Travel destinations often draw visitors with sunny weather, pristine beaches, and tourist attractions. Interestingly, there are also a host of places all around the world that entice people to visit, based solely on their one-of-a-kind names.
These unique locations carry names that are far from average, as some contain over 40 letters, and they're often hard to pronounce. While the names may be somewhat of a tongue-twister, the explanations behind the names are truly fascinating. Additionally, many of these destinations around the globe boast beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, and an abundance of exciting attractions.
01 Spain
Boasting a whopping 39 letters, Azpilicuetagaraycosaroyarenberecolarrea, Spain sits next to Portugal. It is the longest town name in all of Spain, as well as the second-longest name in all of Europe. If you're planning a visit simply to check out the town, you'll also want to take in the beautiful mountain views and exquisite green landscapes. This lovely destination is believed to be one of Europe's greenest regions, and it houses over 50 natural reserves. Approximately 70% of the town's electricity is drawn from renewable sources. The name Azpilicuetagaraycosaroyarenberecolarrea translates to "The low field of a high pen in Aspilkueta," which is where the town is located.
02 Wales
At 58 letters, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Wales holds the title as the second-longest place name in the entire world. Located in a village community on the islands of Wales called Anglesey, the name was originally just a mere 19 letters until it was changed from Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in the 1860s in order to draw in visitors. The claim behind the name goes to both a local cobbler or a local tailor, depending on who tells the story. In addition to enjoying the breathtaking island views, be sure to check out Plas Newydd House and Garden, the historic home of the Marquess of Anglesey, and St. Mary's Church, a historic church built in 1853 from stone rubble. The church sits amid a graveyard where WWII soldiers have been laid to rest. Both spots contribute to the rich history of this quaint, majestic community.
03 Maine
Seventeen letters make up Mooselookmeguntic, a populated place located in the town of Rangeley in the state of Maine. Known for its clean, crisp air and lovely mountain views, Mooselookmeguntic is home to Mooselookmeguntic Lake, which sits a few miles away from the Appalachian Trail. The lake is one of the main attractions, and it's a great backdrop for outdoor adventure.
If you're looking to get back to nature, be sure to pay a visit to this picturesque place. Do a little camping, catch some trout, or explore the area on foot with an ultimate nature hike. Rustic cabins sit among the breathtaking greenery that surrounds Maine's fourth-largest lake, and the water is so blue you have to see it to believe it.
04 Massachusetts
Located in Webster, Massachusetts, Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg is a popular tourist destination for its name alone. Derived from the Algonquian language, the name translates into "a lake divided by islands." Named in 1921, the lake bears the longest name in the United States, and it's home to eight separate islands and two Marinas.
If you love fishing and water fun, pay a visit to this uniquely-named island oasis for a day among the waves, then and enjoy a plate of the "largest shrimp around" at Point Breeze, a popular local seafood hang with its own marina.
05 Alaska
When you think of the beach, sunbathing and swimming often come to mind, but this 23-letter tourist destination that was named "the most difficult to pronounce" typically hits around 60 degrees Fahrenheit on the warmest days of Alaska summer. Don't let the low temps stop you from visiting Nunathloogagamiutbingoi Dunes, as it is a truly breathtaking place in nature.
Located in Bethel Borough, the dunes are a popular attraction along the Alaska coastline, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Rent a fishing boat for the day and spend some time on the water, or enjoy a cozy walk along the coastline. Even when the water is cold, you can still enjoy a day of swimming or snorkeling.
06 South Africa
Translated into "Two buffalo shot dead in one shot spring," Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein is a farm that sits east of Lichtenburg, South Africa. Its name contains 44 letters, and the farm is often a main character in African folk stories about life on the farm. The name sign spans the entire width of the farmhouse, and the beautiful landscapes and unique history make this spot a definite go-to when visiting South Africa.
07 Finland
At 35 letters, Äteritsiputeritsipuolilautatsijänkä is Finland's longest place name. This bog region is located in Savukoski, Lapland, and the cold temps and snowy landscape lend to its nickname, "The Land of Santa." A bar located in Lapland now displays a similar name on its marquee, as the owner named his business after the bog region, knowing that no other establishment would be using it. Three out of the 35 words -"janka," "lauti," and "puoli"- translate to "bog," "board," and "half" in Finnish, and the rest of the letters translate to nothing but gibberish.
08 Pennsylvania
Located in Pennsylvania, the town of Kleinfeltersville has one of the longest one-word place names throughout the US, coming in at 17 letters. If you're into US history or prefer to vacation in the great outdoors, Kleinfeltersville is definitely a place to add to your bucket list.
Pay a visit to the Kleinfeltersville Hotel and Tavern, a historic building built before the Civil War. Now known as K-Ville, the hotel and tavern is a popular spot for both visitors and locals alike. For some outdoor adventure, head over to the Middlecreek Wildlife Management Area to check out the migrating snow geese or go on a nature hike.
09 Thailand
The name really says it all for this Thailand town, which locals refer to as Krung Thep, most likely to save time. Because Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit takes a while to say. Krung Thep is Thailand's most populated town, and there's lots to do and see. Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha for a truly uplifting experience, or take a stroll down Khaosan Road, a popular mecca where you'll find an abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, and hostels. Khaosan is often packed with travelers from all over the world, and the road was constructed in 1892, so you'll also soak up some of the area's rich history.
10 New Zealand
And the winner of the longest place single, name in the entire world goes to Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, New Zealand. Often referred to as Tamuta for easier pronunciation, this place is a hill that sits in Southern Hawke's Bay in New Zealand, and measures 1,001 feet high. The name translates into "The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, climber of mountains, the land-swallower who traveled about, played his flute to his loved one."
According to legend, a famous warrior chief named Tamatea lost his brother in a battle, which took place on the hill. Afterward, he was so distraught he remained on the hill and played his flute while mourning. Newscasters have gone viral with their hilarious attempts to pronounce this name, and while the hill is located on private land, you can catch a glance and an Instagrammable photo on Wimbledon Road just below the hill.
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