Perth has been named Europe's most otherworldly escape, according to a new ranking by transport provider Flixbus. The Scottish city scored 8.8 out of 10, with no other destination combining the analysed categories at the same level simultaneously.
How the Ranking Was Created
Flixbus analysed locations across categories such as atmosphere, landscape, ancient sites and folklore. Each destination was scored against forest cover, misty days, megalithic sites and folklore-referenced sites within 25km.
All of the destinations on the list have populations under 100,000. The list includes locations in Italy, Germany and Spain.
Why Perth Took the Top Spot
Perth records 108 misty days per year on average, adding a mysterious feel to the area. Nearly half of the surrounding area within 25km is forested, and there are 126 recorded megalithic and ancient sites.
Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, the city has accumulated myth and atmosphere over the centuries. It is believed that the Birman Oak in Dunkeld is the last surviving tree of the ancient forest mentioned in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Dunkeld Cathedral sits on the banks of the River Tay, with its ruins and restored features surrounded by some of Scotland's oldest trees.
Flixbus said: "On the right morning, with mist over the river and the cathedral's broken silhouette above the treeline, Perth looks like somewhere a story might begin."
Inverness Also Makes the List
Inverness in the Scottish Highlands placed seventh with a score of 6.9. As the gateway to Loch Ness, the city is covered in forests and plenty of ancient sites. The Black Isle brings folklore and traditions to the region, such as the legend of the Brahan Seer, whose 17th century prophecies are still being interpreted today.
The full top 10 list includes Perth, Scotland; Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Kolding, Denmark; Vila Real, Portugal; Kaiserslautern, Germany; Bamberg, Germany; Inverness, Scotland; Savona, Italy; Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany; and Bayreuth, Germany.
