Wacky Europe Trivia Facts
Big Ben, London – Big Ben, Little Penny:
The origin of the name “Big Ben” for London’s famous clock tower is uncertain but has a story to it. Did you know that the clock’s time is adjusted every year with an old British penny? If the clock is running fast, a penny is added to the pendulum to slow the clock ever so slightly … if the clock is running slow a penny is removed. It’s just common cents!
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Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy – Why Does the Leaning Tower of Pisa Lean:
The “Leaning Tower of Pisa” is a famous landmark because it’s so unusual to see a large structure tilting in such a way. The city of Pisa earned its name from a Greek Word meaning “marshy land.” A big heavy tower on soft land … it’s no wonder it leans!
Ikea Bed – IKEA is for Lovers:
A 12-page New Yorker profile revealed that IKEA beds are responsible for a lot of babies. According to the article, 1 out of every 10 Europeans was conceived in an IKEA bed.
Mont Blanc – A Throne with a View:
If you always need to know where the nearest toilet is, you may be surprised to learn that the highest toilet in Europe is located on Mont Blanc at an elevation of over 13,780 feet.
Iceland – Zika – Free Zone:
If you’re in a panic about the spread of the dangerous Zika virus, you’ll be relieved to learn that Iceland does not have a single mosquito. You’ve found your safe-haven: it’s Europe!
European Food Facts – You May Not Believe It, But It’s True
Did you know that Sweden has more McDonald’s per-capita than any other country in Europe? That’s 225 sets of Golden Arches! Germany has the most total McDonald’s franchises in Europe … a whopping 1,478.
Brussels Airport – MMM…Chocolate:
The airport in Brussels sells more chocolate than any other location on Earth!
Croissant Breakfast Sorry, France:
Who knew that the Croissant was actually invented in Austria. Maybe we can say perhaps the French perfected it?
Longest town name in Europe – Your Town is Named What?
The longest town name in Europe is Lanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogo – it’s located in Wales.
Liechtenstein – Make Friends, Not War:
Liechtenstein is a very small European country – during this nation’s last military campaign in 1866, 80 soldiers set out, but the regiment actually returned with 81 men, They made a friend in Italy.
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Europa and Zeus; Thanks a Lot, Zeus:
Europe is named after the Phoenician princess Europa who was seduced by the Greek God Zeus, disguised as a bull. Legend has it that Europa climbed on his back and Zeus whisked her off to the island of Crete.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain – The Pyramids Were a Breeze:
Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Church is taking longer to build than it took to construct the ancient pyramids. Construction began on the church in 1882 … work isn’t done on the beautiful structure yet!
Contact a Travel Team Agent for more information or to plan your trip at 1-800-788-0829
Perucica, Bosnia – A Rainforest in Europe?
Perucica in Bosnia is one of the last rainforests in Europe. There’s a lot to discover if you take a drive from Europe’s popular cities!
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