True Travelers Can Name All These European Countries From Just 1 Clue
- by Rose Moore
- – on
- in Lifestyle
Pretty much every traveler has at least one European country on their bucket list - if not several. There's the romance of Paris, and daydreams of picnicking by the river and enjoying some bread, cheese and wine. There's the food of Italy, all that delicious pizza and pasta (and some museums, too, of course). There's the hustle and bustle of London, and of course, so many famous monuments to take in.
It's not just the most famous cities that draw people across the pond, either. Plenty of smaller countries are absolutely stunning, and have something for every traveler, whether they are a foodie, a history buff, or an adventurer who loves outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. The continent is full of hidden gems and lesser known cities that are just waiting to be explored, and more and more travelers to Europe are wandering off the beaten path to go somewhere totally different.
How well do you know European countries? Whether you have traveled there extensively, or you are just dreaming about your first visit, can you name all of these European countries from just an image and a handful of clues? If you are a true traveler, we bet you can get most of these right... or maybe you like to stick closer to home and only explore your local areas, in which case this quiz might just stump you!
Which country has a red, yellow, and black flag?
This country is one of the best-known in Europe, and flies a flag of black, red, and yellow (in that order). As well as the recognizable flag, this country is known for its beer, and for the folk fest that involves drinking a whole lot of it - Oktoberfest! That beer washes down the breads and sausages that are also consumed in vast amounts here. Finally, this country is dotted with stunning castles in the countryside, with city hubs like Berlin and Munich.
In which country would you find the Louvre?
This country is definitely one of the most popular in Europe, with an extremely romantic reputation. Art lovers and art historians love to flock here to visit the Louvre, one of the world's most famous museums, and where you can see the Mona Lisa in person. Not far from the Louvre is the Eiffel Tower - but there is plenty that this country has to offer that isn't in the big city. The countryside is known for producing incredible food and wine that any traveler would love to indulge in.
Where could you go to run with the bulls?
This country is famous for the yearly Running of the Bulls, an event where a number of bulls are set loose on the streets, for the extremely brave (or the extremely foolish) to race ahead of them. For those who aren't quite so interested in watching people try to cheat death, this country has plenty more to offer - like a thriving art scene, with museums and architecture (most famously Gaudi's buildings). It also has amazing beaches and resort towns.
Where would you go for the pasta?
This European country is famous for its incredible food and wine, especially pasta, pizza and ice cream. People love to travel here to enjoy the incredible cuisine, but that's not the only reason to come here, of course. You may also know this country for the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a place where tourists love to take carefully orchestrated photos of themselves looking like they are propping it up, although they also come for the incredible beaches that are perfect to relax on.
Where can you see Buckingham Palace?
Visitors to this country love to come to the capital and see the dozens of famous landmarks and monuments, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace - where the Changing of the Guards is always a popular tourist attraction. However, outside of the capital, the country stretches North to the Highlands, known for desolate landscapes, old castles, and of course, great Whiskey. This country is steeped in history and culture - but you probably wouldn't come for the food, which is globally known to be less than the best!
Which country is known for its chocolate?
Chocoholics love to travel to this country for one of its most famous foods, the delicious chocolate! On the more savory side of the menu, it is also famous for its cheeses, and especially cheese fondue, a rich melted blend that bread, meat and vegetables are dipped in. For those who don't want to travel for the food, though, this European country might appeal for the incredible skiing, with many celebrities flocking to the biggest resorts such as St Moritz and Zermatt.
Where would you find the capital of the European Union?
This country is the seat of the European Union as well as NATO, and is known for being a city with one of the biggest international presences in the world. It's also known for the huge number of castles that cover the countryside, and which tourists and travelers love to visit. If the city or the castles aren't your style, this country is also home to the diamond capital of the world, so get ready to pick up some incredible gems!
Where would you go see the Acropolis?
One of the most famous monuments of the ancient world is the Acropolis, an ancient fortress where you can see the ruins of the Parthenon, the Propylea, theaters and statues. This country is famous for more than just its ruins, though. Visitors can also enjoy the incredible food, with plenty of souvlaki, salads, and seafood. Our final clue for this country is that it is one that has recently gone through a major national debt crisis, starting in 2010 with impacts still felt today.
Which country is known for windmills and tulips?
This country is famous for the windmills that dot the landscape, and which find their way onto a whole lot of the souvenirs that tourists love to buy after a tour of the countryside looking at the real thing. Another iconic image of the country is the tulip, with fields of the flowers everywhere, and flower markets always putting them front and center. For other tourists, however, the biggest draw is the red light district in the capital city, which is world famous.
Which country would you visit for the best pierogi?
While this country might not compete with the heavy hitters of France or Italy for the best food in Europe, for fans of pierogi (potato dumplings with savory fillings), it is the only country to visit. And to work off that delicious food, you can head to the Carpathian Mountains for hiking, skiing and biking - just one of the many pristine landscapes in the area. And of course, many come here to bear witness at the Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum.
Which country gave us 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'?
This European country is certainly not short on fantastic literature, but possibly the best known export (at least in the United States) is Stieg Larsson's 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' series, which has been adapted for the big screen. This country is also globally famous for giving us IKEA, but if you head there yourself, you will be more likely to see some incredible snowy landscapes, with plenty of skiing, snowboarding, and hiking (and maybe even a glimpse of the Northern Lights).
Where can you find some of the best beaches in Europe?
In the past decade, this country has become a massively popular destination for the beach tourist crowd, and it's no wonder. These stunning beaches aren't as crowded as many of the better known ones, and are often found next to gorgeous walled towns that are brimming with history. If beaches aren't your thing, this country is where you can see the octagonal Cathedral of St Domnius, an incredible ancient Roman building, or the Serbian Orthodox Krka Monastery in the stunning national park.
Where would you find the best baroque churches?
This country is known for incredible beauty - whether that is the beauty of the landscape itself, the beauty of the baroque churches that are tucked into the rolling hills, or the beauty of the classical music and art that came to be here. Here you can visit the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace that now houses the official residence of the President as well as several museums, and the Salzburg Cathedral is one of the most famous example of Baroque architecture in the country.
Which Northern country has a Blue Lagoon?
This winter wonderland has become known for topping bucket lists as one of the most beautiful, safe and friendly places in Europe to visit. Visit the incredible glaciers and national parks to soak in the scenery, including the famous Blue Lagoon and Seljavallalaug pool. In the winter, experience a stay in an ice hotel, where you can sleep on blocks of ice wrapped in furs, or spend some time visiting the Hallgrímskirkja church, the most famous religious building in the country.
Where would you find this harbor city?
This country's capital city is known for it's quality of life, and it's hard to be unhappy while strolling through the streets, past the colored houses that line the harbor. This country has also become known in recent years for 'hygge', the feeling of coziness that is a huge part of the culture, and that can be found in anything from being with friends to curling up with a good book. For a little lighthearted fun, check out Tivoli Gardens, a popular tourist attraction.
Where would you go to visit the fjords?
This mountainous country is known for its stunning landscapes, from the coastline all the way into the mountains, where roads wind through the hills and create perfect viewpoints for the world famous fjords that cut through the rock. Design is also a huge draw here, especially in the cities, where the sleek and modern designs are known the world over. Finally, this is the country where you can experience the midnight sun - the time of year when the sun is visible all day.
Where can you see Saint Basil's Cathedral?
Saint Basil's Cathedral, with it's brightly colored onion domes, is one of the world's most famous landmarks, and it's found in this country across from the Kremlin on Red Square. However, there is so much more to this country than just the famous landmarks. Known as the country that gave the world Matroska - traditional wooden dolls that stack into each other - as well as the rich red beet soup that is Borscht (and that is the perfect thing to eat here in the winter).
Where can you see the Azure Window?
This stunning natural stone arch doesn't just make for incredible photos - visitors to this beautiful beach spot can also swim and cliff dive (for the more adventurous travelers). This country is definitely known for it's beaches in general, but that's not the only thing to see here - there are some incredibly well preserved prehistoric sites, including the Neolithic underground Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. For more modern architecture, Saint John's Co Cathedral is a stunning baroque building dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
Where could you go kiss the Blarney Stone?
The rolling hills of this country are world famous, as are the legends that you can find around every corner (just don't mention leprechauns when you go to visit). The Blarney Stone is a block of limestone that is set into the battlements of Blarney Castle, but legend has it that if you kiss this stone, you will become a real charmer with the gift of the gab. Or, for something else to get you talking, have a few pints of Guinness at the pubs that inspired hundreds all over the world.
What's the name of the smallest country in the world?
This tiny city state is world famous as the heart of the Catholic Church, and is surrounded entirely by Italy. Those who come here often do so as a pilgrimage, to see the Sistine Chapel, the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo - or, for those who are more interested in the modern day religious events here, to see the balcony where the Pope speaks to the crowds that gather to watch. Here you can also find the largest Christian basilica, where legend has it that Saint Peter lies buried.
Where might vampire fans want to visit?
While there is plenty to recommend this country to visitors who aren't interested in the legends of these bloodsuckers, for vampire fans, this is the place to be - and the place where Dracula was set. You can even visit 'Dracula's Castle' (more accurately known as Bran Castle), which is a national landmark and monument. Elsewhere, you can enjoy the dozens of folk museums about this vital part of the culture, and spend some time in the vibrant cities with incredible nightlife.
Which country is known as the Land of Roses?
This beautiful European country is the world's largest producer of rose oil, and it's known as the Land of Roses. Visitors can even go see the rose fields and the delicate harvesting of these fragrant flowers. Tourists also love to come here to get in touch with nature, hiking and biking through the forests and hills, or sunbathing on the beaches around the Black Sea. Finally, you may know this country for the city of Plovdiv, Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city.
Which country is famous for their saunas?
This Nordic country is famous for its winters - and for the practice of using saunas to warm up when the snow is coming down outside! These wood paneled saunas are a huge part of the culture, and it's traditional to take a sauna every Saturday. Other weekend pursuits here include taking a team of dogs out with a sled for a trek through the stunning wilderness, or, in the cities, you can take boat tours around the waters of the capital.
Which country does Halloumi cheese come from?
This beautiful island country is the birthplace of Halloumi cheese - a salty and squeaky brined cheese made from sheep or goats milk. This cheese is commonly eaten grilled, for breakfast and in sandwiches. For visitors who are interested in more than the food, this country is also known for the Tombs of the Kings, a site where you can still see ancient, underground tombs preserved since Roman times, or head out to marvel at the Byzantine frescos at Panagia Forviotissa.
Where would you go to see Tara Canyon?
Tara Canyon is one of this country's biggest tourist attractions, and it's not hard to see why. The Tara river winds through a canyon almost as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US (although the landscape is significantly greener!), which travelers love to raft down. Other major attractions in this small country are the Ostrog Monastery, which sits on a cliff face and where both tourists and Christian Pilgrims flock to, and the incredible Njegos Mausoleum at the top of 461 steps.
Where would you find a big annual Grand Prix?
This country may be tiny, but it has been a popular spot for decades for anyone who has some money to burn - and enjoys the finer things in life. Part of the reason for this is that this country is known as a tax haven, which sends the super rich flocking. While there, it is known for its nightlife and casinos where high rollers throw down huge amounts of money. Finally, this country is also known for hosting an annual Grand Prix.
Which country straddles Europe and Asia?
This country can be considered both European and Asian, and depending on where you are within it, you may find yourself feeling as though you are in Western Europe, or in the Middle East (especially when hearing the Islamic calls to prayer echoing out over the cities). This country is famous for hosting one of the seven wonders of the world - the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, an ancient Greek temple. Finally, you may recognize this country for the food, including kofte, baklava and meze.
Where would you go for some of Europe's best surfing?
When you think of surfing, you probably think of California and Australia, but the continent has some incredible surfing as well - and one of the biggest countries to go ride the waves is this one, where stunning beaches are home to great breaks. While there, you might also want to go see incredible tiled buildings, which line the cobbled streets of what were once medieval cities... and of course, to drink some port wine and eat some piri-piri chicken!
Which country sits between France and Spain?
This country may be a small one, but it is a beautiful one, with the peaks of the Pyrenees rising above the landscape. Unsurprisingly, for such a mountainous area, the skiing here is incredible, with some of the best ski and snowboarding resorts in the area. If skiing isn't your thing, though, the Casa de la Vall is a perfect choice for history buffs, who can learn about the history of the nation while taking in the sights of this stunning little castle.
Where would a beer drinker love to visit?
The capital of this European country has become a hugely popular destination in recent years, and beer drinkers will find plenty to quench their thirst, because the drink is a speciality of this area. Beer lovers can even take a tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, a hugely popular tourist spot. If beer isn't your thing, the capital city is filled with other incredible attractions, including the world famous castle and St Vitus Cathedral, and of course, no trip would be complete without a stroll across the Charles Bridge.