Europe is home to some of the most fascinating and peculiar destinations that will intrigue, surprise, and even spook you. If you’re looking for unusual and offbeat places to explore, here’s a list of the weirdest spots to visit in Europe.
Exploring Europe’s weirdest places adds a unique twist to your travels and offers stories you’ll never forget.
Tips for Visiting Weird Places
Check Accessibility: Some places may require advance booking or guided tours.
Go with an Open Mind: Many of these destinations are unconventional and may challenge your expectations.
Learn the Backstory: Understanding the history or purpose behind these places enhances the experience.
Plan for Photos: These destinations are Instagram gold—bring your camera!
Respect the Culture: Many of these locations have deep cultural or spiritual significance.
Read Here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Weirdest Places to Visit in Europe
1. Sedlec Ossuary (The Bone Church) – Czech Republic
What It Is:
A small chapel decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people, arranged into chandeliers, altars, and wall designs.
Where:
Kutná Hora, about an hour from Prague.
Why It’s Weird:
The eerie yet artistic use of human bones makes it both macabre and fascinating.
Must-See:
The bone chandelier and the coat of arms made entirely from bones.
2. Catacombs of Paris – France
What It Is:
A labyrinth of tunnels beneath Paris containing the skeletal remains of over six million people.
Where:
Paris, France.
Why It’s Weird:
The sheer scale of the underground ossuary is chilling yet mesmerizing.
Must-See:
The sections of walls stacked neatly with skulls and femurs.
3. The Crooked Forest – Poland
What It Is:
A grove of 400 pine trees with bizarrely bent trunks, growing in a consistent curve near the base.
Where:
Gryfino, West Pomerania.
Why It’s Weird:
No one knows exactly why the trees grow this way—speculations range from human intervention to natural phenomena.
Must-See:
The perfectly bent tree trunks that form a surreal, otherworldly forest.
4. The Upside-Down House – Poland
What It Is:
A house built entirely upside down, including the furniture and décor inside.
Where:
Szymbark, Poland.
Why It’s Weird:
Walking through the house can make you feel disoriented due to the topsy-turvy design.
Must-See:
The living room ceiling that serves as the floor.
5. Goblin Park (Parco dei Mostri) – Italy
What It Is:
A 16th-century garden filled with giant stone statues of grotesque monsters and mythical creatures.
Where:
Bomarzo, Italy.
Why It’s Weird:
The surreal and creepy sculptures create a dreamlike (or nightmarish) experience.
Must-See:
The “Mouth of Hell” sculpture, which is large enough to walk into.
6. Museum of Broken Relationships – Croatia
What It Is:
A museum dedicated to failed relationships, showcasing objects and stories donated by people from around the world.
Where:
Zagreb, Croatia.
Why It’s Weird:
The exhibits range from funny to heartbreaking, offering a unique perspective on love and loss.
Must-See:
The “toaster of vengeance” and handwritten breakup letters.
7. Door to Hell – Turkmenistan
What It Is:
A giant, fiery crater that has been burning for decades due to a collapsed natural gas field.
Where:
Darvaza, Turkmenistan (not technically Europe but near the edge).
Why It’s Weird:
It looks like a portal to the underworld, glowing ominously at night.
Must-See:
The fiery pit from a safe distance, especially after sunset.
8. The Island of Dolls – Mexico
What It Is:
An eerie collection of old, decaying dolls hanging from trees on an island.
Where:
Canal del Xochimilco, near Mexico City.
Why It’s Weird:
The unsettling sight of weathered dolls creates an atmosphere of unease.
Must-See:
The main tree adorned with dozens of doll heads.
9. Hill of Crosses – Lithuania
What It Is:
A hill covered in over 200,000 crosses of all sizes, left by pilgrims over the years.
Where:
Near Šiauliai, Lithuania.
Why It’s Weird:
The sheer number of crosses creates a haunting yet spiritual experience.
Must-See:
The intricately carved crosses and religious symbols.
10. Karni Mata Temple (Temple of Rats) – Austria (original in India)
What It Is:
While the rat temple itself is in India, Europe’s fascination with its replica temples in museums and cultural exhibitions is eerie.
Where:
Vienna, Austria.
Why It’s Weird:
Rats are revered and considered sacred, often seen freely roaming these spaces.
Must-See:
The rat replicas and historical explanations.
11. The Magic Mushroom House – Netherlands
What It Is:
A house designed to look like it popped out of a fairy tale, with mushroom-like architecture.
Where:
Drenthe, Netherlands.
Why It’s Weird:
The whimsical and surreal design makes it feel like stepping into a fantasy world.
Must-See:
The intricate mushroom-shaped roofs and creative interiors.
12. Canary Wharf’s Hidden Dinosaur Park – UK
What It Is:
A park filled with life-sized dinosaur sculptures hidden in a modern urban setting.
Where:
Canary Wharf, London.
Why It’s Weird:
The juxtaposition of prehistoric creatures against a modern cityscape is bizarre and fun.
Must-See:
The T-Rex and pterodactyl sculptures.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.