7 weirdest towns in the world: To live but not to die. Would you dare to try?
Every city or town around the world has its own unique and distinct look. However, there are some places having much stranger characteristics due to many reasons from geography, culture to history. Let’s take a closer look at the 7 weirdest towns in the world – you won’t believe in your eyes!
1. Longyearbyen – Where you can live but can’t die
Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement and largest inhabited area of Svalbard, Norway. There is an odd thing that no one is allowed to die here. Sounds strange but true! Because of the ice cap climate prevents the corpses from decomposing and then corpses become an attraction for wildlife.
Longyearbyen – Where you are not allowed to die because of extreme weather
Actually, the number of polar bears is more than the population here. Thus, residents are not allowed to be buried in this town. When someone is going to die, they have to be shipped back to the mainland for burial. In fact, there is a cemetery in town but it hasn’t been used for over 70 years.
2. Underground town – Coober Pedy, Australia
Unbelievable but this entire town exists underground. It was founded in 1915 as an opal mining town, until now it is still the largest opal mine in the world. Miners soon realized that it was easier to stay underground because the heat above ground would reach 51 degrees Celsius. The town has underground shops, churches, galleries and even the world’s first 4-star underground hotel.
Underground restaurant in Coober Pedy
3. The town belongs to both countries – Büsingen am Hochrhein
It is not uncommon for a town to be located between two countries, but Büsingen am Hochrhein is a special example.
- In terms of economics, Büsingen am Hochrhein is part of Switzerland. Administratively, it is again part of Germany.
- The town also has two Zip codes: one for Switzerland and another one for Germany.
- Citizens here use both Switzerland and German phone numbers.
- The football team of this region, FC Büsingen, is the only German team to compete in the Swiss championship.
Citizens use both Switzerland and German phone numbers
4. A town under one roof – Whittier, Alaska
Whittier is a sleepy town on the west side of Alaska, tucked between picturesque mountains. But if you’re imagining a small group of houses, think again. Instead, all apartments of more than 200 residents stand on a 14-story building, which was a former military base.
Living under one roof with others will bring you unexpected experiences
It is also full of shops, a police station, hospital and church. The community is living under a roof for the purpose of saving heating energy because it is very cold and windy here all year round. Nevertheless, living under one roof with others will bring you unexpected experiences.
5. Welcome to the Hell town – Michigan, USA
Belinda Carlisle once sang “Heaven is a place on Earth”, but technically, she was wrong. As we found out about a town named Hell in Michigan, USA. The origin of the name is still hotly debated, but the inhabitants of the town are happy to maintain a hell-like state.
Welcome to the Hell!
Tourist attractions in town include the Hell Hole Diner, Screams Souvenirs and the Damnation University. You can even become the Mayor of Hell for a day, quite interesting!
6. The town living under a rock – Setenil de las Bodegas
The Setenil de las Bodegas town in Spain attracts tourists around the world by its extraordinary sight where many homes are built underneath huge rock overhangs.
Extraordinary sight of the town under a rock
When walking along the streets, people will see many rocks hanging above their heads. It seems dangerous but these rocks have been in place for centuries. If you are interested in adventures, next time you’re in Spain, remember to visit this marvelous town.
7. Miyake-jima, Japan – Gas masks island
When you arrive on this island, you won’t be surprised to see residents here wearing gas masks everywhere. The reason it is close to Mt. Oyama – an active volcano! It’s not uncommon for sudden alarms, prompting all of the island’s inhabitants to wear their gas masks due to toxic fumes from the volcano.
You won’t be surprised to see residents wearing gas marks everywhere
Above all, Visreal brings you top 7 weirdest towns in the world. There are still many unique and interesting destinations waiting you to discover. Let’s get out of your comfort zone and explore the big world out there. Sometimes, unexpected journeys are most memorable experiences. Make your life more meaningful and colorful!
Think your town is weirder? Leave your comment below to let us know!
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