Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by William Murphy

My experiences when travelling in the major tourist areas of Europe have always been fulfilling but I sometimes like to explore more unusual locations. Here is my current top 10 list of the more unusual and attractive EU attractions:

1. Berenger Sauniere Museum, Rennes-le-Chateau, France

Da Vinci Code enthusiasts will know that the Priory of Sion conspiracy begins in this small Languedoc village with a legend involving a priest called Berenger Sauniere. Why not visit the museum dedicated to the man at the centre of this mystery?

2. Mini Europe, Brussels, Belgium

If you are a miniature-model collector or architecture fan, this is the attraction for you! This extensive exhibition, covering 24 square kilometres, consists of 1:25 scale replicas of key monuments and buildings in 80+ European cities. The multi-media games are also worth a whirl.

3. World in a Pan, Paris, France

Forget the Eiffel Tower; learn the secrets of hearty French cuisine by taking a cooking lesson in an authentic Parisian home. No fancy jargon or pretentious techniques – just fun and simple but delicious food. Plus you get to eat your meal afterwards!

4. Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain

This quirky park began life as a housing estate for the rich and features some unusual Gaudi-designed homes. In summer, it’s great for a relaxing stroll after lunch. Visit during the week when it’s less crowded.

5. Original Old Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy

Florence can be expensive, so visit by train for the day. Near the rail Europe station is this little gem, a 13th century apothecary founded by Dominican monks. Packed full of unusual natural remedies and vintage perfumes, there’s also a museum and library displaying ancient medicinal texts and antique glass and ceramic bottles.

6. Ötzi the Iceman, South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Bolzano, Italo-Austrian border

This incredible 5300 year-old mummy was found in the Tyrolean Mountains by two hikers in the 1990’s who mistook it for the remains of a dead climber. His perfectly-preserved body, similar to the bog-bodies found in Ireland, is well worth the trip, especially if you’re on your way to Lake Garda via Austria.

7. Topography of Terror, Berlin, Germany

An absorbing, if scary permanent exhibition located at the former headquarters of the Nazi secret police, detailing some of the interrogation techniques and spy equipment used by the SS to sniff out ‘traitors’ during the Third Reich’s reign of terror. Amazingly, it’s free to the public.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by King

8. Rhine Gorge, Germany

Renowned for its wine farms, fairy-tale castles and breathtaking scenery, the Rhine Gorge is best visited in autumn. You’ll be just in time for the annual Rhine in Flames festival, held every September in Oberwesel, which features spectacular fireworks displays, set to music.

9. Christmas Markets, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s special in winter. The hearty local food and beer also suits colder weather. Sip some mulled wine while wandering around the market stalls under the famous astronomical clock in the old town square.

10. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

This magnificent national park, made up of 16-tiered lakes connected via a series of waterfalls, is well worth the trek. Minerals in the water give each lake its distinctive colour, ranging from electric blue to green and grey, which vary according to the light, temperature and seasons.

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The Mini Europe park is located just few steps from Atomium and is the most popular tourist destination in Brussels. With 300,000 visitors per year and a turnover of 3 million euro, Mini Europe Park is one of Brussels’ leading attractions.

In the area of the park you can enjoy e.g. the animation of the earthquake during the eruption of Vesuvius.

The basic admission fee in 2010 is €13.10
Openning hours

• From 20/03/2010 to 30/06/2010 from 9:30 to 18:00 (cash desk untill 17:00)
• From 01/07/2010 to 31/08/2010 from 9:30 to 20:00 (cash desk untill 19:00)
• From 01/09/2010 to 30/09/2010 from 9:30 to 18:00 (cash desk untill 17:00)
• From 01/10/2010 to 09/01/2011 from 10:00 to 18:00 (cash desk untill 17:00)
• 24, 31/12 – from 10:00 to 17:00 (cash desk untill 16:00)

During summer months you can visit the Park also during the night.

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Belgium is interesting with the diversity of its population. The country is divided into 3 areas, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. In the northern part of Flanders, live Flemish, who speak Flemish (Belgian Flemish is a variant of Dutch). In the southern part, Wallonia, live Walloons, who speak French. In the region of Brussels there are Flemish and French speaking residents but also many foreigners. The third official language alongside French and Flemish in Belgium, is German.

Flemish are closer to the Dutch and Walloons to the French, both with the mentality and temperament, and way of life. Between Flemish and Walloons, there is a certain degree of jealousy and they are sometimes even talking about the possibility of division of land into two states.

Brussels – the capital of the EU
The capital of Belgium – Brussels is also sometimes called the capital of the European Union. Brussels houses the Council of Ministers and the European Commission, but also the European Parliament.

Brussels is bilingual, but if you go through the streets, you can hear a lot more languages ​​than just French or Flemish. A large number of foreigners live here, many of which are currently working in the institutions of the European Union. Brussels is a truly cosmopolitan city that offers many tourist sights and attractions such as: the Grand Place with historic houses and town hall, the famous Atomium and Mini-Europe – an entertainment center with models of buildings from different cities of the European Union.

Not least among the advantages of Belgium are their specialties and typical dishes and drinks. A very popular is fish in many ways, mussels, cheese or french fries with mayonnaise. From the candies you should try waffles and of course the world famous Belgian chocolates.

The most popular drink is beer. The best-known brands include Leffe, Chimey, Duvel, Jupiler, Maes, Hoegaarden and Stella Artois. They also have flavoured beers, such as cherry, strawberry or currant.

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