Top 10 Most Interesting Place Names

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As most travelers know, every country in the world has its share of funny, hard-to-understand, and provocative place names. With this in mind, the editors and members of travel website VirtualTourist.com (www.virtualtourist.com) have compiled a list of the “Top 10 Most Interesting Place Names.” Giampiero Ambrosi, General Manager explains: “In some cases it’s hard to know if it’s just a language issue or a bad public relations choice. Regardless, these names certainly stir up interest in the towns they represent.”

1) Wee Waa, Australia – It may sound like the birthplace of Borat, but in actuality this is the cotton capital of Australia and a great place to learn more about the history of the country.

2) Why, Arizona – Don’t expect a town full of hyper-philosophical people. The name is a derivative of the town’s distinctive Y-shaped road.

3) Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, Canada - The name of this UNESCO world heritage site refers to an ancient method of capturing bison, not the rituals of its welcoming committee.

4) Kissing, Germany – While not one of the world’s most bustling tourist destinations, for true romantics, there could be no more ideal location.

5) Try Again, South Africa – Giving new meaning to the term, “If at first you don’t succeed,” this is the perfect place for anyone looking for a second chance in life.

6) Slime, Croatia – Hard to believe that this bucolic rafting town has such an off-putting moniker; in fact, it’s known for its beauty as well as its hospitality.

7) Roseberry Topping, England – It may sound like something you put on cake, but it’s actually a stunning mountaintop that offers some of the country’s most impressive views.

8) Hell, Cayman Islands –Known for its eerie rock formations, the town has good-naturedly set up a post office so that postcards can literally be sent from Hell.

9) Truth or Consequences, New Mexico — When the producers of the famous game show put out a call for a town to name itself after the program, this small city stepped up and the rest is history.

10) King of Prussia, Pennsylvania – The exact history here is a little fuzzy, but it’s generally agreed that a tavern established in the 1700s called “King of Prussia Inn” was the source of the name.