Although smaller than several other continents, Europe nonetheless has a lot of unusual and undiscovered treasures. Although it was difficult to decide because each location felt deserving of a spot in the top 10, we picked our favorites. Therefore, we list the top 10 most peculiar locations in Europe in the text that follows.
1. Tinto River, Spain
In the southwest of Spain, a river called the Rio Tinto passes through the city of Huelva. The question “why is some river that special” is undoubtedly running through your mind. The river’s name, which translates to “painted” in Spanish, derives from its brick-red hue.
For many years, the land next to the river served as a copper, gold, and other metal mine. After so many years of mining, the river contained significant amounts of dissolved iron. The effect is that the water is very acidic.
2. Kjeragbolten, Norway
A beautiful illustration of how random and magical nature can be. In Norway’s Rogaland County, there is a mountain rock called Kjeragbolten. At a height of 984 meters, the boulder is “placed” between two cliffs, giving the impression that you are floating.
Kjeragbolten is not just a highly well-liked tourist destination, but it is also a favorite location for base jumpers. The journey there can be fairly difficult, especially the mountain ascent, where some sections call for climbing gear. But all your effort will be rewarded once you arrive. Recall not to look down when admiring the view from the cliff!
3. Hum, Croatia
The title of the smallest town in the world belongs to Hum, which is located in Croatia on the Istrian peninsula. Since its founding in the eleventh century, this “town” has essentially not changed. According to the 2011 census, Hum has just two streets and 30 inhabitants. Despite being small, Hum is renowned for its exclusive mistletoe schnapps.
In actuality, all Istrian brandy producers congregate in Hum during a fair at the end of October every year. Visitors can sample many brands of brandy there. The Glagolitic Alley, which links the towns of Roc and Hum, is another attraction close to Hum. It is actually an 11-monument road that is 7 kilometers long, with the City Gates of Hum being the last of the monuments.
4. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
A natural preserve called The Giant’s Causeway is close to Bushmills in Northern Ireland. This natural wonder, made up of almost 40 000 basalt columns, is unlike any other in the entire globe. The odd shape of the columns is another reason why the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is a local myth regarding the origin of these rocks, despite the fact that they are, in fact, the product of a volcanic eruption. The name comes from a tale that claims a giant constructed the rocks. Causeway Tourist Center first welcomed guests in 1986. There, you can exchange money, acquire helpful site information, and purchase souvenirs.
5. Popeye Village, Malta
This so-called “village” didn’t even exist over 40 years ago. Disney Productions then made the decision to use the area close to Mellieha as a set for a Popeye musical movie. What follows is history. It’s interesting to note that the development of the fabled Popeye Village, or Sweethaven as some prefer to name it, was influenced by the well-known comics of E.C. Segar.
Popeye returns to this area in particular in the hopes of locating his father. This strange town in the south is now a well-liked family amusement area. In reality, you can run into people like Wimpy, Popeye, and Olive. Additionally, you can take a boat tour around the village bay or attend a variety of daily performances. The only activity not included in the 16€ entrance cost at Popeye Village is food. You also receive a complimentary glass of wine at the door!
6. Green Lake, Austria
One of the most stunning lakes in Europe is Green Lake, sometimes referred to as Grüner See in German. It’s well-known for two things. First off, the water is an emerald green crystal. But that is not the reason it merited a position on our list of peculiar locations in Europe. It evaporates every summer because of the high temperatures, then re-fills with water in the spring.
Additionally, its waters are supplied by snowmelt from the Hochschwab Mountains. Scuba divers who used to tour the underwater park frequented Green Lake as well. In fact, you could see trails and benches! But regrettably, in order to stop pollution, the government forbade diving and all other water sports in 2016.
7. Giethoorn, the Netherlands
What would you say if you had to live somewhere with no roads whatsoever? Seems to be impossible, no? Well, not for the people who live in the enchanted village of Giethoorn in the Dutch province of Overijssel. Built entirely on tiny islands connected by canals and more than 180 wooden bridges, this peculiar location in Europe is untypical. Giethoorn, sometimes known as the Dutch Venice, has long been a popular tourist destination. In the strange village, boat cruises are a routine part of the day.
Additionally, there are canal-side walking paths on each island. Visit Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus Museum without fail. There, you can observe how life was a few centuries ago in Giethoorn. Overall, we can all agree that it is a fantastic destination.
8. Pamukkale, Turkey
Okay, so it’s not technically in the “European” section of Turkey, but it still merits a spot on this list. Yet another natural reserve that makes people wonder, “How can something like this exist?” is Pamukkale, often known as Cotton Castle. One of the most popular tourist destinations in this nation is this natural area in Denizli, Turkey.
Pamukkale is well-known for its thermal springs and terraces made of white travertine. Hot springs have temperatures that range from 35 °C to boiling 100 °C. The majority of them, meanwhile, are inaccessible to tourists. Only shallow pools are accessible to tourists, and shoes are not allowed anywhere. To stop the springs from becoming contaminated, this regulation was put in effect.
9. Mont Saint Michel, France
One of France’s most well-known monuments is this distinctive fortified “town” on an island. More than three million tourists choose to travel to Mont Saint Michel each year. The Mont is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or more specifically, its bay. It’s interesting to note that in the past, only an ebbing tide allowed access to the island. Today, a bridge joins it to the mainland, nevertheless.
Additionally, the Benedictine abbey atop the island’s hill serves as the destination’s principal draw. Visit the Museum of History as well, which has a vast collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, and weapons. Or, explore former jails and cells (Louis XI’s reign saw Mont Saint Michel utilized as a prison). Make sure to allow time for souvenir shopping and a stop for a delectable crêpe.
10. Holy Trinity Monastery, Kalambaka, Greece
Probably the strangest monastery you’ll ever see is this Eastern Orthodox one. It automatically earned a spot on our list of the ten most unique locations in Europe. The alleged meteora stones are the foundation of Holy Trinity Monastery. Actually, there are several monasteries in Greece that are similar to Holy Trinity Monastery. There are actually six other meteora monasteries throughout the nation.
The monks thought that by following this trend, they would be closer to God, and it became quite popular in the 14th and 15th centuries. The monastery is accessible to visitors by either climbing stairs. A cable car can also be used to bridge the gorge between the two cliffs after traveling by road on the nearby cliff.
