Do you like corn mazes? I personally find them both terrifying and mesmerizing. On one hand, there's the immaculate design, but on the other hand, will I ever find my way out? one way or the other, they're truly a marvel to look at. In this article, we gathered the largest, oldest, and most impressive mazes and labyrinths you can visit around the world today.
But before we begin - do you know the difference between a maze and a labyrinth? It is quite simple: while a maze is a multi-choice puzzle with dead ends, a labyrinth has only one way out.
Longleat Maze, Warminster, Wiltshire, England
Welcome to the longest hedge maze in the world! The maze at Longleat is made entirely out of yew hedges, and it stretches almost 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long. The maze is located in an area that spans over 8,000 acres, and it has belonged to several Marquesses of Bath since the 16th century. The property is also home to a Safari park (said to be the first outside Africa) and a few smaller garden mazes.
The Longleat Maze is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Learn more about this maze on the official website here: Website
Masone Labyrinth, Parma, Italy
If the Longleat maze is the longest hedge maze in the world, then the Masone Labyrinth is the largest maze in the world, period. And if the word Parma rings a bell, it's because this small town is famous for gifting humanity the grace of Parmesan cheese. Unlike the Longleat Maze, the Masone labyrinth is a fairly young one: it only opened in 2015. It consists of 200,000 bamboo plants and stretches over 20 acres. The owner, Italian publisher Franco Maria Ricci, chose bamboo for its fast-growing character so he could see the completion of the maze in his time.
The Masone Labyrinth is open daily except for Tuesday from 09:30 am to 6:00 pm. Learn more about this maze on the official website here: Website
Andrássy Castle, Tiszadob, Hungary
This maze belongs to a castle that's located near a river close to the border of Hungary and Slovakia. The maze is supposed to resemble a squid. Can you see it? Castle Andrássy isn't as ancient as it may seem: it was constructed only in the 19th century for count Gyula Andrássy. In addition to the maze, there is a restaurant and a café, and the castle also displays temporary art exhibitions.The Andrássy Castle is open daily from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, and an hour later during the summer. Learn more about this maze on the official website here: Website
Dole Pineapple Maze, Wahiawa, Hawaii
This was the world's largest permanent maze until the Parma one came along and won the crown. It's easy to see where it gets its name - the huge pineapple in the middle! Walking through this maze is an experience for all senses, as it houses over 14,000 different varieties of local Hawaiian vegetation, many of which are fragrant. The paths add up to a total of 2.5 miles (4 km). There's also a competitive air to this maze, as the one who crosses it first will win a prize.Dole Pineapple Maze is open daily except for Wednesday, from 09:30 am to 04:30 pm. Learn more about this maze on the official website here: Website
Villa Pisani Labyrinth, Stra, Italy
The Villa Pisani Labyrinth is often referred to as the most difficult maze in the world. It was constructed in 1720, and even Napoleon Bonaparte tried to complete it upon seizing the estate in 1807. And rumor has it, he failed! This isn't the only historical anecdote about Pisani castle. Hitler and Mussolini had a pivotal first meeting in the castle itself. While there isn't an official reward for finishing the maze successfully, we'd say that enjoying the views from the 18th-century turret in the middle is 100% worth a try.
The Villa Pisani Labyrinth is open daily except for Wednesday, from 10:00 am to 12:45 pm, 4:30 pm to 7:15 pm. Learn more about this maze on this website here: Website
Richardson Corn Maze, Spring Grove, Illinois
While the maze itself is open only for 2 months a year (as corn is a seasonal crop), Richardson Farm offers many activities throughout the year, which include a fall pumpkin festival and a spring flower festival, among others. Currently, the entire farm is closed for the season. But since it opens soon, and since it is the largest corn maze in the entire world, we had to bring this one to your attention. The impressive designs of the maze change annually, and we couldn't be more excited to find out what design they will create next!
Richardson Corn Maze is closed for the season. Learn more about this maze on the official website here: Website
Peace Maze, Castlewellan, Ireland
This maze, which was planted in 2000, has shrubs that are cut lower than usual to promote interactions between visitors while strolling around the trails. There is a bell in the middle of the maze you can ring if you'd like. It has two halves that must be completed that span over 2.4 acres. There's also a 16 miles (27 km) mountain bike trail.
Peace Maze is open daily from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm. Learn more about this maze on the official website here: Website
Hampton Court Palace Maze, Surrey
This maze was commissioned by William III around 1700, making it the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK. It is located in the same land as Hampton Court Palace, as the name suggests. The format of the maze is what's called a puzzle maze, making it particularly difficult. But there is also a method said to be the key to acing this one in a breeze: you simply turn to the left as you enter, and stay to the left through dead ends. What do you think? Will this trick work?
Starting December 27 through January 2, Hampton Court Palace Maze will be open daily from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Between January 8 through February 11, it's open only from Wednesday to Sunday. Learn more about this maze on the official website here: Website.
