25 Aug Discover 8 Hidden Treasures of Europe

Joseph C. shares 8 interesting facts we probably didn’t know about Europe. 

If you love travelling, it’s almost certain that there is Europe somewhere on your bucket list. Europe is the perfect getaway to satisfy wanderlust – from having an alfresco dinner in the quaint streets of Amsterdam, visiting Romanesque churches of Santarem, taking selfies against the blue panorama of Ibiza beaches, to eating your heart out in Holland’s Gouda Cheese Market. But, the list doesn’t end there. I mean, we’re talking about Europe here.

Here are 8 things you probably didn’t know about Europe.

1. Finland

 You can stare at the Aurora Borealis until you fall asleep in a glass igloo in Finland. Kakslauttanen, a luxurious arctic resort, offers you the leisure of watching nature’s amazing light show while having the best slumber of your life.

2. France

In France, being polite means cheaper coffee – at least at La Petite Syrah, in Nice. It is famous for making its customers pay more if they don’t say “hello” (“Bonjour”) and “please” (“s’il vous plait”). It charges 7 euros if you ask for a coffee, 4 euros if you say “s’il vous plait” – but comes down to just 1 euro if you say “bonjour” and “s’il vous plait” when making an order.

3. Germany

There’s an on-going building project in Germany called The House of One, where you will find a Christian church, a mosque and a synagogue all under one roof. You can support the project by donating a brick online to complete 4,350,000 bricks needed to construct the building.

4. Spain & Portugal

You can travel from Spain to Portugal through a zipline. Thrill seekers can enjoy the 60-second ride that travels through the 2,365 feet (720 m) long wire at the speed of up to 50mph. It starts from Sanlucar de Guadiana, Spain landing across the Guadiana River in Alcoutim, Portugal. The experience can’t get any cooler with the fact that it transports you one hour back in time because of the time zone difference.

5. Italy

Italy is not just about pasta or Leonardo da Vinci. It’s also known for the world’s oldest fully operational university. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, has famous alumni, such as Pope Alexander VI, Mathematician Carlo Severini and Political leader Pierluigi Bersani.

6. Sweden

The Green Zone Golf Club might be the most unique golf club you can ever be in. It is located in the border of Sweden and Finland. Half of the holes are in one country and half in the other. How cool is that!

7. Greece

13th century-old olive trees planted in Greece are still producing olives. Greece, the third largest olive oil producer next to Spain and Italy, generates olive oil that weighs as much as 1,575 blue whales, every year.

8. Norway

Hell is real, apparently, in Norway. Hell is a small rural town in Norway that, ironically, freezes over during winter. Dropping to as low as -25 degrees Celsius, it is considered one of the coldest places in the world.

But, seriously, 8 things are not enough. We know that. With its diverse culture and people, Europe can surprise tourists and residents alike with its hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.