Top 10 Most Unusual Places in Europe

Have you ever been to the smallest town in the world? Or seen a lake which during summer becomes a park? Or perhaps walked the footsteps of the giants and admired their mythical work? There are many unusual places in Europe, some more famous than others.

Although Europe is small compared to some other continents, it still boasts many unique and hidden gems. Although it’s difficult to choose, and each place feels deserving of the top 10, we have chosen our favorites.

So, in the following text we give you the top 10 most unusual places in Europe. We hope some of them will make you pack your bags and visit these wonders of nature!

1) Tinto River, Spain

The Rio Tinto is a river that flows through the city of Huelva in southwest of Spain. You’re probably thinking “why is some river that special”. Well, the name of the river actually means “painted” in Spanish and owes it to its brick-red colour. The area along the river was for centuries a mine of copper, gold and other metals. After so many years of mining, high levels of iron dissolved in the river. As a result, the water is extremely acidic.

2) Kjeragbolten, Norway

A perfect example of how nature is truly magical and unpredictable. Kjeragbolten is a mountain rock in Rogaland county in Norway. The boulder is “placed” between two cliffs at an altitude of 984 metres, so you may feel like you’re floating. Besides being a very popular tourist attraction, Kjeragbolten is also one of the favourite spots for base jumping addicts. Getting there can be quite a challenge, especially the mountain climb because some parts require climbing equipment. However, once you get there, all the hard work will pay off. The view from the rock is absolutely amazing, and remember – don’t look down!

3) Hum, Croatia

Hum on the Istrian peninsula in Croatia bears the title of the smallest town in the world. This “town” was established back in 11th century  and since then it has remained almost intact. There are only two streets in Hum and only 30 residents according to 2011 census. Although small in size, Hum is famous for its mistletoe schnapps unique to Hum. In fact, every year at the end of October all Istrian brandy makers gather on a fair in Hum. There, the visitors get to taste different types of brandy. Another attraction near Hum is the Glagolitic Alley ,which connects the town of Roc with Hum. It is actually a 7-kilometre long road with a series of 11 erected monuments, last being the City Gates of Hum.

4) Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway is a natural reserve located in the vicinity of Bushmills, Northern Ireland. This nature’s wonder is unlike any other in the world – it consists of approximately 40 000 basalt columns. Furthermore, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the columns’ rather peculiar shape. Although these rocks are actually the result of a volcanic eruption, there’s a local legend about their origin. According to the legend, it is a giant that built the rocks (hence the name). In 1986, Causeway Tourist Centre opened its door to visitors. There you can get useful information about the site, exchange money and buy souvenirs.

5) Popeye Village, Malta

Nearly 40 years ago, this “village” didn’t even exist. Then, Disney Productions decided to use the site near Mellieha as a film set for a Popeye musical movie. The rest is history. Interestingly, the famous comics of E.C. Segar influenced the construction of the so-called Popeye Village, or Sweethaven as some call it. Particularly, it is a village where Popeye comes back in hope of finding his father. Today, this unusual village in south is a very popular family fun park. In fact, you can meet characters such as Popeye, Olive and Wimpy. Also, you can go on a boat trip around the village bay or watch various shows performed each day. The entrance fee to Popeye Village is 16€ and it includes every activity in the park except food. And, you get a free glass of wine at the entrance!

6) Green Lake, Austria

Also known as Grüner See (in German), Green Lake is one of the most  beautiful lakes in Europe. It is famous for two things. Firstly, its crystal emerald-green water. However, that is not why it deserved a spot in our list of unusual places in Europe. Every summer, due to high temperatures it dries up and fills up with water again in spring. Furthermore, snowmelt from Hochschwab Mountains provides its waters. Also, the Green Lake was a hotspot for scuba divers who used to explore the underwater park. In fact, you could even see benches and trails! But, unfortunately, the authorities prohibited diving or any other kind of water activity in 2016 to prevent pollution.

7) Giethoorn, the Netherlands

What would you say if you needed to live in a place that has no roads at all? Seems impossible, right? Well, not for the inhabitants of the fairytale-like village of Giethoorn, in Dutch province Overijssel. This unusual place in Europe is entirely built on tiny islands connected by canals and over 180 wooden bridges. Popularly called the Dutch Venice, Giethoorn has been attracting tourists for decades.. The usual day in the unusual village consists of regular boat rides. Also, each island has a walking path along the canals. Make sure you visit Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus Museum. There you can see what life in Giethoorn used to look like a few centuries ago. All in all, we can agree on one thing for sure – it truly is an amazing place to visit!

8) Pamukkale, Turkey

Okay, it may not be in “European” part of Turkey, but it certainly deserves to be on this list. Pamukkale, or Cotton Castle, is yet another natural reserve which makes people think: “How can something like this exist?” This natural site in Denizli, Turkey is one of most visited attractions in this country. Pamukkale is famous for its thermal springs and white travertine terraces. The temperature in hot springs ranges from 35 °C up to boiling 100°C. However, most of them are not accessible to tourists. Tourists can only dip their feet in shallow pools and the entire area is shoe-free. This rule was put in place to prevent the pollution of the springs.

9) Mont Saint Michel, France

This unique fortified “town” on an island is one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Each year, more than three million tourists decide to pick Mont Saint Michel as their destination. The Mont or more precisely, its bay – is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interestingly, in the past people could access the island only if there was an ebb tide. However, today a bridge connects it to the mainland. Furthermore, the main attraction on the island is the Benedictine monastery on top of the island hill. Also, visit Museum of History with rich collection of old weapons, paintings and sculptures. Or, discover old prisons and cells (Mont Saint Michel used to a prison during the reign of Louis XI). Make sure you leave some time to do souvenir shopping and grab a delicious crêpe.

10) Holy Trinity Monastery, Kalambaka, Greece

This Eastern Orthodox monastery is probably the most peculiar monastery you’ll ever see. So, naturally, it found its place on our list of the top 10 unusual places in Europe. Holy Trinity Monastery is built on the so-called meteora stones”. Holy Trinity Monastery is not actually the only one of its kind in Greece. In fact,  there are 6 other meteora monasteries in the country. This trend was popular during 14th and 15th centuries, as the monks believed that they would be closer to God. Visitors can reach the monastery either by climbing the stairs. Or by road on the neighboring cliff and then taking a cable-car across the gorge between the two cliffs.