A few years ago, while exploring the bustling streets of New York, I decided to take a detour and venture into the serene landscapes of Amish country in Pennsylvania. Known for their conservative lifestyle, the Amish community shuns modern conveniences like electricity and even considers buttons too ostentatious, opting instead for hooks and eyes. My journey led me to a town with a name that would make anyone chuckle—Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
Intercourse is where the largest Amish community in the United States resides, with 95,000 members spread across Lancaster County. The town’s name, derived from its historical position at the intersection of two major roads in the 18th century, often elicits a schoolboy giggle from visitors. Yet, it stands in stark contrast to the community’s devout religious beliefs, where owning a car can lead to shunning.
Intercourse, Pennsylvania: A Cultural Paradox
In Intercourse, the roads are shared by traditional Amish buggies and modern Ford pick-ups, creating a unique blend of old and new. Visitors often leave with souvenirs, ranging from T-shirts to handcrafted Amish quilts and faceless rag dolls. These dolls, devoid of facial features, reflect the Amish belief against creating graven images that could be objects of worship.
But Intercourse is just one of many real places with names that defy belief. Here are nine other destinations that might surprise you.
Timbuktu, Mali: The Edge of Imagination
Timbuktu, a town on the Sahara’s edge with a population of 32,000, is steeped in history. Once a hub for trading salt, gold, and minerals, it earned a mythical status in Europe as an unreachable locale. Today, it remains a symbol of remoteness, described by the Oxford Dictionary as “the most distant place imaginable.”
Nokia, Finland: More Than a Phone
Long before it became synonymous with mobile phones, the town of Nokia was known for its paper mill, established in 1865. By 1875, the mill adopted the name Nokia Ab to reflect its location. The company later expanded into rubber and electronics, releasing their first car phone, the Mobira Senator, in 1982. Nokia remained the company’s headquarters until 1997, when it moved to Espoo.
Nowhere Else, Tasmania: A Name with a Story
Located eight kilometers from Sheffield in north-west Tasmania, Nowhere Else became an official town in 1957. Its name likely derives from an old road leading to an unnamed place, hence “Nowhere Else.” Nearby, you can also find the towns of Promised Land and Paradise.
Dildo, Newfoundland: A Town with a Sense of Humor
Dildo, Newfoundland, is known for its unusual name, possibly bestowed by Captain Cook in 1711. Despite several attempts to change the name, residents have voted to keep it. In 2019, comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked about the town so frequently that he was named “Honorary Mayor of Dildo,” even donating a “HOLLYWOOD” style sign spelling “DILDO” on a hillside.
Fugging, Austria: A Name Change for Peace
Formerly known as F**king, Fugging had to change its name in 2020 due to tourists stealing street signs. Founded in the 6th century by a nobleman named Focko, the town’s original name simply meant “place of Focko’s people.” The constant theft of signs, costing the local council 300 euros each time, finally led to the name change.
Bland, Dull, and Boring: Celebrating the Ordinary
This trio of towns—Bland in New South Wales, Boring in Oregon, and Dull in Scotland—formed the League of Extraordinary Communities to embrace their uninspiring names. Bland was named after settler William Bland, Boring after William Boring, and Dull from a Pictish word meaning “field.”
Woop Woop, Western Australia: A Ghost Town with a Legacy
Established in 1925 by a timber milling company, Woop Woop was abandoned in 1984 after the local timber was depleted. Although it no longer exists as a municipality, Woop Woop is immortalized in Australian slang as a term for a remote location.
These places, with their intriguing names and rich histories, offer more than just a laugh—they provide a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the world’s diverse cultures. Whether you’re seeking Nowhere Else to visit or looking for a unique story to tell, these destinations promise an unforgettable journey.
John Walsh, former Executive Producer of the TV travel series Getaway, invites you to explore more of his travel insights. Follow him on Instagram @thegetawayexpert for more fascinating destinations.
