Buzz
Once the 'great re-opening' finally arrives, we can all look forward to the revival of international travel. In the meantime, why not get ahead of the game and plan a delightfully eccentric European adventure? That’s a rhetorical question, by the way...
From enchanted highways to vampire protection rituals, gods of beer to quirky little pockets of America, Europe is brimming with bizarre and fascinating attractions, all ready to welcome tourists once more. Grab this list, book your tickets (when it’s safe), and get ready to explore Europe in a whole new light.
10. Tring Natural History Museum, Tring, England
At first glance, the Tring Natural History Museum may not seem all that strange. It's part of the larger National History Museum based in London, making it a regional branch of one of the world’s most famous institutions. However, it’s far more than just a satellite location. Established in 1889, this museum was originally created to house the private collection of taxidermied animals gathered by Lionel Walter Rothschild (yes, the same Rothschild family linked to banking). Keep your tinfoil hat on… The museum is home to a remarkable collection of Victorian-era exhibits and stands as one of the world’s foremost taxidermy collections.
Not so odd, right? Well, just wait until you see the fleas. The museum’s collection of Mexican fleas, dressed up in tiny outfits, is quite the spectacle... if you peer closely enough, of course. These colorful little critters, once sold as tourist trinkets over a century ago, are certainly on the bizarre side.
So, what would you do with these flea curiosities after purchasing them—invite guests to inspect them through a giant spyglass? Yep, that’s exactly what was expected (probably after a dinner party fueled by some laudanum-laced absinthe, too). Now you can visit Tring and see a vast collection of these strange items. Goodness, the things people used to find entertaining, right? Ok, maybe things haven’t changed all that much.
9. The Magic Hill, Dundalk, Ireland
Any place with ‘magic’ in its name seems destined to be underwhelming—probably just a dull kids' theme park with slow rides and washed-up performers in tacky costumes. But The ‘Magic Hill’ in Ireland defies that expectation. It’s wonderfully weird.
Located in the countryside beyond Dundalk, in County Louth, Ireland, this road appears to defy physics. Depending on which direction you're traveling, cars left in neutral (with the parking brake off) will mysteriously start rolling uphill. The phenomenon baffled scientists until Dr. Eoghan Sweeny-O’Connor from Trinity College Dublin’s ‘Department of Celtic Sciences’ proposed that the unusual effect is caused by the combination of residual magical energies from a nearby leprechaun colony and the gasses occasionally released by passing banshees, which together reverse the laws of physics.
Or, if you haven’t been inspired to write a listicle while sipping on a bottle of Black Bush whiskey, it could simply be an optical illusion; the landscape surrounding the road is sloped in such a way that it tricks your eyes into thinking the road does too. In reality, the road gently slopes in the opposite direction, creating the effect. Still, if you ever find yourself in Dundalk with some spare time, why not park your car in neutral* and enjoy a ride up and down the Magic Hill? And don’t forget to shout 'Weeeee!' as you do—it’s a cherished Irish tradition, and therefore, a must.
*WARNING – Be prepared to get rear-ended by at least one tractor while performing this stunt.
8. Dining and Touring on the Bustronome, Paris, France
Paris is certainly not lacking in fine dining spots, but the main drawback of the city's fantastic restaurants is that they don’t exactly move. Enter the Bustronome, a mobile dining experience that allows you to explore the city while savoring dishes like pan-seared beef cheeks with carrots, followed by a refreshing lemon and meringue intermezzo—all at once… the views and the food, of course, not the beef and meringue together.
You’ll be cruising around the ‘City of Light’ in a transformed double-decker bus, enjoying a six-course tasting menu (or four courses for lunch bookings), accompanied by soothing music and the iconic sights of Paris. The roof has been made entirely transparent, creating the sensation of dining on a cruise ship, gently gliding through one of the world’s most famous cities. Bon Appétit!
7. Mini Hollywood, Tabernas, Spain
What could be more surprising than the fact that Spain is home to Europe’s only sandy desert? Well, perhaps the existence of an amusement park with a Wild West-style town plopped right in the middle of it.
This theme park has a fascinating history—back in the days of the ‘Spaghetti Westerns’ (the 1960s), the site was used to film iconic classics such as Sergio Leone’s ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ and ‘A Few Dollars More’. It also hosted the far less memorable ‘A Town Called Mercy’ episode from the rebooted ‘Doctor Who’ series in 2012.
The park offers a variety of live-action stunt events daily—including bank heists, gunfights, and even a re-enactment of the death of infamous Old West outlaw Jesse James. There's also a zoo, a swimming pool, and a play barn for the little ones. And, for parents, a saloon to unwind in. No opium dens or brothels here; the historical accuracy only goes so far, it seems.
6. Spreuerhofstraße, Reutlingen, Germany
There are plenty of streets in major cities around the world where taking a deep breath and holding it might be a wise choice due to the polluted and unsanitary conditions. However, in Reutlingen, a charming medieval town in Baden-Württemberg, there’s a street that demands a breath for an entirely different reason—it’s just 31cm (12.3 inches) wide. This narrow passageway was constructed in 1727 as part of a city rebuild after a fire had devastated much of it the year before. A more practical city planner might have avoided building such a tiny lane, but, well, it exists.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this is the narrowest street in the world. However, there is a street in France, ‘L’Andouno’ in Gassin, that measures 29cm at its narrowest point. Yet, a shiny, official almanac has awarded the title of narrowest to the German street, so that’s the one you should visit… just make sure you don’t indulge in too many steins of beer and bratwursts before attempting to squeeze through.
5. Rynek Underground, Kraków, Poland
An underground museum with cutting-edge light projections on smoke? Count me in. A preserved cemetery with an exhibit dedicated to anti-vampire burial practices? Uh… how many stairs do I have to climb back out?
Your entry to this fascinating museum is far from flashy—a simple, unassuming door. But as you descend, you’re greeted by a mesmerizing short film projected onto a wall of smoke that offers an introduction to the site and its rich history. Now that’s more like it!
The exhibits blend cutting-edge technology with history, featuring touchscreens and holograms at every turn. This futuristic approach stands in stark contrast to the fact that you're not in a conventional museum—you're exploring an archaeological dig site, albeit a very stylishly presented one. The space is vast and dimly lit, so older visitors or families with young children might want to think twice before entering. But if you're into medieval history, have aspirations like Van Helsing, or dream of being the next Indiana Jones, this place is perfect for you.
Nestled in one of Europe's most breathtaking cities, this unique museum offers a refreshing twist to your urban getaway. A delicious meal, awe-inspiring architecture, and a graveyard experience designed to fend off vampires—all part of the fun. Not quite a visit to the Louvre, but it certainly brings a lot to the table.
4. Fekete Sas Patikamúzeum, Székesfehérvár, Hungary
Transitioning from a subterranean site to a historical treasure located right in the middle of a regular Hungarian street: In 1688, just after Hungary's liberation from the Ottoman Empire, the very first 'modern' pharmacist opened his shop in Székesfehérvár. This 'modern' pharmacist was a far cry from those who used chicken entrails to treat plague. The pharmacy passed through various hands over the centuries, operating until 1971.
In the years that followed, the shop was handed over to the King István Museum. It was carefully restored, with the stunning Baroque wood carvings being meticulously repaired, and the collection of historical pharmaceutical artifacts displayed for all to admire. As you wander through the space, you can't help but wonder if some of the last patients in Hungary were treated with powdered mummy before being sent off with a prescription for tuberculosis.
This place is truly breathtaking, offering a glimpse into a forgotten era – a world transitioning from medieval times into the age of enlightenment.
3. The Altar of Ragutis, Vilnius, Lithuania
Beer holds a divine status for many today, and it seems this reverence dates back to the ancient Lithuanians. In fact, Vilnius still hosts a small park dedicated to the Beer God, Ragutis. Interestingly, he’s not the only beer god in Baltic paganism – there are two others. Cheers to that!
While not the flashiest stop on this list, after a night out in Vilnius sampling its finest brews, you might find yourself stumbling to this altar to offer thanks to the god who made it all possible. Just be cautious when lighting your candle – especially if you’ve spilled half your drink on your sweater along the way. Ragutis might get a bit fiery if his offerings aren't quite up to par.
2. Statue of Bill Clinton, Bill Clinton Boulevard, Pristina, Kosovo
Not impressed by a Wild West theme park and a randomly placed Lady Liberty? How about a massive statue of the greatest president the United States has ever had (according to several studies conducted by experts at the Clinton Foundation)?
If over-the-top, emotional displays of patriotism aren’t your style, perhaps poorly made statues of celebrities will satisfy your quirky tastes. Take Blackpool, England for example: not just known for its tower, beach, or theme park, but for ‘Louis Tussaud’s House of Wax,’ a museum that serves up some of the most hilariously awful wax figures you’ll ever see. But, rather than continue the tradition, they’ve embraced ‘realistic’ statues, and this one in Kosovo fits that wonderfully odd bill. It looks nothing like the person it’s supposed to represent, and that’s what makes it perfect.
1. The Visnes Statue of Liberty, Karmoy, Norway
This is the ideal spot if you adore classic Americana but also value clean air—or perhaps you just aren’t fond of bagels. Nestled near the village of Visnes in Norway’s frosty north, you’ll find a mini version of Lady Liberty. God bless, uh, Norway!
So, why is this tiny replica of Lady Liberty located near a remote village in northern Europe? Was Abraham Lincoln particularly fond of pickled herring? Did Martin Luther King Jr. cheer for Tromsø football club? Was Donald Trump secretly born in Bergen (hey, run with that one, conspiracy theorists—it’d make for a great story)?
The truth, though still intriguing, is far less exciting. For decades, it was rumored that the copper used to craft the Statue of Liberty came from a French-owned mine nearby. However, during the centennial celebrations of the statue, researchers revealed that the copper had indeed been sourced from the Visnes mine. By 1986, tests on copper samples from the statue confirmed its origins in Norway.
