Twelve of the Strangest Place Names in the World
The world is full of fascinating and unusual place names, from the amusingly descriptive to the downright bizarre.
Here are the strangest place names from around the globe.
Humpty Doo is a small town with a memorable name. According to local lore, the name comes from a phrase used by early settlers to describe the area’s lush vegetation: “a humpty-doo” or “a place of plenty.”
Despite its ominous name, Hell is actually a small village in central Norway. Visitors can also take a photo next to the village sign or send a postcard from the local post office, which has the cheeky slogan “Posten fra Helvete” or “Post from Hell.”
This small city in New Mexico was originally called Hot Springs, but was renamed in 1950 to honor a popular radio show of the same name. The show’s host promised to broadcast the program from any town that changed its name to “Truth or Consequences.”
This small town on the east coast of Canada has a name that’s impossible to forget. While the origin of the name is also unclear, it’s thought to also be related to a type of flat-bottomed boat used by early settlers in the region.
This Welsh village holds the record for the longest place name in Europe, and one of the longest in the world. Its name also translates to “St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St Tysilio near the Red Cave.”
This small community in Kentucky takes its name from a local rock formation that supposedly resembles a monkey’s eyebrow. Despite its unusual name, the town is also known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.
Bat Cave is home to thousands of bats who hibernate in the local caves during the winter months. The town is also known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
This small town in western Pennsylvania was named after the planet Mars, which was in the news at the time of its founding in 1873. Visitors can also see a replica of the Viking lander, whic in the town in the 1970s.
This small town in Oregon takes its name from a local family, the Borings, who settled in the area in the 1870s. Despite its name, the town is also known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
This Danish town’s name translates to “middle ferry,” as it was once an important transportation hub on the Odense River. Visitors can also see the town’s historic windmill or explore the nearby Hindsgavl Nature Reserve.
This small Austrian village is perhaps best known for its controversial name, which has led to a number of thefts and vandalism of the local sign. Despite the attention, the town itself is also a quiet farming community with a population of just a few hundred.
This small town in western Maryland was named after a local surveyor’s “accidental” discovery of a nearby stream. Visitors can also explore the area’s scenic beauty or enjoy outdoor recreation activities like hiking and fishing.
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