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There are very few countries in the world that don’t have some sort of legend or connection with dragons. With so many legends, so many stories, and depictions of dragons, it is odd that they are regarded as mythical creatures. How can countries so far apart on this earth come up with the same creature, with virtually the same look and the same behavior, if dragons never existed except in our imagination?
People are fascinated by dragons for their blend of danger and mystery. These mythical creatures symbolize power, often representing both chaos and wisdom. Across cultures, they embody our deepest fears and desires, sparking imaginations with their fiery breath and majestic scales. Dragons captivate us with their timeless allure, stirring tales of heroism and magic.
I personally love a good dragon, having been born under the Dragon sign in the Chinese Zodiac, and if I could have a pet dragon (a little one, mind you), then I sure would. And I firmly believe that at some time in some place, dragons existed. Yes, they might have been misunderstood dinosaurs (just look up a picture of the pterodactyl Dimorphodon macronyx) and whether they actually breathed fire and ate princesses is still unproven, but the following locations seem to be on my side when it comes to believing in dragons.
Here are some great destinations to get a dragon fix.
Where Do Dragons Live? | 9 Places To Look For Them
Calais, France
Let’s start with one of the most amazing dragons of them all: one that is actually dragon-sized, standing 33 feet tall, 82 feet long, with a wingspan of more than 55 feet. It walks and moves as you would imagine a dragon does, and you can take him for a ride. The brainchild of the Machines de l’Ile in Nantes, the Calais dragon is a mechanical wonder, just like the Nantes elephant, that is nearly too real to be called a fairground creature.
Pro Tip: When you are in Calais, make sure you see Rodin’s Burghers of Calais sculpture in front of the pretty Town Hall.
Wales
In the UK, you will find a proud dragon country — Wales. Here there is The legend of not just one dragon, but two: one white and one red. Wales’s lore depicts the two dragons fighting and the red one winning, so you will find it difficult to hurry about the country without bumping into a (red) dragon. Dragons are sold in souvenir shops, sit by ancient castles, hang around in King Arthur’s Labyrinth, and are featured on the national flag.
Pro Tip: For those traveling with grandchildren or simply those young of heart, you can download an app that allows you to catch dragons in Wales.
Hue, Vietnam
The Imperial city of Hue in central Vietnam had me spellbound with all the different dragons to be found in the vast Imperial Citadel. There are dragons at every corner within the more than six-mile-long walls surrounding the historic sites. They appear on roofs, by doors, on incense pots, on temples — and every single one seems to be different from the other. This place is a dragon enthusiast’s paradise.
Pro Tip: When in Hue, don’t miss the chance to cruise down the Perfume River, it is a magical experience.
Komodo Island, Indonesia
There is a place in the world where real dragons still exist – Komodo Dragons. In the designated UNESCO Komodo National Park on Komodo Island, one of 17,500 odd islands of Indonesia, you can get up close and personal with the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon, on a guided tour.
Pro Tip: The Komodo Dragon is an endangered species due to its rather special way of breeding, so please donate to the national park, if you can.
Hong Kong and China
In China and Hong Kong, dragons are a big affair and always have been. They are featured in legends and myths, superstitions, on MahJong tiles, on Dragon boats, and as Chinese Zodiac signs. Even the weather is ruled by Chinese dragons. There is no celebration where a dragon dance isn’t performed. They appear in various shapes and forms, usually with a big head and a long, colorful serpentine body. Mythology relates that a carp that jumped over the Dragon Gate atop a waterfall turned into one of the Chinese dragons. Despite being a tall tale, many believe the Jiulong Waterfall is that waterfall.
Pro Tip: On 10 February 2024, the dragon is destined to rule the year ahead according to the Chinese calendar. If you’re a fan of dragons, mark this day on your calendar and travel somewhere where the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
Oslo, Norway
The Vikings knew a thing or two about dragons. If you believe the lovely, animated film How to Train your Dragon (2010), they even flew them. But seriously, when you dig into Norway’s Viking history and Norse mythology, you will find dragons mentioned everywhere, and they do not tend to be as cute as the animated ones. From the intricate figurehead in the Viking Ship Museum to jewelry, and decorations on buildings, be on the lookout for them when visiting Norway.
Pro Tip: For a more modern depiction of a dragon, visit the amazing Ringebu Stave Church some 150 miles north of Oslo, which has the sleek dragon sculpture in the park.
Bhutan
Wales is not alone in featuring a dragon on its flag. So does Bhutan. In this Himalayan country, the mythical Druk, or Thunder Dragon, is the national symbol and appears everywhere. The country is called Land of the Thunder Dragon, or Kingdom of Druk, and he’s part of the national anthem. Despite his fearful name, he is actually rather cute. The legend purports that thunder echoing through the mountains is actually the dragon roaring.
Pro Tip: Bhutan is still one of those places that is difficult to access, so maybe go as part of a tour to make it less stressful.
8. Malta
Saint George is one of the most revered saints in the Maltese islands, and the legend of St George slaying the dragon with seven heads has been recounted to generation after generation.
Legend has it that St. Julian in St. George’s Bay was the home of a great serpent-like beast, which terrorized the island’s residents. In honor of the saint who slew the mythical creature, the Maltese decided to name the bay after St. George.
Pro Tip: Even though there are no sea serpents in St. Julians today, there remains a spectacular, well-preserved Dragonara Cave that is a must-see attraction.
9. Australia’s Rainbow Serpents
Although not technically dragons, many Aboriginal Australian cultures feature Rainbow serpents in their worship and mythology. The earliest representations of Rainbow Serpents are found in rock art in Central Australia and the Western Desert. Related religious beliefs are believed to be at least 6000 years old.
There are many Dreaming stories about rainbow serpents, and not all agree about their nature and characteristics. Common descriptions tend to depict these entities as creator deities associated with water and air. There may be a single rainbow serpent or many according to regional beliefs.
FAQs
When Did Mythological Dragons Start Appearing in Stories?
Draconic creatures first appeared in the myths and stories of the ancient Near East and ancient Mesopotamian art and literature. The story about a storm-god, a mythical creature slaying giant serpents occurs in nearly all Eastern and Indo-European mythologies.
Where Can Dragons Be Found Today?
The Komodo Dragon is the world’s largest species of dragon found only in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. You can get up close and personal with a Komodo Dragon on a guided tour.
Are Fire-Breathing Dragons Real?
No creatures on Earth can breathe fire. However, in most stories and myths, dragons breathe fire, though Chinese three-toed dragons and four-toed dragons don’t. One theory to explain a fire-breathing dragon is that it’s a similar process to human burping. The flying dragons of Southeast Asia are perhaps the closest creatures to resembling dragons.
What Cultures Are Dragons Part Of?
Dragons have been seen in many cultures around the world, but the two most distinct types have arisen over the years: the European dragons and the Chinese dragons. In medieval Europe, dragons were usually depicted as breathing fire, while in Chinese culture they are portrayed as giant snakes and ancient serpents.
Are Dragons Depicted as Good or Evil?
Eastern dragons like the Chinese dragon are mostly benevolent creatures that help people a lot, while Western dragons are almost always described as evil, greedy, fire-breathing beasts living in dark caverns, mountain lairs, or dense forests.
