Discovering Some of the World’s Quirkiest and Most Unusual Hobbies and Sports
Who says sports have to be all about stadiums and superstar athletes? Around the globe, passionate enthusiasts are coming together to celebrate some of the quirkiest and most unforgettable sporting competitions and hobbies around, from snail racing in the English countryside to pumpkin regattas in Canada. With nearly one in five travelers (19%) choosing their next destination based on a sporting event they want to witness, Tripeden.com invites you to explore a collection of eccentric pastimes from around the world.
Oulu, Finland
Perched at the mouth of the Oulu River, where nature meets Nordic cool, Oulu is a lively northern Finnish city famed for its innovation, buzzing arts scene and long, luminous summer nights. It’s also home to one of the planet’s most wonderfully eccentric sporting spectacles — the Air Guitar World Championships which takes place in August. This one-of-a-kind event transforms Oulu into a stage for pure theatrical joy. Known for its frozen seascapes in winter and endless light in summer, Oulu offers visitors a rare mix of vibrant culture and raw Nordic beauty. After cheering on air guitar heroes, travelers can unwind on the Hupisaaret Islands, wander through historic Oulu Market Hall for local Arctic flavors, or simply soak up the city’s laid-back, inventive energy. The city also offers easy access to the unique landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Whether visiting the spectacle or the scenery, Oulu promises a blend of the unexpected and unforgettable.
Where to stay: Situated along the Oulu River, Hotel Lasaretti offers a peaceful and scenic retreat just minutes from the city’s lively centre. The hotel is known for its on-site art and rotating exhibitions, adding a creative touch to every stay. With nearby parks, walking trails, and top-notch dining, it’s an ideal base for exploring all Oulu has to offer.
Congham, Norfolk, England
Tucked away in the heart of Norfolk, in the East of England, the charming village of Congham is a quintessential slice of English countryside, known for its rolling fields, winding lanes, and peaceful rural charm. Each summer, in July the destination bursts into life as it hosts one of Britain’s most delightfully eccentric sporting traditions: the World Snail Racing Championships. Held since the 1960s, this eccentric event sees snails racing on a damp cloth circle while crowds cheer them on. It’s a family-friendly spectacle filled with humor and local pride. Once the snails have reached the finish line, visitors can enjoy countryside walks, explore the nearby Sandringham Estate, or relax in traditional English pubs surrounded by wildflower meadows. Whether travelers come for the snails or stay for the scenery, Congham is the perfect place to slow down, soak up the countryside charm, and experience a delightfully offbeat slice of English village life.
Where to stay: Enjoy a blend of classic English charm and modern comfort in the heart of the Norfolk countryside and stay at Congham Hall Hotel & Spa, the boutique hotel offers elegant rooms, a soothing spa, and locally sourced dining. Just minutes from the Norfolk coast, it’s an ideal base to rent a car to explore further afield. With its blend of comfort, charm, and tranquility, Congham Hall promises a memorable stay.
Windsor, Canada
Located in Nova Scotia, on Canada’s Southeastern coast, Windsor is a charming riverside town nestled beside the Avon River, surrounded by rolling hills, orchards, and farmland. Each October, the town bursts into life with the Windsor Pumpkin Regatta, where participants race across Lake Pesaquid in giant, hollowed-out pumpkins turned into boats. The regatta draws crowds from across the country, eager to cheer on costumed racers in brightly painted gourds. The event, which takes place on Thanksgiving weekend, blends autumn festivities with good-natured competition and community spirit. Beyond the regatta, Windsor invites visitors to explore its rich heritage, such as the Haliburton House Museum, the 19th-century home of author Thomas Chandler Haliburton, and Fort Edward, North America’s oldest surviving blockhouse overlooking the Avon River. Nature lovers can hike through scenic trails or take in the autumn foliage. The surrounding region also offers vineyard tours and tastings in Nova Scotia’s blossoming wine country. With its mix of quirky charm, history, and seasonal beauty, Windsor delivers an unforgettable small-town experience.
Where to stay: With its charming décor and personalized hospitality, A Hidden Gem Bed and Breakfast offers a welcoming retreat in the heart of Windsor. Guests can start their day with a hearty homemade breakfast before heading out to explore local attractions including the Pumpkin Regatta. The peaceful setting and thoughtful touches make it a relaxing countryside getaway and perfect base for discovering Windsor’s unique blend of quirkiness and charm.
Java, Indonesia
On the island of Java, Indonesia, one of the world’s most intense and unusual sports takes centre stage Fireball Soccer. Local brave players kick a flaming coconut in a dramatic display of strength, tradition, and endurance to welcome the month of Ramadan. Rooted in local martial arts rituals, the game is both a cultural spectacle and a test of fearlessness. But Java’s intrigue doesn’t end there. Travelers can explore ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, hike the smoking crater of Mount Bromo at sunrise, or wander through vibrant street markets in cities like Yogyakarta. Java is a sensory experience, from the scent of clove cigarettes and street food to the rhythms of gamelan music echoing through the air. Lush rice terraces, waterfalls, and tea plantations add to the island’s natural beauty. For those seeking both adrenaline and authenticity, Java offers a journey unlike any other.
Where to stay: Guests staying at MesaStila Resort and Spa are immersed in the serene beauty of Central Java’s highlands, surrounded by lush coffee plantations and volcanic landscapes. This heritage retreat blends traditional Javanese architecture with luxurious wellness experiences. Guests can unwind with holistic spa treatments, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, or explore nearby cultural sites.
San Francisco, USA
In the heart of San Francisco, underwater hockey has made a splash since the 1980s, drawing a loyal community of players year-round. Played at the bottom of a pool with fins, snorkels, and a weighted puck, it's as fast-paced as it is unconventional. Peak competition season runs in spring and summer, with regional tournaments attracting players from across the country. It’s a uniquely San Franciscan blend of sport, strategy, and the unexpected. Outside of the pool, San Francisco reveals its many other charms, inviting visitors to walk the Golden Gate Bridge, uncover the secrets of Alcatraz, or lose themselves in the vibrant maze of Chinatown. The vibrant Mission District teems with street art, Latin flavors, and eclectic shops. Outdoorsy types can cycle through Golden Gate Park, hike the Presidio, or catch sunset views from Twin Peaks. Food lovers are spoiled for choice from waterfront seafood and farmers’ markets to Michelin-starred dining. With its rich mix of pastimes, culture, and coastal charm, San Francisco invites travelers to embrace both the iconic and the unexpected.
Where to stay: Just minutes from San Francisco’s top draws, Infinity Hotel by Hilton offers a relaxed and convenient place to recharge between city adventures. Its central location makes it easy to explore attractions and perfect for those keen to uncover the city’s quirkier side, including unexpected activities like underwater hockey, walks through the Presidio Tunnel Tops with sweeping views of the Bay, exploring antique arcade machines at the Musée Mécanique, or discovering vivid murals in Clarion Alley.
Yungaburra, Australia
Located in Queensland’s picturesque Atherton Tablelands, the village of Yungaburra is a serene destination that appeals to nature lovers and curious explorers alike. One of Yungaburra’s most remarkable and rare attractions is the opportunity to see a platypus in the wild, a true highlight for many visitors. The elusive platypus, known for its shy nature and unusual appearance, can often be spotted in the early morning or late afternoon along the peaceful banks of Peterson Creek, which meanders gently through the village. The area is also a renowned birdwatching haven, attracting both native and migratory species throughout the year. Surrounded by rainforest and rolling countryside, Yungaburra invites exploration on foot or by bike via scenic walking and cycling trails. Just outside the town, the awe-inspiring Curtain Fig Tree, an ancient natural landmark, draws visitors from near and far. With its cool mountain air, laid-back atmosphere, and rich biodiversity, Yungaburra offers an authentic escape in the heart of tropical Queensland.
Where to stay: Nestled in the lush rainforest of Yungaburra, On The Wallaby Eco Lodge offers a welcoming escape for nature enthusiasts. Its peaceful setting makes it a prime spot for spotting elusive platypus, discovering local birdlife, and venturing into the stunning Atherton Tablelands. With guided night walks, bike rentals, and a strong focus on sustainability, the lodge encourages slow, conscious travel.
*Research was commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500.