for any visit to Walt Disney World!
Expedition Everest
Image: Rodolfo Marques
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to Expedition Everest, the tallest roller coaster in any Disney park. The ride is also famous for its massive animatronic Yeti, the most ambitious and powerful figure Disney has ever created. If you are up for a ride that includes a plunge backward into total darkness, then Expedition Everest is for you!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Image: Greg Park
This attraction isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s far from a typical drop tower. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is best known for its "Fifth Dimension" sequence, a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Once aboard the elevator, riders don’t simply move up and down; the vehicle leaves its vertical shaft and travels horizontally through a surreal realm of mirrors and stars before entering the final drop sequence.
The resulting sensation of weightlessness is both terrifying and strangely addictive. Do you dare try it?
Avatar Flight of Passage
Image: moonsword
Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage is often considered the gold standard of modern theme park attractions. For many guests, it ranks among the most immersive flight-simulation experiences ever created. Think intricate caves, high-tech laboratory, sensory notes, and incredible 3D visuals.
If you want to experience some exhilaration, hop on your futuristic-looking link chair and enjoy the ride!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Image: Renato Mitra
Despite its name, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is an ideal choice for guests who prefer a gentler thrill that emphasizes storytelling and scenery over extreme loops and heights. Set in the fictional mining town of Tumbleweed during the Gold Rush era, the attraction is widely regarded as one of the park’s best nighttime rides, when the cavern lighting creates a more mysterious atmosphere.
The result is an experience with authentic Western grit that feels more like a movie set than a theme park attraction.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Image: Kyle DeSantis
If Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the classic Western, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is the Hollywood blockbuster. Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this indoor coaster features a high-speed launch that mimics the sensation of a jet taking off. For an adrenaline rush, riders can expect a fast-paced experience in near-total darkness, paired with a high-fidelity audio system blasting an Aerosmith soundtrack.
The Haunted Mansion
Image: Brian McGowan
The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom is arguably one of the most beloved spooky attractions ever created. Rather than relying on digital screens, it showcases practical effects rooted in mid-20th-century show design. The highlight is the Grand Ballroom scene, which uses the Pepper’s Ghost illusion to create translucent spirits dancing and dining in midair.
The Stretching Room, meanwhile, employs a clever combination of a rising ceiling and a subtly descending floor to disorient guests. Part dark ride, part museum of classic stagecraft, the attraction proves that some of the oldest tricks remain the most entertaining.
The Jungle Cruise
Image: Brian McGowan
Originally conceived as a serious, educational boat tour, the Jungle Cruise evolved into a comedy-driven attraction led by a skipper who narrates a journey through the rivers of Asia, Africa, and South America. Guests encounter animatronic elephants, hippos, and other jungle scenes along the way, but the ride’s enduring appeal lies in its pun-filled script and dry humor.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for Disney’s early days, this attraction remains a classic example of interactive, performer-led storytelling.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Image: Remi BERIN
Despite being one of the oldest attractions at Magic Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Flight consistently has one of the longest wait times in the park. Its enduring appeal comes from its distinctive ride system, which suspends guests from an overhead track to create the sensation of flying.
Gliding over a moonlit London skyline, complete with a miniature Big Ben, the ride evokes a sense of wonder that resonates with both children and adults. Short though it may be, Peter Pan’s Flight remains a timeless classic. Trust us, it's totally worth the wait!
DINOSAUR
Image: Brian McGowan
Who wouldn't want to travel back in time to see how dinosaurs lived? In DINOSAUR, Disney meets Jurassic Park. Guests are seated in a "Time Rover," which uses Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV) technology to simulate driving over extremely rough terrain. As you move through a prehistoric forest, you’ll dodge massive predators in near-total darkness.
The ride is notoriously loud and physically intense, with frequent jump scares, so avoid it if you are travelling with small children.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Image: csekeklari
Located in Fantasyland, this ride is a charming journey through the Hundred Acre Wood. While it uses a traditional track system, it incorporates subtle physical movement to enhance the storytelling. When Tigger appears, the ride vehicle, a "hunny pot," actually bounces along with him.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a gentle, sweet experience that serves as a perfect counterpart to the high-intensity thrill rides elsewhere in the park, focusing on the simple joy of childhood imagination.
Carousel of Progress
Image: Brian McGowan
Finally, the Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is more than just a ride; it is a piece of history. This rotating theater was a centerpiece of the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair and one of Walt Disney’s personal favorite projects. Moving from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century and into the future, it showcases the evolution of technology and how it has improved the lives of the American family. While it lacks the thrills of a coaster, it offers a relaxing look at the optimism that helped shape Disney World in the first place.
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