Lykkers, if you’re looking for unique destinations that challenge the imagination and look like they belong in a futuristic film, Europe has more than a few surprises in store.
From tilted buildings to homes made of stone and structures with alien-like designs, here’s a curated selection of eight truly remarkable sites you should definitely add to your list.
1. Casa do Penedo – Moreira do Rei, Portugal
A Stone Dwelling Like No Other
Hidden between the hills of northern Portugal, near Fafe, Casa do Penedo is a residence uniquely built between four massive boulders. Completed in the early 1970s as a vacation home, this structure blends so well with its rocky surroundings that it looks almost natural.
Rustic Simplicity
With no electricity and wooden interiors warmed by a large fireplace, the house delivers a peaceful experience, surrounded by nature. Outside, there’s even a pool carved directly into stone.
Visitor Tips
Though it's privately owned and not generally open for public tours, visitors can view and photograph it from the outside year-round. It's become so iconic that it's often compared to the homes of fantasy characters.
2. Dancing House – Prague, Czech Republic
Architecture in Motion
Standing on the banks of the Vltava River in Prague, this unusual building was designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry and completed in the 1990s. The curving shapes give the illusion of a couple mid-dance.
A Modern Landmark
Inside, the Dancing House features a contemporary art gallery, a rooftop dining space, and panoramic views of the historic city.
Details for Visitors
The art gallery is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Entry costs around €9. The rooftop viewpoint and restaurant are open until late evening.
3. Upside Down House – Szymbark, Poland
Everything is Flipped
Built in 2007, this house in Szymbark appears to rest on its roof, with the entrance located on what looks like the top of the house. Inside, furniture hangs from above, making visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a distorted world.
Visitor Information
The house is open daily, with tickets priced around €7. It’s located within the Centre for Education and Region Promotion and often included in guided tours of the site.
4. Cube Houses – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Geometric Living
In central Rotterdam stands a set of bright yellow cube-shaped houses designed by Piet Blom in the 1970s. Each cube is tilted and rests on a hexagonal pillar, creating an abstract forest of geometric shapes.
How to Explore
One of the cubes, known as Kijk-Kubus, is a small museum open to the public. Tickets cost around €3, and it’s open daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Others are used as homes and hostels.
5. Bosco Verticale – Milan, Italy
A Vertical Garden
These two residential towers in Milan’s Porta Nuova district are covered with over 20,000 plants, creating a lush green façade that improves air quality and provides natural insulation.
A Model of Eco Design
Completed in 2014, the towers have won several international awards for their innovative blend of architecture and vegetation. They’re best viewed from the surrounding pedestrian areas and parks.
6. Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao, Spain
A Symbol of Modern Design
This contemporary art museum features titanium panels that shimmer and shift in the light, creating a dramatic presence along the Nervión River.
Experience Art Differently
Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, the museum showcases large-scale installations and rotating exhibitions.
Planning Your Visit
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with tickets priced around €13. Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
7. Casa Batlló – Barcelona, Spain
A Building Full of Fantasy
Located on the Passeig de Gràcia, this colorful and wavy structure was redesigned by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. Its balconies and roof are full of imaginative elements, including ceramic mosaics and curved forms.
A Popular Cultural Spot
Casa Batlló is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes thousands of visitors each week.
Opening Hours and Tickets
Open every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Standard tickets cost about €29, including access to the rooftop terrace.
8. Kunsthaus Graz – Graz, Austria
A Friendly Alien in Town
Locally nicknamed the "Friendly Alien," this building is covered in a blue acrylic skin and features a unique, blobby form. It was designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier and opened in 2003.
A Center for Creative Exploration
The Kunsthaus houses temporary exhibitions focused on modern visual arts and includes interactive media displays.
What to Expect
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tickets are about €11. Don’t miss the BIX façade, which changes with projected lights after dark.
In Conclusion
Europe is home to more than just historic landmarks and traditional architecture. These eight locations showcase creativity and innovation that spark curiosity and surprise. Perfect for Lykkers looking for something unexpected, these places offer an exciting way to see the continent through a different lens. Whether it’s a twisted tower or a home carved from stone, each site adds a unique note to the melody of travel.
