The ultimate list of roadside attractions (11-20)

This ultimate list of roadside attractions continues to Page 2 (11-20). Click here to start from the beginning.

The Silver Slipper in Las Vegas, Nevada

Along Las Vegas Boulevard roadside you’ll discover some iconic Vegas neon history. In 2009 a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard was designated a National Scenic Byway with vintage Vegas signs lining the route. The most well known is probably the Silver Slipper which originally stood on the roof of the Silver Slipper Gambling Hall. The Hacienda Horse and Rider and Binion’s Horseshoe are also nearby.

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark

The Little Mermaid is a statue based on the fictional character from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. She sits on a rock by the side of the road at the Langelinie pier in Copenhagen, and is one of Copenhagen’s most popular roadside attractions. The bronze statue was created in 1913 by Edvard Eriksen on a commission from brewer Carl Jacobsen, who donated it to the city. So popular is the little lady of the lonely vigil that the only way I could get a photo of her with no people posing with her was to zoom in really really close! 

The Fork of Vevery, Switzerland

The ‘Fork of Vevey’ is an 8 meter tall stainless steel sculpture in shape of a fork located on the shores of Lake Geneva in the Swiss town of Vevey. The Fork was installed as a part of the Alimentarium which is a museum in Vevey on food and history of the food company Nestle.

The Bunkers of Albania

For 40 years Albania was under the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha who, believing there to be a threat of attack, ordered the construction of over 750,000 bunkers across the country. The attack never came and now the bunker stand abandoned in every corner of Albania. Some have been turned into cafes, accommodation and even a museum but sit empty and make an interesting stop off as you drive through the country. The one pictured has some of the best views of the coastline and is now home to a large herd of goats! 

Lord Murugan North of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Batu caves is located about 13 Kilometres North of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, just a few kilometres before the large forest area of Selangor and other states. From the road you can see the 42M tall sculpture of the Hindu God Murugan. It is perhaps the tallest idol of Murugan in the world.  There is also a steep set of 272 steps that lead us to a 19th century Hindu temple built in the limestone caves. Definitely worth getting off the car to explore.

Rhine Falls in Northern Switzerland

Road tripping through Switzerland is one of the best things you can do as a visitor because you will stumble upon the most beautiful roadside attractions. One of these attractions, which you can see from your car window (though I highly recommend getting out of the car to have a closer look), is the Rhine Falls—the biggest waterfalls in Europe. The Rhine Falls, located in the northern part of Switzerland, close to the German border, is one of the best places to see and it is actually a great place to start your road trip through the country.

Rock-carved Buddha in Kashmir, India

When heading from Leh, Ladakh to Kargil in India’s Jammu and Kashmir State you should not miss the 30ft statue carved in a rock. Located in Mulbeckh, you will find it on the left side when riding the National Highway 1D to Kargil. It represents the Maitreya, the future Buddha, believed to be dating from around the eighth century.

 

Big Merino Sheep in Goulburn, Australia

The Big Merino in Goulburn greets visitors as they enter this country town. Built in 1985, it is a tribute to the wool industry that our early pioneers established and is a great giggle too. Visitors can climb up inside the big sheep and get a rather splendid view from out of its eyes, right across the town and countryside of New South Wales. This never fails to give our kids a great giggle and finding a souvenir or two from the shop in the sheep’s belly is always a laugh too.

The Angle of the North in Low Eighton, Gateshead UK

When you drive northwards along the A1, there’s a sight you cannot miss as you approach the Gateshead area. The ‘Angel of the North’ was designed by Antony Gormley and erected in 1998; it stands 20 meters tall, with a wingspan of 54 meters. It’s majestic, beautiful and industrial–to reflect the mining industry that was prevalent in the area for 200 years.

 

Holy Well near the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

South of the Cliffs of Moher, on R478 along the Wild Atlantic Way, is a holy well dedicated to Ireland’s St. Brigid.  There are numerous holy wells in Ireland, but this one is special. It is said the waters have healing properties and thousands have left their offerings and personal items in the well shrine, hoping for blessing.  A visit to the well gives a fascinating look at Irish culture and religion.

Click here to see the next 10 roadside attractions from around the world (21-30).