Europe Snapshots

Torun, Poland

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Torun town in Poland. Photo by Sergei Gussev. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Torun Fun Fact: A fun fact about Torun, Poland, is that it is the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who formulated the heliocentric theory of the solar system, stating that the Earth orbits the Sun. The city celebrates this legacy with monuments, museums, and even gingerbread cookies shaped like planets! Torun is also renowned for its gingerbread (pierniki), a traditional Polish delicacy that has been made there since the Middle Ages.

You can book your Poland tours at Viator.com.

Levoca, Slovakia

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Levoca town in Slovakia. Photo by Simo Rasanen. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Levoca Fun Fact: A fun fact about Levoca, Slovakia, is that it is home to the tallest wooden altar in the world! Located in the Basilica of St. James, the altar was created by the famous medieval carver Master Paul of Levoca in the early 16th century. The stunning altar stands at an impressive height of 18.6 meters (61 feet) and is a masterpiece of Gothic art.

You can book your Slovakia tours at Viator.com.

Copenhagen, Denmark

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Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by Mariusz Pazdziora. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Amalienborg Palace Fun Fact: A fun fact about Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen is that it’s not just one palace, but actually a complex of four identical rococo palaces arranged around an octagonal courtyard! These four palaces were originally built in the 18th century for noble families, but after a fire destroyed the royal family’s residence at Christiansborg Palace in 1794, Amalienborg became the official royal residence. Each of the four palaces has a different function, and the Danish royal family still lives there today.

You can book your Denmark tours at Viator.com.

Utrecht, Netherlands

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Utrecht town in Netherlands. Photo by Jan Dijkstra. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Utrecht Fun Fact: A fun fact about Utrecht is that it has the largest bike parking garage in the world! The “Stationsplein” garage can hold over 12,000 bicycles. Given the Netherlands’ biking culture, this massive structure reflects just how central cycling is to daily life in Utrecht. It’s a great example of the city’s commitment to sustainability and efficient urban planning.

You can book your Netherlands tours at Viator.com.

Gotland, Sweden

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Gotland in Sweden. Photo by Berit Watkin. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Gotland Fun Fact: A fun fact about Gotland is that it is home to a unique breed of sheep known as “Gotland sheep.” These sheep are famous for their lustrous, curly wool and are prized for both their fleece and meat. The island’s climate and landscape have contributed to the development of this distinctive breed, making them a symbol of Gotland’s agricultural heritage!

You can book your Sweden tours at Viator.com.

Oslo, Norway

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Oslo city in Norway. Photo by Andy Mitchell. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Oslo Fun Fact: A fun fact about Oslo is that it has a unique sculpture park called Vigeland Park, the largest sculpture park in the world created by a single artist! It features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, including the famous “Sinnataggen” (The Angry Boy). The park is one of Oslo’s most popular attractions and offers a fascinating, artistic walk through various human emotions and forms.

You can book your Norway tours at Viator.com.

Parnu, Estonia

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Parnu town in Estonia. Photo by Ewa Dryjanska. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Parnu Fun Fact: A fun fact about Parnu, Estonia, is that it’s known as the “Summer Capital” of the country! Every year, when summer comes around, locals and tourists flock to Parnu for its sandy beaches, warm shallow waters, and vibrant beach festivals. The town has long been a popular seaside resort destination since the 19th century, making it a go-to place for a sunny and relaxing vacation.

You can book your Estonia tours at Viator.com.

Budapest, Hungary

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Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary. Photo by Jakub Halun. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Buda Castle Fun Fact: A fun fact about Buda Castle in Budapest is that it has a secret labyrinth beneath it! This underground maze of tunnels and caves was naturally formed over thousands of years by thermal springs, and it was later expanded by humans. Over the centuries, it has been used for various purposes, including a wine cellar, prison, and even a shelter during World War II. Today, visitors can explore parts of this eerie underground world, which adds a mysterious charm to the historic site!

You can book your Hungary tours at Viator.com.

Trebic, Czechia

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Trebic town in Czechia. Photo by Herbert Frank. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Trebic Fun Fact: A fun fact about Trebic, Czechia, is that it is home to one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe! Trebic’s Jewish Quarter, along with its 12th-century Romanesque St. Procopius Basilica, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique blend of Jewish and Christian heritage in such close proximity is a rare sight and highlights the town’s rich cultural history.

You can book your Czechia tours at Viator.com.

Vienna, Austria

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The Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria. Photo by Hubertl. This photo is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

The Natural History Museum Fun Fact: A fun fact about the Natural History Museum in Vienna is that it houses the famous Venus of Willendorf, a tiny limestone figurine dating back over 25,000 years. This prehistoric statue, discovered in Austria in 1908, is one of the most well-known examples of Paleolithic art, representing fertility and beauty. Despite being only about 11 cm tall, the Venus of Willendorf has become an iconic symbol of early human culture!

You can book your Austria tours at Viator.com.