Airbnb recently revealed its most popular private rooms in its history and the room that took the number one spot is bound to turn some heads. It is a 15th-century castle that is located in Ireland. But why can’t people get enough of this medieval home?

As time has gone on, Cahercastle, which is just 25 minutes away from Galway City, has been renovated on the inside to bring it seamlessly into the 21st Century. As of April 2019, the castle room is the most visited private room in the website’s history.
Apparently, the room has hosted a staggering 3034 guests since Airbnb put it on their website. Amazingly, there are even some individuals who live in the castle on a full-time basis. Peter and Eva Hayes live in the castle with their kids.
It is their job to ensure that all guests who come to Cahercastle are taken care of and get grade A hospitality. The Hayes’s are responsible for bringing a cozy, 21st Century twist to the ancient castle.

In fact, the family aims to make their guests feel like kings and Airbnb now refers to Peter and Eva as “superhosts.” Only a select few are awarded the coveted title, and it takes a lot of care and love for one to earn it.
As for the cast, reviewers have described Cahercastle as having “a magnificent restoration,” as well as being a “perfectly-preserved national treasure.” However, it’s not just the castle that is extremely popular.
Airbnb also claimed that Mushroom Dane, which is located in Aptos, California, is the most-booked room on the website. The company is celebrating a huge milestone after half a billion guests have stayed at Airbnbs since the website launched over a decade ago.

There are registered places to stay in a staggering 191 counties, and in over 81,000 cities around the world – a remarkable achievement.
35+ Things People Can Only See in Germany
German culture has some of the most fascinating experiences and unique traditions to offer that attract millions of tourists from all over the world every year. Here are the most fun experiences and unusual sightings you can only witness when you’re in Germany.
Pumpkin Boat-Racing
That’s not a boat, shaped and painted like a pumpkin; that’s actually a pumpkin the racer is paddling! Every year, during Autumn in Lohmar, Germany, a pumpkin boat racing is held where racers are fitted according to weight and mass. They even gain extra credits if the racers can bring their own giant pumpkin boat.

Sausages in Vending Machines
It’s no secret that, when it comes to sausages, Germans don’t mess around. Their love for sausages exceeds all expectations – so much so that sausages, like the infamous Bratwurst, which is normally made from minced beef, pork or veal, can be grabbed anywhere and at any time from vending machines. Truth be told, German Bratwursts are the best in the world, and finding one in a vending machine is a real treat.

Lederhosen for Dogs
Here’s a good boy flaunting lederhosen to brighten up the day! Lederhosen are leather breeches – traditional attires of Southern Germany. There are many great styles that evolved throughout the ages, today, many related to Oktoberfest and other festivals, but the leather breeches aren’t only limited to special occasions. They are now widely popular across the globe. Initially, lederhosen were worn by the working class for its practicality and flexibility. Since it was made of leather, it was also super easy to clean.

Stay Away From Crocodiles
No, people in the town of Friedberg, Hesse don’t give their children up to crocodiles, but they did let them swim with them. That’s right, a zoo in Friedberg had crocodiles and alligators that the visitors were able to feed, touch, and swim with. Then the nature conservatives came to their senses and put a stop to these swimming sessions, which is why you will now see these caution signs that translates to “don’t feed your child to a crocodile.”

The World’s Narrowest Street
Spreuerhofstrasse believed to be the world’s narrowest street and you have to push through if you dare to go down the path. The street extends up to 65 feet in length, and the width is about a foot. This street was the result of 18th century Europe’s way of building buildings cramped next to each other. You can witness Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen, Germany. If you’re ever in Reutlingen, walk through the oldest, narrowest street and admire the historic buildings, houses, and, of course, the streets.

Currywurst
Back again with another one of the delicious German sausages, but this time it’s covered in curry ketchup! Currywurst is a popular local German dish, which is made by first steaming pork sausages and then frying them. The sausages are topped with special spicy curry ketchup or tomato paste and then have some sprinkles of curry powder over it. Generally served with French fries, it’s one of the must-try dishes in Germany.

No Illegal Parking Whatsoever
The truck in the photo did not decide to slide down the down building. This is clearly a brilliant work of visual art. This truck installation can be seen in German city Karlsruhe, depicting an ordinary object in another light. However, the fact that it is an artwork didn’t stop a traffic police officer from giving a €30 ticket for illegal parking. We sure hope that the artist is proud of this because if it weren’t that believable, the officer would not have wasted the ticket.

No Pillow Fighting
According to German law, pillows are considered to be a passive weapon. Passive weapons are weapons or shields used to protect oneself from harm from another weapon. For example, pillows can act as shields from bullets. So, before getting into pillow fights with your German friends, remember that there can be assault charges since pillows are considered a weapon. Nevertheless, pillow fights are great; we’re just going to have to be careful not to whack any Germans.

Need for Speed
If you ever want to zoom down a road with incredible speed, you can do it in Germany without getting stopped by any cops. Traffic signs like these, known as Autobahns in Germany, imply that there are no restrictions such as speed limits on the road. The Autobahn is an expansive motorway network all over the country, and it’s quite well maintained. It’s safe and controlled – heavier vehicles have certain restrictions, but not regular cars. Driving down Autobahns with windows rolled down is an experience you can never forget.

Fake Bus Stops
If you keep waiting at this bus stop, you won’t be able to get to where you want to go anytime soon. These bus stops are ingeniously placed near nursing homes so that, when patients with Alzheimer’s leave the facility unnoticed and unattended, they will see the bus sign and wait there. That’s where the nurses will find them again and bring them back—a brilliant, quick, and friendly way of taking care of the residents in the nursing homes.

The Most Beautiful Milk Shop
This is the most beautiful milk shop that holds the 1997 Guinness World Record. The whole shop is a feast for the eyes, covered with ancient tiles and intricate architecture. They have milk, cheese, crème and chocolates, and also milk products like soap, handwash, milk face bars, etc. Pfunds has always been famous for dairy, and this shop in Dresden, Germany, is the embodiment of that. In fact, the Pfunds Molkerei is visited by tourists from all over the world.

German Traffic Signs
Vorsicht or caution traffic signs are very important, and Germany makes sure every road is covered with it from every angle – better safe than sorry! It’s very important to know about a country’s road safety rules and traffic signs when visiting the country. There are many German traffic signs, and it is for their own safety and everybody else’s convenience that visitors need to learn them. This pedestrian street crossing is extremely funny, but at least it’s safe.

Upside Down House
There’s a Kopf UberHaus, or upside-down house, in Putbus Rugen Island that is a masterpiece of playful architecture. Not only the outside, but even the inside is upside down, with the wine cellar being on the top. The house is completely furnished with upside-down furniture, lights, and décor. The house draws many visitors; people take interesting pictures to post on Instagram and Snapchat. The Kopf UberHaus is ingeniously balanced on its roof and looks like the wind knocked it over.

The Goseck Circle
This is a 49th-century circular structure that is believed to be a cult site for rituals. Archeologists have found human and animal bones along with traces of fires that must have been for sacrifices here. The Neolithic structure with its 75 meters ditch and two rings is believed to be one of the oldest solar observatories with sunrise, sunset and summer solstices being the astronomical alignments visible on the remnants. The structure has been remodeled with oak palisades and is open to the public.

Oldest Rose Bush
Apparently, rose bushes can live for quite a long time. Here, a bush has grown a lot, blocking an entire window in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Hildesheim. The bush was apparently planted in the year 800, not long after the construction of the cathedral itself. The most miraculous thing is that it was burned during WWII but started to grow again. The bush still blooms beautiful pale pink roses during the summer and provides the world with its beauty and resilience.

Finger Wrestling
Fingerhakeln literally translates to Finger-Pulling. It is a popular sport in Bavaria, Germany, where men compete with each other by pulling fingers in opposite directions. This organized sports activity has its own rules to be followed; competitors or finger wrestlers have individual tactics and finger exercises too. The sport allegedly used to be held in earlier times to settle arguments and disputes but grew into a fun and wild sport with its own championship tournaments.

Musical Drain Pipes
Of all the beautiful works of art and architecture that you can see in Germany, Kunsthofpassage singing drain pipes in Dresden, Germany, is truly one of the remarkable fusions of art and music. The pipes are constructed in such a way that, when it rains, they create the most beautiful symphonies. It is one of the artworks that are a part of the “Courtyard of Elements,” the strangest attractions in Dresden’s student district.

A Sad Depressed Loaf
Meet Joerg Teichgraeber, an iconic character in Germany and a depressing loaf of bread. Bernd Das Brot, or Bernd The Bread is possibly one of the most depressed characters in any children’s show ever made. Everything about this character is depressing and miserable, from his looks to his catchphrases. Some of his depressing catchphrases include “My life is hell” and “I would like to be left alone.” He has friends who like to invent things. To see such a depressing character in a children’s show is truly weird.

Only the Strongest Survive in Oktoberfest
No, this is not the competition of the world’s strongest women; this woman is actually on her way with her keg to Oktoberfest! Honoring an old-time tradition of the great Bavarian culture, Oktoberfest is held annually for 16-18 days starting from late September to the first Sunday of October in Munich, Germany. Locally known as d’Wiesn, it is one of the biggest festivals in the world, attracting millions of people every year.

Shopping With Style
People of Germany have a strong sense of fashion. Sometimes, they like to take it to the market as well, especially people from Freiburg city. Generally, if we are out to grab some groceries, we really don’t care much about the grocery bag. However, if you go out in the streets of Freiburg, you will see people carrying baskets. These baskets are made out of wicker or canvas, and they supposedly look way better than your everyday grocery basket. They are eco friendly as well.

Raw Minced Meat at Parties
Hachfleischverordnung, which translates to minced raw meat, can be found shaped like a hedgehog at random German parties. The hedgehog is not that subtle either. It will definitely seem like a centerpiece at any dinner table. It’s a traditional way of hosting parties where people enjoy the meat spread over pieces of bread, cheese, or any other food. The meat is always fresh and stored at a certain temperature—another one of the delicacies that show Germans’ love for meat.

51 Words for the Same Thing
Have you ever felt speechless or out of words when trying to describe any particular object? Perhaps, a bread crust? Well, Germans don’t have that problem when it comes to describing bread, particularly the bread heel, butt, or crust. Around the world, there are many names for this piece of a bread slice, but Germans have 51 names of it. Germans are known for their famous bread, and it is an important part of their everyday diet. This might be the reason behind all these names.

Fanta Cake Monstrosity
Fanta requires no introduction, and who knows, you might even have a history of drinking it like an addict in your childhood. However, have you ever imagined that you would read cake and Fanta in the same sentence? Well, you just did! Germans eat them together in the form of a cake. Germans call it “Fantakuchen,” which translates to “Fanta cake,” where the core ingredient is – you guessed it – Fanta. Fantakuchen is a popular dessert item all over German.

Proper Blindfolds
If you want to take sleeping in the dark to the next level, you’ll need to get these blinds from Germany. Unlike fabric blinds, which blocks the light partially, these guarantee darkness as if you were wearing an eye cover. So, if you work night shifts, or just want to sleep through the morning, then these blinds are perfect for you. You can find these blinds mostly in the urban areas of Germany. If you’re far from the urban areas, check your nearest large hardware store to get these.

No Shop Sundays
If you’re in Germany and want to go shopping, skip Sundays. In Germany, it’s the law that, on Sundays, the shops will remain closed. There are exceptions, though. While general shops and grocery shops will be closed, you can still visit bakeries or stop by a gas station shop. During Sundays, these shops will have specific opening times. There’s another exception, and it’s called Shopping Sundays. Usually, before Christmas or other holidays, big general shops will have fixed opening hours for shopping.

Naming Policy
Some of us feel embarrassed about our names and genuinely mule over what our parents were even thinking when they came up with them. The German government, however, has got their kids’ back. Apparently, they can reject names that seem too weird or embarrassing for the baby and save them a lifetime of embarrassment. Sometimes, though, the names they reject, like Woodstock, seem ordinary and make you wonder why they allow names like Silke.

Cone Stuffed Goodness
Imagine getting chocolates and toys from your school on your very first day there! In German, it actually happens. It is a very popular tradition in German that has been going on since the 19th century. It’s called “Schultute.” Kids are given big sized cones filled with candies, toys, and other exciting presents. Some kids have a fear of schools, and they don’t want to come to school. This present is given to help them to get over their fear and to motivate them to attend school regularly.

Woof Museum
Dachshund is a German-bred dog. They are also known as “Sausage dogs” because of their long bodies, and they are absolutely adorable. If you are a dog person, then you have to love dachshunds. In addition, you’ll be glad to know that Bavaria has the first and unique Dachshund museum that features 4500 dachshund related items, including various sculptures. There are many other interesting things to see in the museum. This is heaven for dog lovers.

Celestial Cave
The Saalfield Fairy Cave is all about the amazing display of colorful stalactites and stalagmites. It holds the record of being the most colorful cave in the world declared by the Guinness Book of Records. This place looks so vibrant and beautiful – kids might even be convinced that this may be a place where fairies live, as the name suggests. The Saalfield Fairy cave is a unique museum that is very interactive too. You can learn about mineral formation, experiment with them, and more.

Hanging Train
You are familiar with regular trains and subways. However, you don’t get to see everyday trains hanging over your head, do you? This concept might be even totally new for you, but Germans have been using it for quite a long time. By a long time, we are talking about more than 117 years. These trains are called “Wuppertaler Schwebebahn” in German, which translates as Suspension Train in Wuppertal. This train is only limited to Wuppertal city and covers 13.3 km of train track.

Apple Juice With a Sparkling Twist
A glass of apple juice is very refreshing, and it has a lot of health benefits. People love apple juice all over the world. Germans love it too, especially when it is mixed with sparkling water. Most of the people around the globe, except for Germans, are likely to call this drink “Apple juice mixed with water.” Germans call it ‘Apfelschorle.’ This is a very popular drink all over German. This might sound very weird, but ‘Apfelschorle’ tastes surprisingly well – way better than you would expect!

Peculiar Hotel
The idea of hotels is either very basic rooms or luxurious suites where you can stay. However, have you ever thought about paying for a room with tilted walls and floors, or sleeping in a coffin? Apparently, Propeller Island City Lodge Berlin is willing to fulfill all of your peculiar desires. It is known as the weirdest hotel in the world. There are 30 rooms with different experiences. The reason behind this hotel being so weird is that the owner wanted it to be unique, and he believes that weird is unique.

Creepy Mythical Beasts
Better look out for wolpertingers if you ever roam around in the Bavarian forest! A wolpertinger is a mythical creature from German folklore. It is believed to be a hybrid of different animals formed by rare coupling between a roebuck and a hare. A wolpertinger supposedly has the body of a hare and horns of a deer. According to the legend, if you want to catch sight of a wolpertinger, you need to be an attractive single woman accompanied by the “right” man during the full moon.

Gnome Museum
A gnome is known to be a mythological character in the form of a small bearded ugly person that is supposed to protect the treasures hidden in the earth. A terracotta company from Gräfenroda took the idea of this character and introduced a new product in 1884, which is a small decorative garden gnome. It became quite popular to decorate the garden of the wealthy. The same company introduced a gnome museum later on where you can get to know the history of gnomes and buy a few for your garden.

Sweet Beautiful Pumpkins
Pumpkin might be a very regular vegetable to you, but it is much more significant to Germans. Germans arrange Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival every year, which is known as the biggest pumpkin festival in the world. On this occasion, you get to see pumpkin-themed decoration, pumpkin artworks, and delicious dishes, including pumpkin soup and pastries that you can enjoy. You can also do many exciting things like paddling a hollow pumpkin or carving a Halloween pumpkin!

Frankenstein Runs a Restaurant
Burg Frankenstein, which is known as the Frankenstein Castle, is the famous medieval castle in Darmstadt, Germany. It is famously known for being inspired by the home of the unconventional scientist Johann Conrad Dipped who heavily inspired the doctor of the well-known horror, Frankenstein. The castle sits on a hilltop surrounded by forests and enchanting magic. The castle even has its own restaurant, throws Halloween parties, and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

German Sausages
Of course, when it’s Germany, we are going to talk about sausages. Did you know there are over 1500 different kinds of sausages in Germany? The most common are Bratwurst, Leberkase, Frankfurter, Weisswurst, Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, Knackwurst, Teewurst, etc. Most importantly, they all taste absolutely fantastic. One of the most interesting facts is that different towns of Germany have their own local sausages like Nurnberger Rostbratwurst is from Nuremberg, Germany.

Same Rent for 500 Years
If you’re into history, then do visit the Fuggerei neighborhood. Fuggerei neighborhood is the housing complex where the rent has remained the same for 500 years. This housing complex also happens to be the oldest housing complex. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also prospering. The town is built inside walls, and it looks like it came out of a picture book. The city also has a wonderful history of helping those in need.

Still Water Is Called “Silent Water”
You might wonder how a glass of water may be considered silent or even noisy. Well, first of all, Germans are obsessed with mineral water, and they prefer it over any drink. In addition, they also love carbonated mineral water, which is otherwise known as sparkling water. Apart from the health benefits, Germans love the bubbles and fizzy sound that carbonated water produces. Non-carbonated water does not produce any sound, so they address it as “Silent Water.”

Don’t Wish “Happy Birthday” in Advance
This is something that you should maintain strictly if you visit Germany. Germans love to celebrate birthdays and welcome birthday wishes. One thing Germans do not welcome or appreciate, however, is early birthday wishes. Receiving birthday wishes before the actual birthday is something that, they believe, will bring bad luck. It comes from a popular German belief that interprets as “don’t be sure of something before it happens, it is likely not to happen.” If you wish them before their birthday, they will freak out.

Cabbage With History
It might be very hard to figure out what this is, considering the way it is presented. At first glance, it looks like a jar of jam. However, you will be surprised to know that it’s nothing other than German-style cooked red cabbage known as “Rotkohl”. This is basically braised red cabbage made using very simple ingredients. This is a side dish that is served with fish and potatoes. It has a fantastic sweet and sour taste to it. Rotkohl is a traditional dish, and Germans love to eat it.

Water-Based Heating System
Germans use water-based heating systems. They prefer it over electric-based heating systems and use small radiators in their rooms. These are not just ordinary radiators; they are wall-mounted, and they look pretty cool. Their houses have a central water system that is built to circulate water through the radiators of the entire house. Water-based radiators are eco friendly, and the heat feels way more natural than electric heaters. This heating system is a lifesaver, and Germans can’t think about their everyday life without it.

Football Craze
Germans love football, or what we call soccer. They love to play foosball as much as playing real football. If you ever visit bars or recreation spots in Germany, you might see people gathering around a long table and having fun. You are more likely to see them playing foosball. Foosball isn’t very different from actual football, after. There are players attached to rotating mounting bards, and you need to move them to send the ball into the opponent’s goal post. In this picture, 22 people are playing foosball at the same time at a pub in Germany.

Mineral Water Obsession
We take water for granted, but Germans are very specific when it comes to drinking water. Germans only drink a particular kind of water: mineral water, to be precise. Even though Germans have one of the safest and best-tasting tap waters, they always prefer mineral water. In fact, they prefer mineral water over any other drink. If you ever visit Germany, you will be served with mineral water in any restaurant or bar. Most of the German people even carry a case of mineral water in the trunk of their car.

Classified Trash
Germans even take their trash seriously, which is a good thing. If you ever visit Germany, you are likely to get confused while disposing of trash when you see the different colored trash bins. The different colors are meant to indicate different types of trash. For example, trash made out of paper belongs to the blue bin. Plastic trash belongs to the yellow bins. If you don’t find a yellow bin, you will have to store your plastic trash in a yellow bag. Germans use an integrated recycling system, and classifying trash makes the process a lot more convenient.
