AI image generators were first introduced a couple of years ago, enabling people to create pictures of incredible things and places that don't exist in real life. However, I've never needed AI tools to capture such images. How is that possible, you may wonder? I spend long hours searching for these bizarre locations, then I take a train and travel to document them on my website, Off the Beaten Track, a project dedicated to exploring unusual places. These include various decorated gardens, sites classified as art environments, and other strange, eye-catching sights.
So far, I have visited almost 200 unusual places, but it’s not over yet, as my bucket list is still growing. Many of these locations are so bizarre that, if you didn’t know they really existed, you might think they were generated by AI. Below are 80 of the most incredible places. For more, feel free to visit my website.
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Extraordinary Grave Of Little Boy, Czech Republic
It’s unbelievable how the saddest things can be turned into something beautiful. Moreover, the mix of beauty and sorrow creates such an amazing combination that they can be easily called a masterpiece. A perfect example is a cute stone sculpture of a house that made me stop for a while and take a few shots. Seeing it, you are barely able to think about anything sad, and only the nicest thing would come to your mind if not for the fact that it’s situated in a graveyard.
As the name of my project suggests, I wanted to step "off the beaten track." Many people travel and visit only the main tourist attractions, but I needed something different—places that nobody else was visiting. It was challenging at first because I didn’t have a clear definition of what an "unusual place" meant to me. However, little by little, I found what I could call my kind of place, and I’ve now visited so many extraordinary locations that I can even categorize them.
Fairytale Bus Stop, Czech Republic
Sometimes, the bus arrives directly at the primary destination of the trip. In Němčovice, a charming town in the Czech Republic, there exists a bus stop so extraordinary that it undeniably merits a visit in and of itself. This particular bus stop transports you into the enchanting world of the Czechoslovakian children’s television series “Pohádky z mechu a kapradí” (English: “The Tales of Moss and Fern”), featuring its beloved main characters, Křemílek and Vochomůrka, two forest-dwelling individuals.
Green Monster, Poland
I use various methods to search for bizarre and unique places. I review many resources dedicated to art environments—both exteriors and interiors filled with diverse decorations, sculptures, and any form of art, usually created by self-taught artists.
Quite often, unusual places are marked on Google Maps. I also occasionally come across articles in online media about local eccentrics who have turned their homes into something bizarre. Sometimes, I simply imagine the kind of place I want to find and search for it by entering specific keywords in Google. I once found an unusual location this way—a garden decorated in the style of Alice in Wonderland!
Followers of my project have shared many incredible locations with me, and who knows secret, unique places better than the locals? I’ve also discovered a surprising number of new places while researching other locations. And finally, I found some fascinating sites by accident while traveling to ones I had already planned to visit.
Cozy Bus Stop, Czech Republic
You’d never complain about a bus being delayed if you waited for it at the bus stop in Slatiňany, a small town in the Czech Republic. Why? Because waiting there feels as cozy as being at home. Tables, chairs, books, cups, and a colorful interior – this bus stop has everything to ensure waiting is as pleasant as possible.
Cute Watermill, Serbia
There’s a charming painted watermill located in Temska, Serbia, surrounded by the forest of Stara Planina National Park. Despite showing signs of slight decay, the vibrant flower paintings on its walls are just as vivid as the picturesque surroundings. I couldn’t resist taking some photos to capture the beauty of this peaceful spot.
I’ve visited many bizarre places, but the most memorable so far is still one of the first unusual locations I visited—the house of hanging dolls in the Czech Republic. Imagine a cabin on the outskirts of a village, surrounded by thousands of creepy dolls hanging in the garden, on the walls of the building, and even inside. And an old man living there, surrounded by these dolls. After leaving the place, there was only one question in my mind: "Why?"
Eiffel Tower In The Middle Of Nowhere, Romania
House On The Pillar, Czech Republic
Where the bridge washed out..? a perfectly reasonable place to build a cabin on.
With almost 200 places visited, the next step for Off the Beaten Track is to search for even more unusual locations. I also want to develop more efficient research methods that will lead me to incredible sites that barely anyone knows about. The more unusual places I visit, the more similar they start to feel, so I hope to find locations that are truly different from everything I’ve seen before. I achieved that this year by discovering the amazing moving watermills in the Czech Republic, and I hope there are even more hidden gems out there waiting to be found.
House Of Pots, Lithuania
If you had to imagine a place with plenty of dishes, what would it be? A huge cupboard in the kitchen? Endless shelves in the shop of dishes? And what about the roof and walls of the old wooden cabin? The house of Pots in Žagarė (Lithuania) definitely makes everyone stop by, and even more—the building is so unusual that it attracts tourists there because of its extraordinary appearance.
Unusual Hotel, Slovakia
I’d love to see the interior of that hotel. What if it’s as “quirky” as its outer appearance? Adventurous … ?
Colorful House, Lithuania
Fighter Aircraft In The Yard, Poland
If you’re uncertain about what to place in your backyard, consider an unconventional choice: a fighter plane! In a small village somewhere in Poland, an inhabitant has come up with an extraordinary idea—to position a military aircraft in his yard, to be more specific, a Mig 21-PF. The presence of such a plane in this location is so unusual that it will undoubtedly catch your attention.
Giant Strawberry, Poland
There is a spectacular sight somewhere in Poland—a huge, decaying strawberry left in the fields. Its once vibrant red body has changed so much that it looks rotten, and the previously vivid green leaves now seem dry. Seeing this gives the impression that decay wanted something sweet and decided that a huge fruit was the best choice.
Tram Full Of Mannequins, Czech Republic
A tram full of weird passengers that seem to be frozen in time. Creepy gazes create an impression as if their heads were full of thoughts and not necessarily peaceful ones which turns the mannequins inside into horrific creatures.
Imagine if the door suddenly locks and you're trapped inside as these mannequins start moving 😨 Nightmare aside, I'm curious as to why the restaurant owner decided on retro vehicles and dolls for decorations.
Piano Under The Bridge, Lithuania
Do you like open-air concerts? If so, what about attending one where you wouldn’t even feel the ground under your feet? There was a performance in Vilnius, Lithuania, that brought a concert to a completely different level – it wasn’t just an open-air concert, but literally ‘an air concert’.
Extraordinary House, Czech Republic
Colorful House, Lithuania
Tram On The Rooftop, Czech Republic
The next stop: the rooftop! An old tram in Jihlava (Czech Republic) has found itself in a truly unusual place. The idea to place the vehicle on the rooftop of the garage came from a local association dedicated to preserving historic trolleybuses and buses. By acquiring the T3 SUCS tram, the association aimed to pay tribute to one of the most successful T3 trams. The unconventional location was selected to provide better visibility for people to appreciate the tram. Undoubtedly, it proved to be the best choice.
Cozy Minilibrary, Czech Republic
Would you like a cozy little place to read books for hours? The inhabitants of a small village in the Pelhřimov district of the Czech Republic are lucky to have just such a place. The Neighborhood Library, or ‘Sousedská knihovna’ in Czech, is a spot where everyone can borrow and exchange books and, most amazingly, stay there to read them.
Cosy implies comfort to me. I love books with all my heart but I don't see cosy in this picture. Love the green though!
Car Registration Plate House, Lithuania
Keys Tree, Lithuania
Decorated House, Czech Republic
Located in the picturesque landscape of the Czech Republic lies a cabin surrounded by extraordinary and whimsical sculptures. Setting itself apart from other comparable locations, this particular haven boasts an added layer of charm with accompanying sound effects. How is it possible, you may wonder, within an uninhabited cabin? Come closer to experience the extraordinary atmosphere of this site.
Soldiers In The Water, The Netherlands
I think of the Merchant Mariner Memorial at the very southern tip of Manhattan. It's a statue of men in a lifeboat. One sailor is in water, reaching up to hand of one in boat. Depending on the level of the tide he's under the water with hand reaching - looking hopeless- or tide is low it looks like he's getting pulled aboard with most of his torso above water - seeming hopeful.
Plenty Of Decaying Sculptures, Hungary
When you stroll down one of the streets in the center of Budapest, Hungary, you might stumble upon a peculiar sight behind a fence. There’s a large group gathered in the backyard, with its members engaged in lively conversation and expressive gestures. At first glance, you might think it’s just a regular gathering, but upon closer inspection, it’s truly unusual – these aren’t people but sculptures, there are too many of them in one place to be mere decoration, and they are completely naked.
Doll Garden, Latvia
This lawn full of dummies is across from where my best friend died. It's always changing, sometimes the numbers swell, sometimes it's a theme. East Brunswick NJ. https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4430349,-74.4712818,3a,75y,197.15h,98.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sutugNTJT3p_4sw2tTfHLkg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Decorated Garden, The Netherlands
Skull Totem, Poland
Deep in the woods of Poland lies a mysterious and eerie sight – a tree adorned with animal bones. The atmosphere of this secluded location is undeniably spooky; one can almost feel death lingering in the air, especially when confronted by numerous skulls adorning the tree trunk.
I was walking home along a stream, bird watching. I got into a brushy area where there were only fox trails. Being secluded , I lit a pipe and nosed around. I started finding many animal bones (vertabrae, skulls, leg bones) and began to stick them onto branches. Yah know, for art, for my amusement. It was only later did I think that if some kids found this place it would immediately get an urban legend nickname and I'd find it in Weird NJ in some time. No occult place, just where a dude killed some boredom.
Cute Moving Watermills, Czech Repulic
Discover an amazing location hidden in the Havlíčkův Brod District in the Czech Republic: two miniature watermills inhabited by various fairytale creatures. I made several visits to properly document this enchanting site; equipped with gumboots to traverse the water surrounding the buildings, I took not only photos but also videos, immortalizing the charming movements of the figurines that bring this place to life. Though it was the most time-consuming location I’ve explored this year, every moment spent there was undeniably worth it.
Make sure to watch the video - these creatures move as ater flow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARB2IuPJ4jQ
Sculpture Garden, Poland
It proved to be one of the most enchanting stops on our late autumn journey through Poland. It’s not every day that you come across a captivating garden adorned with a stunning array of animal sculptures, featuring elegant deer, graceful swans, and an assortment of other mesmerizing creations. Crafted with meticulous detail by a resident of the nearby house, these artworks beckon you to pause and delve into their intricate beauty.
Self-Service Pub, Czech Republic
What would you like to find the most during a long hiking trip? How about a pub in the middle of the forest? You might think it’s impossible because nobody would work that far from civilization. But no problem—this can be a self-service pub like ‘The Forest Pub’ (Lesní bar in Czech) near the village of Lipová-lázně in the Czech Republic.
Bra Tree, Czech Republic
This was great, I enjoyed seeing places don't know in countries I can visit without having to get on a plane.
Thank you, glad that you liked them :) Feel free to explore the page for more travel tips :) https://www.facebook.com/stepoffthebeatentrack
Load More Replies...In my ideal world BP would be full of this type of stuff again instead of the constant barrage of AITA c**p. Loved it.
Thank you for the kind words. Feel free to check out the page where I am sharing such places only :) https://www.facebook.com/stepoffthebeatentrack
Load More Replies...This is great. Hi time you post the good in eastern Europe instead of moans from the USA.
There are a lot of similar places in USA too, I've seen so many photos of art environments there. I live in the Czech Republic though, so I post photos of the places that I explore here :)
Load More Replies...The sad reality for many of these is that if they existed in other parts of the world they would be senselessly vandalised overnight
This was great, I enjoyed seeing places don't know in countries I can visit without having to get on a plane.
Thank you, glad that you liked them :) Feel free to explore the page for more travel tips :) https://www.facebook.com/stepoffthebeatentrack
Load More Replies...In my ideal world BP would be full of this type of stuff again instead of the constant barrage of AITA c**p. Loved it.
Thank you for the kind words. Feel free to check out the page where I am sharing such places only :) https://www.facebook.com/stepoffthebeatentrack
Load More Replies...This is great. Hi time you post the good in eastern Europe instead of moans from the USA.
There are a lot of similar places in USA too, I've seen so many photos of art environments there. I live in the Czech Republic though, so I post photos of the places that I explore here :)
Load More Replies...The sad reality for many of these is that if they existed in other parts of the world they would be senselessly vandalised overnight