The world is full of attractive sights with little oddities. Some places are so incredible that it’s worth planning a trip for them, while others will be a good addition to the route to another place. Some of the sights are so stupid that they make you wonder how you could install them. When traveling around Europe, you can find many places like this, including original sculptures and bizarre buildings. We have prepared for you several strange and unusual roadside sights of Europe to somewhat alleviate the shock of viewing them.
11 faddish roadside attractions in Europe:
1
Fork (Vevey, Switzerland)
There are thousands of picturesque lakes on our planet, but only one of them sticks out an 8-meter cutlery. This giant fork rises above Lake Geneva, bringing back memories of Lewis Carroll's stories. The fork of Vevey is not just an eccentric attraction, but also a record holder. In 2014, it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest fork in the world.
This object was created in the mid-90s of the last century by the artists Georges Favre and Jean-Pierre Zaug. The opening of the fork was timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the Alimentarium Museum. Why a fork, you ask? Yes, because this museum of the town of Vevey was dedicated to food topics.
The fork is made of stainless steel and is clearly visible from the chairs installed on the lake. We advise you to stock up on snacks, as long-term observation of a huge cutlery can cause a feeling of hunger. Perhaps this is one of the most beautiful and very unusual roadside attractions in Europe.
2
Headington Shark (Oxford, UK)
House # 2 on New High Street in Oxford was perfectly normal until a huge shark made of fiberglass appeared on its roof, which pierced the roof with his head. And although the sculpture looks pretty funny, its installation had a political context.
The fact is that the shark appeared on a house in Headington in 1986, on the 41st anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki. In addition, it was in this year that the Chernobyl accident occurred, and the whole world started talking about the dangers of nuclear energy.
In the first years after installation, local authorities wanted to dismantle the shark, explaining that the sculptor John Buckley did not receive permission to erect it. However, the inhabitants of Oxford opposed its removal or relocation. Today the Headington shark is a cult landmark of the city, which is a must-see for all tourists traveling in the south of England.
By the way, you can find out about the biggest sharks in the world on our website TheBiggest.ru. And about the most powerful bombs, we also have a fascinating article.
3
Tuborgflasken (Hellerup, Denmark)
Leif Jørgensen [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Danes adore the good Pilsner, as evidenced by the giant Tuborg bottle that amazes visitors to Hellerup. The sculpture Tuborgflasken was created for the national exhibition as much as one and a half centuries ago (1888). The huge bottle was later converted into a functional viewing platform, which for some time was transferred to the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen.
After returning to their native penates, the bottle became a symbol of the city and the Tuborg brewery, which has been operating since 1873. Unfortunately, it no longer functions as a viewing platform, but no one will stop you from taking a picture next to a 26-meter bottle of delicious lager.
4
Snail House (Sofia, Bulgaria)
As you understand from the name, this attraction on the outskirts of the Bulgarian capital is made in the form of a huge clam. However, the name does not tell you about the amazing psychedelic color of a snail playing with a riot of colors. Rainbow stripes and bright curls adorn the building on five floors, ranging from a giant shell to tentacles.
It is noteworthy that the Snail House is built exclusively from harmless, environmentally friendly materials. This is not just an extravagant idea of an architect, but a significant contribution to the health of our planet. But one question torments why a snail?
5
Boar Voynich (Sols-Monclin, France)
François GOGLINS [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
Apparently, the world's largest wild boar is not accidental in France, because it was here that many delicacies were born, including pate and many types of sausages. Woinic weighs more than 50 tons and rises above the mustard fields of the Ardenne near the border with Belgium. It stands near the highway, so most travelers do not miss the moment to take a break and take a picture with a hog.
Interestingly, Voynich received his name due to the combination of the names of the sculptor's parents. Eric Sleziak completed work in 2008 at the request of the Ardenne administration. In this French area, boars are considered a symbol of strength and courage. The kid waved up to 8.5 meters at the withers, and Eric took all the work for more than 11 years.
6
Stone House (Fafe, Portugal)
Autor: Feliciano Guimarães / flickr.
If the Flintstones had a country house in a Portuguese village, it would look exactly like Casa do Penedo, which means “Stone House”. This original home was built in the 70s of the XX century, although it really looks like the house of people who lived in the Stone Age. For its construction, 4 huge boulders supporting the walls of the house were needed.
The stone house is located on a hill between the two settlements of Fafi and Celorico de Basto. Despite the fact that it is privately owned, no one can stop you from admiring the building from the road, from where the Casa de Penedo is perfectly visible. Thebiggest editors advise travelers to pay attention to this place.
7
Bulls Osborne (Spain)
As soon as you learn about billboards with the Bull of Osborne, you will begin to notice them all over the Spanish countryside. Advertisements with silhouettes of the national symbol of Spain were installed on high ground along the Spanish motorways in 1956. This advertising campaign was aimed at promoting the brand name Hebrew Veterano, which was produced by Osbourne.
Even today, from the Spanish hills, about a hundred bulls are watching the travelers, who will become silent companions in any journey. It is noteworthy that initially the bulls were not so large, but after the adoption of the law on the distance of all billboards to a distance of 125 meters, it was decided to increase the bulls. This made it possible not to lose buyers and acquire an original attraction.
8
Kelpy (Granjemouth, Scotland)
Twin horse heads, symbolizing the spirit of Kelpie, guard the Clyde and Fort canals in Scottish Granjemouth. This spirit came to us from Scottish mythology. He is described by an evil creature that changes shape and lives in water. Often he appears in the form of a horse, inviting travelers to climb onto his back, after which he drags people into the water.
The installation was created by local sculptor Andy Scott. Head height is 30 meters, and it is best to look at them in the dark, when an ominous bright red backlight turns on. If this is your first time traveling around Scotland, head to the Falkirk area, where you will see Kelpie figures. They will be approximately 45 minutes drive from both metropolitan Edinburgh and industrial Glasgow.
9
Hill of Crosses (Šiauliai, Lithuania)
The Mountain of Crosses is a must-see place for all travelers, regardless of whether you are going to Lithuania. This is an ancient sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage for believers who establish crosses, crucifixes and other Catholic symbols there for at least 200 years (according to another version, the age of the Mountain of Crosses is much more solid). It is interesting that personally the Roman Couple John Paul II visited the Mountain of Crosses, setting up a crucifix there.
The sanctuary is located on a hill 12 km from the city of Siauliai. Since the Hill of Crosses is located not far from the highway, those who wish to visit it have no difficulties with logistics. In the period from the 60-80s, the Soviet government repeatedly tried to destroy this place, but it survived in order to please tourists and pilgrims today.
10
Giant clothespin (Chauffontaine, Belgium)
This original attraction in the form of a huge clothespin was made by Turkish artist Mehmet Ali Uisal. It is installed in a chauffeur park, and as if plucking a piece of grass along with the ground. The installation was installed in preparation for the Five Seasons Music Festival.
Clothespin perfectly characterizes the style of the artist, distorting the perspective due to various tricks. Residents of this tiny town appreciated the giant clothespin. Now it is a meeting place for young people, as well as an eccentric attraction that attracts tourists from many countries.
11
Royal Heads (Oakley Green, UK)
The face of Queen Elizabeth II appears literally everywhere, ranging from banknotes and ending with sleeves. Also, many statues and sculptures were sculpted from her image. However, there is something that clearly stands out from this list. We are talking about two giant terracotta heads depicting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. They are set near Windsor Castle in Oakley Green and adorn the lawn of Ben Bennett, a local.
The height of the original busts is approximately 4 meters, and the grass planted on the tops resembles hair. The royal couple is perfectly visible from the route leading to Windsor, which will allow travelers to get acquainted with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. A good consolation for those who could not get an audience with the royal family in the royal residence.
TheBiggest editors ask you to write in the comments which of the roadside sights of Europe impressed you the most.