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The European Alps are a breathtaking blend of awe and grandeur. With their shimmering snowy summits, vibrant ski destinations, and enchanting mountain villages, this region is a paradise. However, beyond the idyllic scenery and cheesy delicacies, the Alps harbor some truly bizarre—and occasionally eerie—secrets.
From eccentric celebrations to chilling ghost tales and spine-tingling tourist spots, the Alps offer more than just scenic hikes and ski slopes. The peculiarities are endless, and they’re utterly captivating!
Curious about the top 10 strangest attractions in the Alps and their locations? Let’s explore and uncover the mysteries!
10. Step into the Void
For thrill-seekers and those unbothered by heights, one of the Alps' latest and most terrifying attractions could be your next adventure.
Step into the Void—a name that sets the tone—is a viewing deck located on the top terrace of Aiguille Du Midi, close to the famed ski resort of Chamonix in the French Alps.
Sitting at an elevation of 12,650 feet (3.85 kilometers), it’s hailed as Europe’s highest tourist spot. Carefully walk onto the transparent glass floor and gaze down at the vast emptiness beneath your feet.
Offering stunning vistas of the Bossons Glacier and some of the tallest peaks in the Western Alps, this experience is unforgettable—provided you can muster the courage to keep your eyes open!
9. The White Lady
This tale shares similarities with the fairytale Rapunzel but takes a far darker turn. A stunning woman and her infant are imprisoned in a tower by her envious knight husband. Whenever he departs, he locks them away to prevent others from admiring her beauty.
One fateful day, the husband returns in a particularly foul mood and hurls his wife from the tower. Instead of meeting her end in the waters below, legend has it that God transformed her into a white statue, granting her eternal life.
Locals claim that the White Lady can occasionally be seen wandering the area in search of her lost son. A tale both heartbreaking and eerie.
8. Combats de Reines, Valais
Beyond the folklore and towering mountain peaks, the Alps are home to lively communities, each with unique traditions and celebrations. One such event in the Swiss region of Valais is the Combats de Reines. This annual festival features cow fights—yes, you heard correctly.
The competition involves significant betting, with farmers vying for prestige and the chance to compete in the finals held at Martigny’s Roman amphitheater. It’s an extraordinary spectacle that must be witnessed to be fully appreciated.
The event takes place from March to October, avoiding the bustling ski season.
7. Devil’s Bridge, Schöllenen Gorge
Returning to the realm of mysteries, we venture to Switzerland’s Canton of Uri in the Alps, home to the ominously named Devil’s Bridge. Perched above Schöllenen Gorge, this bridge comes with a spine-chilling tale!
Long ago, locals needed access to the crucial St. Gotthard Pass across the gorge. Facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge, they turned to the devil for assistance.
The devil demanded the soul of the first being to cross the newly built bridge. Cleverly, the locals sent a goat across first, outwitting the devil. Enraged, the devil prepared to destroy the bridge with a massive rock but hesitated for reasons unknown. Seizing the moment, a woman placed a cross on the bridge, driving the devil away.
Even today, the devil’s rock remains visible near the bridge.
6. Krampuslaufen, Austrian Alps
Returning to peculiar festivals with a supernatural edge, you might be familiar with Krampus, the sinister Alpine counterpart to Santa. But did you know there’s an entire festival dedicated to him in the Austrian Alps?
Held annually on December 5th, the Krampus Run, or Krampuslaufen, transforms the streets into a chaotic spectacle. Locals don horns and terrifying masks, aiming to frighten children into good behavior throughout the year. It’s a far more intense approach than Santa’s naughty or nice list.
This festival blends fun and fright, drawing parallels to Halloween while incorporating festive elements, creating a unique and thrilling experience.
5. Blood Snow
While this might sound like a supernatural event or a folktale, the reality behind the growing occurrence of blood snow in the Alps is even more alarming. It’s a direct consequence of climate change, and witnessing it without prior knowledge can be quite unsettling.
The phenomenon is caused by a particular species of microscopic algae that thrives in Alpine snow. Normally green due to chlorophyll, these algae produce a red-pigmented shield when exposed to excessive solar radiation, protecting the chlorophyll beneath. This gives the snow a blood-red appearance.
The long-term impact is significant: the darkened snow absorbs more heat instead of reflecting it, as white snow typically does. This exacerbates global warming, accelerates snow and ice melt, and intensifies climate change. A truly alarming situation.
4. The Fairies of Val Gerina
The Swiss Alps are renowned for their stunning landscapes, but the tale of the Fairies of Val Gerina suggests that the most lush and picturesque valley was lost due to the foolishness of one man.
The story begins with an elderly man who daily carried a pail of milk up a mountain. He would leave it there, only to find it empty the next day—no explanation. Eventually, his son, Pietro, grew curious. He followed his father, but nothing unusual occurred at the summit.
Upon returning home, they discovered their prized goat had died. The father then revealed that he had been feeding the fairies, who in return offered their protection. Since Pietro’s presence prevented the fairies from drinking, this was the consequence.
Years later, Pietro met a girl and gifted her a beautiful stone. Desiring more, he sought the fairies’ help. Following the legend, he entered their cave and recited a blood spell. Unfortunately, the fairies disapproved, causing the cave to collapse and taking the entire valley with it. Did it truly exist? Visit Switzerland and judge for yourself.
3. Hornschlittenrennen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Who wouldn’t enjoy watching adults speed down a frosty slope on a small sled? This thrilling event occurs annually on January 6th in the German Alps. It’s not uncommon to see participants fall off or tumble down the mountainside after hitting icy patches or losing control.
Despite the risks, it’s an entertaining and quirky festival where spectators can laugh and gasp at the daring stunts and mishaps, often while enjoying a large mug of Bavarian beer.
2. The Water Maidens, Italian Alps
Traveling to the Italian Alps, you’ll likely encounter stunning Alpine lakes. Near Valsassina lies the legend of the Water Maidens—nymphs who appear as enchanting women.
One evening, a farmer heard a commotion and discovered a young nymph stealing cheese from his cellar. Captivated by her beauty, he vowed to keep her true identity hidden. They eventually married and had a child together.
Eventually, the husband grew angry and revealed his wife’s nymph identity to his friends. Enraged by the broken promise, the woman cursed both her husband and son, ensuring that any of their descendants would be born with hooves and never marry.
When the son married and his wife desired children, he decided to break the curse by leaping off a cliff. Locals claim his mournful cries can still be heard.
1. Cow Pat Festival, Riederalp
Given the Alps’ reputation for dairy, it’s no surprise cows play a significant role. In the small village of Riederalp in Swiss Valais—home to cow-fighting festivals—you can experience a truly bizarre event centered around cow dung.
The village’s 500 residents gather in the fields with 17,000 cow patties to fertilize the higher pastures often overlooked naturally. It’s a unique and messy celebration where everyone pitches in to help the land.
