Amazing Locations in games. (Location related spoilers possible)

So I was reading this other post about the best WII game of the year, which made me think about Xenoblade Chronicles. One of the things that impressed me so much in that game were the outdoor environments, giant jungles, waterfalls, a sea and all of them fully explorable (and backed up with some nice music as well). The two things that maybe struck me most were the swamp that lights up at night, and the huge inhabited tree. For me, it really adds to the immersion of a game if they go through the extra effort of making these sorts of locations come alive. I was wondering what games you guys think have some impressive locations. They don't necessarily have to be new games, nostalgia is fine too. :)

Pretty much anything in Uncharted games is breathtaking and gorgeous. Skyrim's landscapes have some very beautiful locations. Especially Markarth which gives off a Rivendell vibe, but made by dwarves. It's super neat.

i'm going to go for unique and beautiful, rather than just beautiful or amazing.

The Polyhedron in Pathologic, that thing is just awe inspiring. a large amount of locations in The Void, SMT3: Nocturne had some amazing areas as well (the area with the three pyramids, the tower of kagutsuchi), Facade and the Aerie from Nier

@MikkaQ said:

Especially Markarth which gives off a Rivendell vibe, but made by dwarves. It's super neat.

I agree, Markath is particularly impressive as a city.

Standing on top of the throat of the world (it can be done!) with clear skies is also a recommendation. :)

I liked the Karanas in Everquest haha Well I didn't like them at all, but they were cool.

i can't help but think especially the first areas of Brütal Legend. Those swords and what not was truly great and really set the tune (wich the game kind of failed to follow up on, but that's another discussion).

The Tibetan village in Uncharted 2. Not only was it beautiful, but having that kind of break in the game was such a departure from what I was expecting that it totally caught me off guard.

Ash Lake. Considering you have to bust down two hidden walls to find your way down a giant oak tree to even know it exists made it even more mysterious. (Dark Souls)