15 Interesting Facts about Europe You Never Knew

Europe is a land of love, amusement, and beautiful landscapes. At every corner of this continent, you will experience spectacular art, greenery, interesting history, and dramatic castles and each of them is associated with amazing facts. So, are you planning to visit Europe any time soon? If the answer is yes, you must know the most interesting facts about Europe. It will make your trip simpler and fill it with excitement and acquaintance. So, dive into 15 interesting European facts that will blow your mind.

List of 15 interesting facts about Europe you never knew:

1. You will find a street named Victor Hugo in nearly every city of France:

Victor Hugo was one of the most famous poets and writers in France. He also played a big role in the Romantic Movement, served as a political advocate, and was truly dedicated to the country. So, in order to honour him, France named a street after him in every city.

2. There is a hidden Rainforest in Europe:

Isn’t it weird to find a rainforest in the European climate? But that’s the beauty of nature. Perucica in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the last remaining rainforest in Europe. It is 3500-acre big and is reserved under the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

3. Only 1% of the British Museum Collection is displayed for seeing:

You will be shocked to know that the British Museum collection includes approximately 8 million art and antiquities items. And obviously, it is impossible to showcase all the items at once because of the limited space. So, out of all, a total of 80,000 items are picked to be displayed in the Museum. However, you can’t complain because experiencing them is free of cost.

4. Iceland is Mosquito free:

One of the most fun facts about Europe is that Iceland is Mosquito-free. Iceland has no shallow ponds and unfavourable weather conditions that prevent mosquito breeding. So, if you are prone to mosquito bites, you’ll fall in love with Iceland.

5. Italy is the land of Red Wine:

Do you love red wine? If yes, you can’t miss including Italy in your Europe trip itinerary. There is a town in Northern Italy, Caldari Di Ortona, where red wine flows in through the fountain. A local fountain is installed where red wine flows for 24 hours a day. It is meant for pilgrims located on the route from Rome to Ortona.

6. More than 200 languages are spoken in Europe:

You will find people speaking more than 200 languages in Europe. That’s amazing, right? But what makes this Europe Fact on the list is that the European Union recognizes only 24 out of them. And English is still the most common language on the continent, and approximately 38% of the population can speak it.

7. The oldest country of Europe is San Marino:

The birth date of San Marino is 301AD, and it is the oldest independent state of Europe. Many countries of Europe were warred and became a collective part of other single countries, but San Marino has been able to maintain its independence for centuries. It is one of the interesting historical facts to consider.

8. The highest peak is found in Russia Europe:

Do you know Mount Elbrus’s volcanic mountain peak found in Russia? It is located in the Caucasus Mountains with 18,510 feet in height, and it separates Europe from Asia. Also, it is one of the seven highest summits in the world and is an easy spot for mountain climbers.

9. You can never stay more than 10 miles apart from a lake if you visit Switzerland:

One of the beautiful features of Europe is that Switzerland alone has about 7,000 lakes, and no one can ever stay more than 10 miles apart from them. And here, Lake Geneva and Lake Constance are the largest lakes in the whole of Europe.

10. Europe is the land of Castles:

If you are visiting Europe, get ready to find many castles with a deep history. And if you decide to visit them all, it might take you more than four years. Many castles, like Kilkenny Castle, are also available for events and stays where you can experience the history of Europe and royal life.

11. Approximately 60% of European bananas are produced in Spain:

Are you a Minion Fan? Do you love Bananas? If yes, you’ll fall in love with Spain. The Canary Islands in Spain grow many fruits, where banana farms are found the most. Spanish bananas are called ‘Platanos’, and they are smaller than traditional bananas. 

12. The world’s oldest zoo is found in Austria:

Austria's Schonbrunn Zoo opened back in 1752. It is the world’s oldest zoo and is located on the grounds of Schonbrunn Palace. It was started as the private collection of exotic animals by royals as a hobby, but later people were allowed to visit it.

13. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church on the continent:

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in Europe, found in Vatican City and was constructed between 326 and 333AD by Constantine. It is 730 feet long and 500 feet wide, and more than 60,000 people can visit it together.

14. Europe includes 51 countries and Independent states:

Europe continent includes 51 countries and independent states, and 28 out of them are members of the European Union.

15. Russia has the tallest building in Europe:

Last on our list of interesting facts about Europe but not the least is the tallest building in Europe, i.e., Lakhta Centre, which is found in St. Petersburg, Russia. It is 1,516 feet tall and has 87 stories.

Europe is truly a wonderland filled with interesting facts. You will learn new things from every corner of the continent. We hope you liked being on a journey on 15 interesting facts about Europe.